But we don't have an example of a democratic society existing in a socialist economy - which is the only real alternative to capitalism in the modern world.

To be located in society means to be at the intersection point of specific social forces. Commonly one ignores these forces one also knows that there is not an awful lot that one can do about this.

I'm sure Putnam is right that there's been a decline in certain kinds of organizations like bowling leagues. But people participate in communities in other ways.

India is the most religious country in the world, Sweden is the most secular country in the world, and America is a country of Indians ruled by Swedes.

In all advanced industrial societies, education has become the single most important vehicle of upward mobility.

There is an intrinsic linkage between socialism and economic inefficiency.

Even if one is interested only in one's own society, which is one's prerogative, one can understand that society much better by comparing it with others.