Topic: Robert Putnam

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The Ann Romney flap and women's roles

The flap over the Hilary Rosen comment about stay-at-home mom Ann Romney only exposes a deeper issue about self-sacrifice – for both men and women.
Super Tuesday: Churches that embrace Santorum, Gingrich drive youth away

Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich (both Catholic) make regular campaign stops at evangelical churches and are often met with raucous applause. But such displays of partisan faith are partly responsible for the recent mass exodus of young people from Christian churches.
God save the queen – and society – at lunch

In America and Britain, ideas to integrate a diverse society are being touted and tested. One idea is a 'big lunch' of neighbors for Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee. But can government enhance social cohesion?
Religiously active people more likely to engage in civic life, Pew study finds

The Pew study authors say their findings counter the view that religiously active people are less engaged with the secular world. Increased trust of others and optimism about one's impact on the community are cited as factors.
Missing ingredient for a debt ceiling deal

Obama and Republicans need to first create trust in one another – by recognizing each other's concerns – before a grand bargain on the debt ceiling can be reached. Europe showed how in its Greek debt rescue.
Pirates and 26 other sequels this year: Are Hollywood execs ruining movies?

By one count, Americans will be served a record 27 movie sequels this year: Pirates of the Caribbean, Spy Kids, Cars 2, The Hangover Part II, Happy Feet 2, Kung Fu Panda 2, etc., etc. Have Hollywood moguls gone overboard on sequels?
Editorial Board Blog
Egypt's deadly rumors of interfaith marriage

Last weekend's riot between Muslims and Coptic Christians in Egypt that killed 13 people was not the first time a rumor about an interfaith marriage set off sectarian violence there. Egyptian religions set marriage rules, forbidding interfaith unions. It's a matter of civil law in the US.
Why 'God is personal, never private'

In a world of greater diversity and proximity, religion is everyone's business – a source of conflict, but also cooperation. The world's religions have one common call: to serve others. When people of faith unite around this shared value, they strengthen the public sphere.
American Grace

Will religion push us closer – or pull us apart?
Editor's Blog
A nomad nation settles down

Americans were once known for constantly being on the move. Recent trends indicate they are putting down roots whether they want to or not.
Difference Maker
Extreme do-gooders – what makes them tick?

Five extraordinary social entrepreneurs talk about their defining moments - when the urge to change the world gathered such force they couldn't ignore it.
The Internet as online confessional

As the number of sites inviting anonymous confessions grow, what do allthese revelations achieve?
The next generation of willing and ready volunteers: baby boomers

Enlisting even a fraction of them to volunteer would be a boon for the US.
Why so much aid for the poor has made so little difference

Is poverty cultural or technical? Such debates shouldn't impede progress.
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about the way multiculturalism shapes America.
Does the human mind have the power to cure the body?

Harvard University scholar Anne Harrington looks at healing through the mind-body connection.
Can the human mind cure the body?

Harvard University scholar Anne Harrington looks at healing through the mind-body connection.