This book explores the condition of American civil society, evaluates the forces—political, social, demographic, and global—that are operating upon it, and provides critical thinking on how to strengthen it in the decades ahead. Drawing from some of the country's leading thinkers, it looks candidly at the stress fractures on American society— issues such as the underclass, gender, family, and religion, and concludes with five philosophical perspectives: libertarian, populist, communitarian, traditionalist, and the political and cultural center.
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The book is worth reading... The topic covered is an important one, and... provide[s] a great deal of food for thought. (Kelly Green )
The writers in this book put up beacons to provide guidance. They come from both liberal and conservative traditions, but it is remarkable how little difference political ideology makes. What illuminates their thought is a common recognition that the loss of civic virtue is corroding our society from the inside, and a shared belief that (if we act fast) the center can still hold. (Kelly Green The Philadelphia Inquirer )
A strong volume on a vital theme, one important not only to Americans but to all free citizens—and those who would be free citizens—as we enter the 21st century. Readers will find challenging contributions from a variety of philosophical and political perspectives. Recommended for scholars and for all concerned citizens. (Elshtain, Jean Bethke The Philadelphia Inquirer )
Nearly every book on public policy published nowadays demands that we strengthen our communities. But what we need instead is some practical advice on exactly how we are supposed to do it, and 'Building a Community of Citizens' undertakes to give us that advice....the book is consistent in outlook....The essays are very helpful... (Elshtain, Jean Bethke First Things )
The residual political component of Eberly's paradigm limits its potential as a basis of society-wide consensus. But the paralyzing level of political polarization we experienced in 1995 and continue to face in 1996 makes Eberly's core concern for rebuilding civil society timelier than ever. (Elshtain, Jean Bethke )
[The book's] 23 essays are all well-written, and all reflect the soul-searching of men and women deeply committed to the restoration of a decent society as they envision it. (Elshtain, Jean Bethke Southeastern Political Review )
Uniformly clear, the concise essays build toward easily digestible conclusions. (Lawler, Peter Augustine Southeastern Political Review )
The writers in this book put up beacons to provide guidance. They come from both liberal and conservative traditions, but it is remarkable how little difference political ideology makes. What illuminates their thought is a common recognition that the loss of civic virtue is corroding our society from the inside, and a shared belief that (if we act fast) the center can still hold. (Kelly Green The Philadelphia Inquirer )
A strong volume on a vital theme, one important not only to Americans but to all free citizens—and those who would be free citizens—as we enter the 21st century. Readers will find challenging contributions from a variety of philosophical and political perspectives. Recommended for scholars and for all concerned citizens. (Elshtain, Jean Bethke The Philadelphia Inquirer )
Nearly every book on public policy published nowadays demands that we strengthen our communities. But what we need instead is some practical advice on exactly how we are supposed to do it, and 'Building a Community of Citizens' undertakes to give us that advice....the book is consistent in outlook....The essays are very helpful... (Elshtain, Jean Bethke First Things )
The residual political component of Eberly's paradigm limits its potential as a basis of society-wide consensus. But the paralyzing level of political polarization we experienced in 1995 and continue to face in 1996 makes Eberly's core concern for rebuilding civil society timelier than ever. (Elshtain, Jean Bethke )
[The book's] 23 essays are all well-written, and all reflect the soul-searching of men and women deeply committed to the restoration of a decent society as they envision it. (Elshtain, Jean Bethke Southeastern Political Review )
Uniformly clear, the concise essays build toward easily digestible conclusions. (Lawler, Peter Augustine Southeastern Political Review )
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9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent discussion of American culture.,
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This review is from: Building A Community of Citizens: Civil Society in the 21st Century (Paperback)
The twenty-three chapters are each written by a different scholar and are brought together by editor Don Eberly. This remarkable collection gives clear insights into the world around each of us in America. The discussions enlighten us about areas of thought that we each know are important in our lives, but may not have taken the time to think through. This collection brings many ideas together for those individuals who believe in the future of America and a quest for a civil society. Each chapter unfolds our society starting with the basic "building blocks" and moves us through the trends we find ourselves in and then points out ways to build on what we have. The process of life in America is such that we can not go back to what was, but we can go forward from where we are. This book is execllent reading.
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