Civic Engagement in American Democracy

by Theda Skocpol (Editor), Morris P. Fiorina (Editor)

"
American democracy is in many ways more vital than ever before. Advocacy groups proliferate and formerly marginalized groups enjoy new opportunities. But worrisome trends exist. Millions of Americans are drawing back from involvements with community affairs and politics. Voters stay home; public officials grapple with distrust or indifference; and people are less likely to cooperate on behalf of shared goals. Observers across the spectrum of opinion agree that it is vital to determine what is happening and why—so that Americans can take well-informed, effective steps to revitalize our national community. The book opens with an eagle-eye look at the roots of America's special patterns of civic engagement, examining the ways social groups and government and electoral politics have influenced each other. Other chapters examine the impact of advocacy groups and socioeconomic inequalities on democratic processes and probe the influence of long-term social and cultural changes on voluntary associations and civic participation. The book concludes by asking why social liberation has been accompanied by new inequalities and the erosion of many important forms of citizen leverage and participation. Coming together from several disciplines, contributors include Jeffrey M. Berry, Henry E. Brady, John Brehm, Steven Brint, Elisabeth S. Clemens, Peter Dobkin Hall, Wendy M. Rahn, Kay Lehman Schlozman, Sidney Verba, and Robert Wuthnow. Copublished with the Russell Sage Foundation
"

Genres: Politics, History, School

539 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1999

About the author

Theda Skocpol is the Victor S. Thomas Professor of Government and Sociology at Harvard University and the Director of the Scholars Strategy Network. She is a past president of the American Political Science Association.

Reviews

[angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Truthfully, I've only read about half of the essays in this book (I plan to read a few more when time allows) and it's a good volume (even if the discussion of technology is a little dated). It offers a number of perspectives on civic engagement and seems to serve as a good primer for those who know very little about participation. Most of the chapters are even fairly well written!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice collection for thinking about civic associations and their role in keeping a democracy healthy vis-a-vis civic engagement. It offers articles providing useful historical backgrounds, and from specific perspectives (e.g. class, gender, race).

[Lindsay Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

this edited volume is GREAT! really adds to the debate with putnam. well written, clearly worded, thoughtful, great.