The Upswing

With exhaustive data, illustrative charts and fascinating insight into America’s shifting popular attitudes, Robert Putnam – a sociologist and the author of the seminal social analysis, Bowling Alone – shows that US society, culture, politics and economics followed a remarkably similar arc over the past 125 years or so. From the extreme inequalities and divisiveness of the Gilded Age to the equalizing reforms of the Progressive Era and back again, Putnam  – writing with social entrepreneur Shaylyn Romney Garrett –  reminds Americans of the times when their country works best. It happens when society lifts all boats and balances between its core ideals of rugged individualism and opportunity for all.