Diversity and Integration

The Boston Globe carries a story about a study done by Robert Putnam suggesting that diversity actually has harmful effects on civic engagement. The findings of the study are not surprising to me and David Brooks in a column of a few weeks ago lucidly shows why they need not be surprising or depressing. But the very liberal Putnam is obviously disheartened by his findings, and in the more speculative sections of his report tries to find the bright side. Interesting throughout.