Our Kids

Inequality matters. In fact, Robert Putnam writes, it threatens the very future of our country. The central tenet of the American dream has always been that all kids, regardless of their background or circumstances of birth, have a decent chance to improve their lot in life. But now, Putnam demonstrates with compelling empirical evidence and moving personal stories, that equality of opportunity no longer exists as it once was. The new barriers arise from an array of forces: rapidly rising income inequality, more single-parent families, housing segregation by income and race, shrinking social capital and civic engagement, erosion of the work ethic, and decreasing educational attainment among low-income families. Putnam's groundbreaking analysis is essential reading for anyone concerned about the strength and vitality of America's social fabric.