Bowling Alone

"Bowling Alone," by Robert Putnam, highlights the decline in social connections and community participation in the United States over recent decades. It uses the metaphor of Americans bowling alone rather than in leagues to illustrate reduced group activities, civic engagement, and trust among neighbors. The book argues that this decline affects social cohesion, leading to less cooperation, diminished civic life, and weaker communities, which ultimately impacts democracy and individual well-being. It emphasizes the importance of rebuilding social capital through increased participation in communal, civic, and recreational activities.