Synopses & Reviews
There are groups in society that experience profound social problems. Others betray a growing social malaise. Massive academic underachievement, family dysfunction, substance misuse, violence, and delinquent behavior are some of the major crises afflicting groups in the United States and Canada, including Aboriginal people, African Americans, and certain Hispanic groups.^LTaylor adds to this list the escalating number of so-called street kids roaming inner-city streets. To a lesser but no less frightening extent, he includes what has traditionally symbolized society's most privileged group-young white men. He asserts that while these are not the only groups who stand out as noticeably disadvantaged, they are among the most visible and, due to his research and activities, allow him to test his arguments and offer his proposals for change.
Drawing upon his research experience in Canada, the United States, South Africa, and Indonesia, Taylor examines the impact of assimilation and the policies of cultural diversity and multiculturalism on these groups. He offers surprising insights into the causes of group malaise and individual failure, and his conclusions are bound to be of significant interest to scholars, students, and researchers involved with intergroup dynamics and cultural diversity.
Review
Taylor has written a brief, important, and highly readable statement about the plight of disadvantaged people in Western society, including aboriginal peoples of Canada (the Inuit and aboriginal Indian), African Americans in the US, Hispanic groups, "street kids," and (surprisingly) young white men....Taylor is able to combine a vigilant scientific methodology with a careful observer's humane understanding of the plight of people about whom he obviously cares deeply. This reviewer believes the richness of his work rests more on this latter ability than on his distinguished scientific skill. Although mildly defensive about this unusual combination in his presentation, he need not be. If anything the author is prophetic in having readers face squarely those aspects of the collective self they would rather hide. Essential. All levels.Choice
Synopsis
Taylor offers surprising insights into the causes of group malaise and individual failure, offering surprising insights and proposals for change.
Synopsis
Taylor offers surprising insights into the causes of group malaise and individual failure, offering surprising insights and proposals f
About the Author
DONALD M. TAYLOR is Professor of Psychology at McGill University. His previous publications include Coping with Cultural and Racial Diversity (Praeger, 1990) and Theories of Intergroup Relations, second edition (Praeger, 1994).
Table of Contents
Collective Identities in Crisis
Society's Disadvantaged Groups: The Grim Reality
Collective Identity: A Person's Primary Psychological Blueprint
Traditional Explanations for Group Differences: The Usual Suspects
Valueless Colonialism and the Destruction of Collective Identity
Collective Identity Overload: A Threat to Society's Most Disadvantaged and Not So Disadvantaged Groups
Collective Demotivation
Towards a Healthy Collective Identity
Bibliography
Index