In Defense of Rugged Individualism... From 100 Years Ago

Joel Shaffer

The Rugged Individual Was Never a Rugged Individual Alone

I first heard the phrase “rugged individualism” not in a history book but on the radio. Like many Americans of my Gen‑X generation, I instinctively associate the term with Rush Limbaugh—his booming voice, his snarky confidence, his emphasis on personal responsibility, self‑reliance, and independence from government. All these years, “rugged individualism” functioned in my mind as shorthand for talk‑radio conservatism, often set against concerns about government over-reach, compassion and the common good.

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What Civil Society Is, and Why It Matters

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“…civil society is most characteristically populated by nonprofit organizations. As America approaches its 250th birthday, is ‘civil society’ a quaint concept to be relegated to the pages of Democracy in America, or does it still matter—even matter profound.” - Philanthropy Daily

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How Social Capital Helps Communities Weather the COVID-19 Storm

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My recent research, with Cary Wu, explores whether differences in social capital across counties can help explain the differences in the severity of the pandemic. … Although there are many definitions, social capital refers to the norms and relationships that facilitate coordination and resilience within a community.” - The Public Discourse

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