Book Review: The Upswing by Robert Putnam Missed the Mark

 

Robert Putnam’s book, The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again, is an ambitious look at the history of American society, focusing on how the country moved from a culture of individualism to one of community—and then back again. Putnam, along with co-author Shaylyn Romney Garrett, argues that America was once on a path of increasing unity, equality, and cooperation but has since reversed course into division and self-interest. While the book presents interesting historical analysis and thoughtful ideas, it also has some major weaknesses that make it a challenging and, at times, frustrating read.

Three Positive Insights from the Book

One of the strongest parts of The Upswing is its deep dive into historical trends. Putnam uses an impressive amount of data to show how America moved from a highly unequal, individualistic society in the early 1900s to a more community-oriented, cooperative culture by the mid-20th century. This historical perspective helps readers see that social and political changes don’t happen overnight—they develop over long periods of time.

Another insightful takeaway is Putnam’s argument that social progress is often connected to economic and political cooperation. He explains how policies and cultural shifts in the mid-20th century led to greater economic equality, stronger social bonds, and increased civic participation. This connection between economics and social change makes the book particularly relevant in today’s world, where inequality and political polarization are major concerns.

A third valuable insight is Putnam’s focus on the role of community and social capital. He argues that when people are more involved in their neighborhoods, schools, and local organizations, society as a whole becomes stronger. While this may seem like common sense, Putnam backs up his claims with compelling research, showing that trust and cooperation are key factors in creating a more unified nation.

Four Negative Observations About the Book

Despite these strengths, The Upswing has some major weaknesses that make it a difficult book to fully appreciate. One major issue is that it is overly academic and dense. While Putnam is known for his research-heavy books, this one is particularly heavy on data and statistics, often making it feel more like a scholarly report than an engaging read. Readers who aren’t used to academic writing may struggle to stay interested.

Another flaw is that the book can be repetitive. Putnam frequently makes the same points over and over, using different examples but repeating the same core argument. While this might help reinforce his message, it also makes parts of the book feel longer than necessary. Some sections could have been much shorter without losing any important information.

A third weakness is that The Upswing focuses too much on broad historical trends without fully addressing the real challenges of today. While it’s helpful to understand how America became more community-oriented in the past, Putnam doesn’t provide many realistic solutions for how to make it happen again. He suggests that we need more cooperation and civic engagement, but he doesn’t offer many practical steps on how to get there. This can make the book feel more like an analysis of past successes rather than a useful guide for solving modern problems.

Finally, Putnam’s argument that America followed a predictable cycle from individualism to community and back again oversimplifies history. While his research is detailed, not all historians and experts agree with his interpretation of the data. Some critics argue that the mid-20th century "golden age" Putnam describes wasn’t as universally positive as he suggests, especially for marginalized groups who faced discrimination and exclusion from many of the benefits of that era. By focusing so much on broad trends, the book sometimes ignores the more complex realities of history.

Final Thoughts

While The Upswing has some interesting insights about history, economics, and social change, it ultimately falls short as a truly useful or engaging book. Putnam’s research is impressive, but the book is weighed down by its academic tone, repetitive arguments, and lack of clear solutions. It’s a book that may appeal to historians and political scientists, but for the average reader looking for practical ideas on how to rebuild a sense of community, it may feel overwhelming and unsatisfying.

If you’re interested in historical trends and don’t mind dense, data-heavy writing, The Upswing may be worth reading. But if you’re looking for a more engaging and actionable book on rebuilding social trust and community, you might be better off finding a book that focuses more on present-day solutions rather than past patterns.

Written by David L. Burton

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