Robert Putnam, a Harvard public policy professor known for "Bowling Alone," and Shaylyn Romney Garrett, a writer and social entrepreneur, dive into their book *The Upswing*. They discuss the historical I-We curve, tracing America's journey from inequality to community, and tackle current polarization issues. The duo emphasizes grassroots movements as catalysts for change, advocating for collective well-being. Their conversation also highlights the importance of moral responsibility and building bridges across societal divides for a happier, more equitable future.
52:05
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
The I-We Curve
The "I-We Curve" illustrates societal shifts over 125 years.
It tracks polarization, inequality, isolation, and self-centeredness.
insights INSIGHT
I-We Curve Data Sources
The I-We Curve is a composite of multiple data sets across economics, politics, society, and culture.
Each area has individual curves reflecting various aspects like polarization or inequality.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Progressive Era
The Progressive Era (1900s) saw a shift from individualism to community focus.
This diverse, bipartisan movement aimed to reverse negative societal trends.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'Bowling Alone', Robert D. Putnam presents extensive data showing how Americans have become disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and democratic structures. He argues that this decline in social capital has significant negative impacts on physical and civic health. The book explores various factors contributing to this decline, including changes in work, family structure, suburbanization, and the influence of technology such as television and the internet. Putnam also discusses historical precedents and potential solutions for reviving civic engagement and social connections.
The Upswing
How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again
Shaylyn Romney Garrett
Robert Putnam
In 'The Upswing', Robert Putnam and Shaylyn Romney Garrett provide a comprehensive overview of more than a century of American history. They identify a significant shift from an 'I' society to a 'We' society during the early 20th century, particularly peaking in the 1960s, and then a reversal back to individualism. The book uses statistical analysis and storytelling to illustrate this 'I-We-I' curve, showing how trends in politics, economics, society, and culture have repeated over time. The authors argue that understanding this historical pattern can inspire a new generation to work towards rebuilding a more communitarian society[1][3][4].
In this episode, Robert Putnam and Shaylyn Romney Garrett discuss the recent book they co-authored, The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again.
Robert Putnam is perhaps best-known for his seminal book Bowling Alone, about the increasing atomization and isolation of American society. He is the Malkin Research Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University. Shaylyn Romney Garrett is a writer and social entrepreneur who holds a BA in History from Harvard.
Content Warning: There are multiple references to racism and racial violence in this episode.
Click here to give a gift subscription to the Ten Percent Happier app.
Full Shownotes: https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/putnam-romney-garrett-405
10% Happier with Dan Harris 
