Robert D. Putnam
Robert D. Putnam
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Robert David Putnam is a renowned American author, professor, and public policy researcher.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on January 9, 1941, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Putnam's life has been marked by significant contributions to the field of social sciences. As of this writing, he remains active in his profession and continues to inspire with his work.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Putnam holds American nationality and is a prominent figure in the fields of public policy research, politics, and sociology. He currently serves as the Malkin Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Pittsburgh during World War II had a profound impact on Putnam. Witnessing the city's rapid industrial growth and subsequent decline instilled in him a strong interest in understanding how social capital, civic engagement, and community development influence economic prosperity. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future work.
Putnam earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and later went on to pursue graduate studies at Oxford University, where he obtained his Ph.D. in government.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Putnam has made groundbreaking contributions that have reshaped our understanding of social capital and its impact on society:
His seminal work, "Making Democracy Work: Civic Traditions in Modern Italy," co-authored with Robert Leonardi and Raffaella Y. Nanetti, explored the connection between civic engagement and democratic governance.
In "Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community," Putnam examined how social connections and community participation have evolved over time in the United States.
Notable Works or Actions
Putnam's work extends beyond academic publications; he has also been involved in various policy initiatives and projects:
As a member of the National Academy of Sciences' Committee on Science and Technology, he contributed to efforts aimed at improving public understanding of science.
He served as a senior advisor to the World Bank's Vice President for Sustainable Development.
Impact and Legacy
Robert Putnam's research has had far-reaching implications for policymakers, researchers, and the general public:
His work on social capital has led to a greater recognition of the importance of community engagement in fostering economic growth and addressing social issues.
Through his writings and policy engagements, he has inspired new approaches to civic participation, education, and community development.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robert D. Putnam is widely respected for his thought-provoking analysis and commitment to improving society through informed public policy:
His work challenges conventional thinking on social issues and encourages readers to reevaluate the role of civic engagement in shaping outcomes.
As a prominent public intellectual, he continues to inspire new generations of researchers, policymakers, and community leaders.
Quotes by Robert D. Putnam
Generally speaking, lower-tier grandparents mostly donate time, replacing parental resources, whereas upper-tier grandparents mostly donate money, supplementing parental resources.
Young Americans are dropping out of religion at an alarming rate of five to six times the historic rate.
Schools themselves aren’t creating the opportunity gap: the gap is already large by the time children enter kindergarten and does not grow as children progress through school. The gaps in cognitive achievement by level of maternal education that we observe at age 18-powerful predictors of who goes to college and who does not – are mostly present at age 6when children enter school. Schooling plays only a minor role in alleviating or creating test score gaps.
Parental wealth is especially important for social mobility, because it can provide informal insurance that allows kids to take more risks in search of more reward.
Many people have a stereotype of what it means to be poor. And it may be somebody they see on the street corner with a sign: “Will work for food.” And what they don’t think about is that person who’s struggling every day. Could be the person who waited on us, took our bank deposit, works in retail, but who is barely above the poverty line.
TV-based politics is to political action as watching ER is to saving someone in distress.
People divorced from community, occupation, and association are first and foremost among the supporters of extremism.
Positive people have more friends which is a key factor of happiness and longevity.