by PaulLichterman (Author)
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.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 292
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 19 Sep 1996
ISBN 10: 0521483433
ISBN 13: 9780521483438
Book Overview: Study of environmental groups assessing different cultures of political commitment in post-traditional society.