Synopses & Reviews
Meanwhile, the authors' antidote to the American sicknessa quest for democratic community that draws on our diverse civic and religious traditionshas contributed to a vigorous scholarly and popular debate. Attention has been focused on forms of social organization, be it civil society, democratic communitarianism, or associative democracy, that can humanize the market and the administrative state. In their new Introduction the authors relate the argument of their book both to the current realities of American society and to the growing debate about the country's future. With this new edition one of the most influential books of recent times takes on a new immediacy.
Synopsis
"The contemporary benchmark from which to look back and look forward in the continuing inquiry about American character."Daniel Bell
"One of the most penetrating examinations of American individualism I have seen. . . . I hope it will be read and debated for years."Christopher Lasch, author of The Culture of Narcissism
Synopsis
"The contemporary benchmark from which to look back and look forward in the continuing inquiry about American character."--Daniel Bell
Synopsis
First published in 1985, Habits of the Heart continues to be one of the most discussed interpretations of modern American society, a quest for a democratic community that draws on our diverse civic and religious traditions. In a new preface the authors relate the arguments of the book both to the current realities of American society and to the growing debate about the country's future. With this new edition one of the most influential books of recent times takes on a new immediacy.
About the Author
Robert N. Bellah is Elliott Professor of Sociology, University of California, Berkeley, and the author of several books, including
The New Religious Consciousness (with Charles Y. Glock) (1975).
Richard Madsen is Professor of Sociology, University of California, San Diego; his most recent book is
China and the American Dream (California, 1995).
William M. Sullivan is Professor of Philosophy, LaSalle University, Philadelphia; his most recent book is
Work and Integrity: The Crisis and Promise of Professionalism in America (1994).
Ann Swidler is Professor of Sociology, University of California, Berkeley, and the author of
Organization Without Authority: Dilemmas of Social Control in Free Schools (1980).
Steven M. Tipton is Professor, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and author of
Getting Saved from the Sixties: Moral Meaning in Conversion and Cultural Change (California, 1982). The authors also collaborated on the writing of
The Good Society (1991).
In 2000, Robert Bellah was one of twelve recipients of the National Humanities Medal
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Updated Edition
Preface
INTRODUCTORY
1. The Pursuit of Happiness
2. Culture and Character: The Historical Conversation
PART ONE: PRIVATE LIFE
3. Finding Oneself
4. Love of Marriage
5. Reaching Out
6. Individualism
PART TWO: PUBLIC LIFE
7. Getting Involved
8. Citizenship
9. Religion
10. The National Society
CONCLUSION
11. Transforming american Culture
Appendix: Social Science as Public Philosophy
Notes
Glossary
Index