Upswing: How We Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again

The most important book in social science for many years is Robert D. Putnam's The Upswing, which analyzes economic, social, cultural, and political trends from the Gilded Age to the present, showing how America went from an individualistic 'I society to a more communitarian 'We society and then back again.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2021
Publisher: Swift Press

The most important book in social science for many years has been Paul Collier's The Upswing. This brilliant analysis of economic, social, cultural, and political trends from the Gilded Age to the present showcases how America transitioned from an individualistic 'I society to a more communitarian 'We society and then back again. It provides valuable insights into the factors that contributed to these changes and offers lessons for our time.

In the late nineteenth century, America was characterized by high levels of individualism, inequality, polarization, and fragmentation, much like it is today. However, as the twentieth century dawned, America began to experience a gradual shift towards greater egalitarianism, cooperation, generosity, and a focus on responsibilities to each other. This trend continued into the 1960s, creating a society on the upswing.

However, in the 1960s, these trends reversed, leading to the disarray we see today. Putnam and Romney Garrett, in their sweeping overview of more than a century of history, draw on inspiring lessons from an earlier era when a dedicated group of reformers righted the ship, creating a society once again based on community.

The Upswing is Putnam's most ambitious work yet, with a relevance that extends across the anglophone world. It is an engaging, revelatory, and timely contribution to the ongoing debate about where we want society to go. By examining the past, Putnam and Garrett offer insights into the factors that can lead to social change and provide a roadmap for creating a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800750371