American Society TodayManchester University Press, 2002 - 160 pages American society today provides a balanced introduction to the defining features of contemporary American society. Includes the ways in which the US can be considered 'exceptional' - the character of the 'American dream', the role of ethnicity and race, and the differences between the regions. Considers in depth a number of contemporary debates including the claim that the US economy has lost its capacity to generate wealth and stimulate mobility, that there has been a process of civic disengagement as voluntary organisations have lost members, and that the traditional family is in decline. Includes a thorough investigation of the effects of the terrorist attacks of September 11 and their aftermath. Looks at the arguments put forward by those who assert that a common American identity has given way to a multitude of conflicting identities structured around factors such as race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
African-Americans American dream American exceptionalism American identity American Politics American society argues Ashbee Asian-Americans asserted assimilation associated Balkanisation basis black middle class California Census Census Bureau cent character cities civic civil society communities conservative contrast covenant marriage decades decline defining democracy Democrats despite E. J. Dionne Jr economic Elazar emphasised ethnic Europe example Fischer forms Francis Fukuyama Fukuyama Furthermore groupings growth Hispanic immigrants income increasing increasingly individualism industrial institutions Jim Crow laws labour large numbers Latinos levels liberal Lipset living McWorld melting pot middle class million minorities mobility National Center organisations particular Party population progressed promise Putnam quoted race racial regions Republican Robert Putnam role segregation sexual Seymour Martin Lipset shared shift significant numbers social socialist South southern structured suggest tion traditional traditionally twentieth century underclass University Press vote Washington DC women workers World York