The New Citizenship: Unconventional Politics, Activism, And Service (Dilemmas in American Politics) [Paperback]

Craig A Rimmerman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0813322677 | ISBN-13: 978-0813322674 | Publication Date: February 27, 1997

We are not born citizens, but must be educated and trained to be citizens. This is the central tenet of The New Citizenship, which builds on the participatory democratic vision of the 1960s. Arguing that civic effort must go beyond merely voting, Craig Rimmerman examines grassroots mobilization, community activism, service learning, and the Internet as potential tools for confronting the breakdown of civility in U.S. politics.At the heart of The New Citizenship are the questions: Why do so many Americans fail to participate in their communities’ affairs? What role should the citizenry play in our political system? In addressing these concerns, the text both evaluates the dilemma of participation, civility, and stability at a time when civic indifference is a national problem and outlines its sources, suggesting ways in which Americans can conquer their apathy toward government. Rimmerman also identifies alternative forms of participation (besides voting) seized upon by the citizenry to register discontent with its representative government. Considerable attention is devoted to the attitudes and values of college students as they approach their roles within the larger political system.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This readable, engaging book addresses and urgent concern of our times, the decline of participation of college students in the democracy. Readers will come away with insight into both traditional and new forms of democratic participation and their appeal for the next generation. This an invaluable resource for faculty and students interested in American politics, history, social movements and civic engagement. Any faculty member teaching a service-learning course in any discipline will find it helpful for thinking through their course strategy and for civic reflection with their students.”
—Elizabeth L. Hollander, Executive Director, Campus Compact

“A helpful first step in making political science courses relevant to our students once again. It is definitely worth considering for classroom adoption.”—American Political Science Review

"Craig Rimmerman is among the few political scientists who both examine problems and offer solutions. The New Citizenship: Unconventional Politics, Activism, and Service draws upon the insights of political theorists and practitioners, assesses present-day participatory democracy, and offers recommendations for its improvement. This is a book that invites readers to learn - and then to take action."
— MaryAnne Borrelli, Director, Holleran Center for Community Action and Public Policy, Connecticut College

"At few times in our history have we needed more understanding of the relationship of citizenship to a healthy democracy as we do now. Craig Rimmerman has done a masterful job in challenging us to think about the means to citizenship, but more importantly, the ends of sustained and enlightened civic engagement."
— Suzanne W. Morse, Ph.D., Executive Director, Pew Partnership for Change

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Inside Flap

Why do so many Americans fail to participate in their communities’ affairs? What role should the citizenry play in our political system? In addressing these concerns, this revised and updated text evaluates the dilemma of participation, civility, and stability at a time when civic indifference is a national problem. In addition to outlining the sources of this indifference, The New Citizenship suggests ways in which Americans can conquer their apathy toward government.

In this fourth edition, author and Dilemmas in American Politics series editor Craig A. Rimmerman provides new material on ACORN, the 2008 presidential election, the Obama presidency, and the impact of these recent events for college students and their conceptions of participation and citizenship.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 170 pages
• Publisher: Westview Press (February 27, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813322677
• ISBN-13: 978-0813322674
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,051,020 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding pick for any school collection!, October 14, 2010

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Citizenship: Unconventional Politics, Activism, and Service (Dilemmas in American Politics) (Paperback)

A recommended pick is the fourth updated edition of Craig A. Rimmerman's THE NEW CITIZENSHIP: UNCONVENTIONAL POLITICS, ACTIVISM, AND SERVICE, which has been updated throughout with new material on the 2008 presidential election, ACORN, and Obama's presidency. It builds on author Rimmerman's 'Dilemmas in American Politics' series and is a top pick for classroom discussion at the high school to college level. An outstanding pick for any school collection!