Robert Putnam [26min]

Professor Robert Putnam is best known for his devastating critique of the state of western society. In his book Bowling Alone, he shows how people have become increasingly disconnected from family, friends, neighbours and democratic structures. Putnam warns that the stock of social capital -- the very fabric of people's connections with each other -- has plummeted in developed countries, impoverishing lives and communities. He draws on evidence including nearly 500,000 interviews collected over 25 years to show that people sign fewer petitions, belong to fewer organizations that meet, know their neighbours less, meet with friends less frequently, and socialize with their families less often. In America, people are even bowling alone. The sport is more popular than ever, but few players are involved in clubs and leagues. Putnam shows how changes in work, family structure, age, suburban life, television, computers, women's roles and other factors have contributed to this decline, but he also shows have civic life can be revived. Carrie Gracie speaks to Robert Putnam in"The Interview".