"Our Kids - The American Dream in Crisis," Robert D Putnam discusses his book at Zocalo

Last night at the RAND Corporation headquarters in Santa Monica, Zocalo Public Square sponsored a dialog with Robert D. Putnam about his new book, "Our Kids, The American Dream in Crisis." Carol S. Larson, CEO of the D&L Packard Foundation interviewed Putnam who is a Harvard Professor and author of "Bowling Alone" (about the lack of connection in our society) and "Making Democracy Work."

Putnam started his discussion by talking about returning to the community of Port Clinton, Ohio on Lake Erie where he grew up in the 1950's and 60's.  He was back for a reunion and remarked how people, rich and poor, from that era have all done pretty well in their lives.  He said that even though there was racism felt by the two African American students in his class, and sexism, that he perceived little class distinction and that 80% have done better than their parents in education and financial security.

Today, he says, that the American Dream is in crisis.  The disappearance of manufacturing has resulted in people being stuck in low wage jobs and living lives of few prospects.  He said the 30% of the American population who are the "haves" are doing better and better.  However, the disadvantaged lives are getting worse, not going beyond high school education, more in the criminal justice system, in poor health due to diet and that this will cost all of us in the future.  Putnam calls it an apartheid in our society and that it's wrong.

In his book he compares a first generation Mexican immigrant family living in Fullerton, CA to a family living in Santa Ana, California.  Even though they live only a few miles apart in Orange County, they experience greatly different lives with resulting different futures.  Even though the teacher-student ratio is the same and the same amount of public dollars are spent in the school, the result is different.  The cause is the opportunity gap.  The rich and poor are segregating more and more and the result is the poor are stuck in violence and despair.  He talks about the consequences of economic differences.  He said we are getting back to Social Darwinism that was prevalent before the Progressive Era of the 20th century.  He hopes that his book like that of "Other America" in the 1960's will encourage people to focus on this issue particularly during this presidential election cycle. He said that Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush have both read his book.  Hillary liked it but Jeb didn't like Putnam's suggestions for change in chapter 6.  Putnam advocates focusing on children ages zero to 5, quality child care, preschool education, free extra curricular activities and sports and not "pay to play" as it is now. He recommends mentoring.  He highlighted the excellent early child education programs in Oklahoma,  and that many cities are pushing for this.  He recommends parent programs, raising pay scales, family leave and other family friendly policies by employers.

Putnam hopes that his book along with other advocates will lead to action to address this crisis.