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£8.00£20.00

Screening of “Join or Die” with Sarah Stein Lubrano

Wednesday September 4th
Doors & drinks 6pm; Film starts 6.30pm

Robert Putnam is one of the last century’s most famous sociologists. His hugely influential work Bowling Alone has been taught across the globe. He argues that democracies are failing because of a loss of “social capital”: the social bonds of civil society and all the value they carry. His work inspired a generation of civically minded Americans to take action, and shaped the policies of the White House and beyond. Yet in the last 25 years the problem of weakening social capital has only become worse.

This newly released documentary "Join or Die" (2023, 99 mins, dir Rebecca Davis & Pete Davis) profiles Robert Putnam and his work, focusing on six community groups working to revitalise American civic life. In the film, Putnam challenges Americans to join a club or else see their democracy perish.

But if this individualistic and moralistic cry hasn’t worked before, with all the power of the American Presidency behind it, why would it work now? And what, besides joining clubs, might actually work to rebuild democratic life? Sarah Stein Lubrano, whose own work draws on and challenges Putnam’s ideas, will provide commentary on the film, before hosting a guided discussion about what we might all wish to do in an age of dangerously fraying social fabric and weakened democratic life.

The evening includes a break for a one-pot vegan supper.

Kairos, 84 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 4TG

Doors open at 6pm for drinks. Film starts promptly at 6.30pm.

£8 Kairos Club Member, £15 Non-member, £10 Struggling financially, £20 Supporter. Food complimentary.

Before requesting a discounted ticket, please consider sincerely: Are you struggling to meet your basic needs? Would you have to make a genuine sacrifice to buy a full priced ticket? Do you have reduced earnings through a lifestyle choice or because you’re dedicating your time to unpaid work relating to the climate and nature crises?