In an era of remote work when it seems like place is becoming less relevant, Seth Kaplan shows us that where we live really does matter: It shapes our lives, our careers, our opportunities, our beliefs, our friendships, our opportunities and those of our children. But communities in America are under threat. An expert in ‘fragile states,’ Kaplan exposes the increasing fragility of the neighborhoods where Americans live. His book is an essential and engaging read for everyone who wants to better understand the challenges facing our cities, towns and our nation writ large.” —Richard Florida, bestselling author of The Rise of the Creative Class
“Why is the U.S. experiencing a mental health crisis of unprecedented proportions? Seth Kaplan's superb new book has the diagnosis: A breakdown of community. As Gen X'ers and Boomers who grew up before the days of social media remember, our earliest, most meaningful relationships used to be rooted in our neighborhoods. Kaplan reminds us that these relationships are the social glue that holds our families and communities together.”—Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D., author of Generations and iGen
“A necessary and realistic vision for reversing the social forces that disadvantage our nation’s children. Full of inspiring stories, Fragile Neighborhoods reveals how the relationships within and between schools, families, and communities empower students to succeed. It should be required reading for anyone who believes that we all have a role to play in creating learning environments that extend beyond the four walls of the classroom.” —Geoffrey Canada, President, Harlem Children’s Zone
“Americans are fortunate that Seth Kaplan, one of the world's leading experts on preventing conflict in fragile states, is now applying his unique skillset to the many neighborhoods in the U.S. that are fragile despite decades of federal spending. He reminds us that physical communities shape individuals as much as individuals shape them, and require tending.” —Yuval Levin, founding editor of National Affairs and author of A Time to Build
“Discussions about public policy in America too often paint a portrait of individuals and families isolated from each other, moving through their own independent worlds. Seth Kaplan provides a different view, presenting a vision for how the networks and institutions that form the foundation of our neighborhoods can link us together. Anyone who cares about the decline of community life in America must read this.”—Patrick Sharkey, William S Tod Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs
“This book's focus on real-life community developers who provide practical solutions to seemingly intractable problems is refreshing. It brings out the best templates for how to repair the social and economic fabric of American neighborhoods.”—Majora Carter, author of Reclaiming Your Community
“Seth Kaplan reminds us that it is not enough for cities to merely have strong economics. A successful community requires strong social institutions: people working together, humbly, to build prosperity from the bottom-up. Fragile Neighborhoods gives a path for even the most struggling community to experience prosperity and a higher quality of living.”—Charles L. Marohn, Jr., Founder and President of Strong Towns
“Fragile Neighborhoods reveals an often overlooked truth: that even seemingly small efforts to improve the physical conditions of a neighborhood can have a major impact on the quality of life for everyone in it—from reducing crime, to attracting more social and economic investment, to restoring pride in place. Kaplan’s inspiring book calls for us all to get involved in such efforts in our own communities for it is our work to do.”—Shirley Franklin, 58th Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia
“Why are Americans so socially poor despite being so materially rich? Drawing on a lifetime of research and experience, Seth Kaplan diagnoses America's anomie with bracing precision and draws on real-world case studies to show how to build stronger, richer communities—especially for the least advantaged. I can’t remember when I learned so much that’s so encouraging and practical from one short book.”—Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow, Brookings Institution
“As a growing number of U.S. communities grapple with the symptoms of social decay, Seth Kaplan offers thoughtful insights and portraits of ‘horizontal’ disruption—prudential and community-oriented solutions that build strong neighborhoods, and foster lasting health. Fragile Neighborhoods reminds readers to take pride in the neighborhoods we call home, and to do our part in making them better places to live and put down roots.”—Grace Olmstead, author of Uprooted
"A sharp exploration of neighborhood-based, scalable responses to social ills…. [Kaplan’s] central thesis is important and worthy of further discussion and study."—Kirkus Reviews
“Seth D. Kaplan delivers a desperately needed warning in his new book Fragile Neighborhoods.”—Christian McNamara, Front Porch Republic
“Every policymaker on the Left and the Right should read the new book Fragile Neighborhoods by Seth Kaplan.”—Timothy P. Carney, Washington Examiner
“[Fragile Neighborhoods] is extremely valuable as a call to action—and as a guide to those looking to maximize the effectiveness of their own nonprofit organizations, donations, or volunteer efforts.”—Robert VerBruggen, City Journal
“Besides being a compelling book, Fragile Neighborhoods is a practical one.”—Caleb Whitmer, Religion & Liberty Online, Action Institute
2023-08-12
A sharp exploration of neighborhood-based, scalable responses to social ills.
“The U.S. is fragile, but not as a state,” writes Kaplan, whose background includes stints at the World Bank and the U.S. State Department. He continues, “the social decay we are experiencing in neighborhoods across America is unlike anything I have seen elsewhere—in even the poorest places.” The author suggests that epidemic problems, from gun violence to underemployment and “drugs and despair,” are inextricably linked to the decline of collective behaviors and community-focused places, a lack of “social connectedness” that may be fueling the attractiveness of authoritarianism. “I aim to provide a deeper understanding not only of social poverty in America,” writes Kaplan, “but also of the approaches and strategies required to reverse and prevent it.” The innovative responses required are already in use in grassroots or philanthropic responses in urban, suburban, and rural environments. The author studied five “leading-edge social repairers,” from Kentucky to Detroit, and documents the dimensions of programs “to strengthen the social institutions” of areas clearly needing revitalization. Kaplan examines these case studies and relevant subtopics, including the role of surrogate family networks in Baltimore; schooling innovations in Appalachia; faith-based initiatives in Florida; and the racial aspect inherent in the abandonment of places like Detroit. The author offers a host of concrete suggestions for action, and he notes that despite the diverse examples, “the principles underlying all these efforts are strikingly similar.” He emphasizes the urgency of localized neighborhood revitalization, and he concludes that “addressing the epidemic of social poverty in America may require a rethinking of the American Dream.” Kaplan writes clearly and with passion, and while the narrative is light on historical background, his central thesis is important and worthy of further discussion and study.
A thoughtful, useful addition to the toolkit of any progressive community activist.
