Synopses & Reviews
Robert A. Dahl, one of the worldand#8217;s most influential and respected political scientists, has spent a lifetime exploring the institutions and practices of democracy in such landmark books as
Who Governs?,
On Democracy, and
How Democratic Is the American Constitution?and#160; Here, Dahl looks at the fundamental issue of equality and how and why governments have fallen short of their democratic ideals.and#160;
At the center of the book is the question of whether the goal of political equality is so far beyond our human limits that it should be abandoned in favor of more attainable ends, or if there are ways to realistically address and reduce inequities. Though complete equality is unattainable, Dahl argues that strides toward that ideal are both desirable and feasible. He shows the remarkable shift in recent centuries toward democracy and political equality the world over. He explores the growth of democratic institutions, the expansion of citizenship, and the various obstacles that stand in the way of gains in political equality. Dahl also looks at the motives, particularly those of emotion and reason, that play such a crucial role in the struggle for equality.and#160;and#160;
In conclusion, Dahl assesses the contemporary political landscape in the United States. He looks at the likelihood of political inequality increasing, and poses one scenario in which Americans grow more unequal in their influence over their government. The counter scenario foresees a cultural shift in which citizens, rejecting what Dahl calls and#147;competitive consumerism,and#8221; invest time and energy in civic action and work to reduce the inequality that now exists among Americans.
Review
"
On Political Equality is notable for its clarity and simplicity, but don't be fooledand#8212;it asks one of the most difficult questions a nation can face: should we strive for more political equality over the coming century despite the controversy that will ensue? Dahl answers with a resounding yes, and shows why almost any effort is worth the cost."and#8212;Jennifer L. Hochschild, Harvard University
Review
"
On Political Equality has allandnbsp;of andnbsp;the earmarksandnbsp;of a book byandnbsp;Robertandnbsp;A. Dahland#8212;sharp edged reasoning, unfolding logic, and lucid writing."and#8212;Fred Greenstein, Princeton University
About the Author
Robert A. Dahl is Sterling Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Yale University. He lives in North Haven, CT.
CITATION: "On Political Equality is notable for its clarity and simplicity, but don't be fooled-it asks one of the most difficult questions a nation can face: should we strive for more political equality over the coming century despite the controversy that will ensue? Dahl answers with a resounding yes, and shows why almost any effort is worth the cost."-Jennifer L. Hochschild, Harvard University
(Jennifer L. Hochschild)
CITATION: "On Political Equality has all of the earmarks of a book by Robert A. Dahl-sharp edged reasoning, unfolding logic, and lucid writing."-Fred Greenstein, Princeton University
(Fred Greenstein)