Crisis of Community: A Look at America’s Loneliness Epidemic

In a world where individualism and personal consumption reign supreme, the sense of community in America continues to dwindle. This is the central theme of the award-winning documentary “Join or Die,” directed by sister-brother team Rebecca Davis and Pete Davis. The film delves into the loneliness epidemic that plagues our society, drawing on the research of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam and his groundbreaking work on civic decline and renewal.

Robert D. Putnam, a Harvard professor and renowned political scientist, rose to national fame in the late 1990s with his seminal work “Bowling Alone.” This research highlighted the declining levels of American community connections over the past half-century, sparking a national conversation on the state of our democracy. Putnam’s work has earned him accolades, including the National Humanities Medal, for his contributions to the field.

From the 1970s to the 1990s, there has been a significant decline in community engagement in America. The number of Americans attending public meetings, taking leadership roles in local organizations, participating in club meetings, and even attending picnics has plummeted. Join or Die updates Putnam’s findings to reveal a continued decline in religious congregation membership and union participation, painting a grim picture of the state of community life in America.

The repercussions of this decline in community engagement are far-reaching. A recent Pew Research Center poll found that 43% of Americans belong to no community groups, and two-thirds belong to only one group. The film also highlights the health consequences of social isolation, with studies showing that joining just one group can cut your chance of dying in the next year in half. These statistics underscore the urgent need to address the crisis of community in America.

“We are honored to bring Join or Die to audiences across North America amidst an election year when Americans are exploring their personal engagement in upholding our democracy,” said Abramorama CEO Karol Martesko-Fenster. The filmmakers, Rebecca and Pete Davis, emphasize the message of their film: our personal and civic health is contingent on our participation in public and communal life. Through the power of storytelling, “Join or Die” aims to reignite a sense of community and connection in a society that is increasingly consumed by individualism and isolation.