Social Science Space

Political scientist Robert Putnam, whose book Bowling Alone achieved a popular and policy prominence that most social scientists can only dream of, will discuss his latest book, The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again, co-written by Shaylyn Romney Garrett, in a virtual launch on November 5.

Failures to participate in expected commitments, such as not turning up for doctors’ appointments or not taking up benefits like free school meals or welfare payments, are aspects of what Robin G. Milne designates as ‘civic disengagement.’