American society today provides a balanced introduction to the defining features of contemporary American society. Includes the ways in which the US can be considered ‘exceptional’ - the character of the 'American dream', the role of ethnicity and race, and the differences between the regions. Considers in depth a number of contemporary debates including the claim that the US economy has lost its capacity to generate wealth and stimulate mobility, that there has been a process of civic disengagement as voluntary organisations have lost members, and that the traditional family is in decline. Includes a thorough investigation of the effects of the terrorist attacks of September 11 and their aftermath. Looks at the arguments put forward by those who assert that a common American identity has given way to a multitude of conflicting identities structured around factors such as race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality. -- .
| ISBN: | 9780719060229 |
| Publication date: | 31st October 2002 |
| Author: | Edward Ashbee |
| Publisher: | Manchester University Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 168 pages |
| Series: | Politics Today |
| Genres: |
Politics and government Sociology |