Robert Putnam

It's those involved in bettering their own communities who are making America—well, you know.

• By Chayenne Polimédio

Too much social capital—not too little—is driving a wedge of income inequality between Americans.

• By Jim Russell

Plus: A Korean parable and Saskia Sassen on the differences between Chicago and the Motor City.

• By Jim Russell

Questioning our understanding of "gentrification" is a necessary first step toward helping people who are stuck in impoverished neighborhoods.

• By Jim Russell

In which Robert Putnam of Bowling Alone fame romanticizes his hometown of Port Clinton, Ohio.

• By Jim Russell

Too much social capital can be a bad thing, keeping people rooted where they are instead of encouraging them to follow the jobs.

• By Jim Russell