The Search for Political Community: American Activists Reinventing Commitment (Cambridge Cultural Social Studies)

by PaulLichterman (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  1996

  $40.98

  Study of environmental groups assessing different cultures of political commitment in post-traditional society.

• New

  Paperback
  1996

  $38.09

  This book challenges the myth that Americans' emphasis on personal fulfilment necessarily weakens commitment to the common good. Drawing on extensive participant-observation with a variety of environmentalist groups, Paul Lichterman argues that individualism sometimes enhances public, political commitment and that a shared respect for individual inspiration enables activists with diverse political backgrounds to work together. This personalised culture of commitment has sustained activists working long-term for social change. The book contrasts 'personalised politics' in mainly white environmental groups with a more traditional, community-centred culture of commitment in an African-American group. The untraditional, personalised politics of many recent social movements invites us to rethink common understandings of commitment, community, and individualism in a post-traditional world.

• New

  Hardcover
  1996

  $117.24

  Study of environmental groups assessing different cultures of political commitment in post-traditional society.