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The author explores the modern tendency towards individualism, the erosion of social capital in Western societies and the likely effects of further individualism. Strategies geared to fostering trust and social capital are outlined as the basis for reinvigorating community life.
List of contents
Contents: Introduction. An Age of Individualism: Post-Fordism and individualism; Detraditionalization and the rise of individualism; Globalization and the individual; Community and social capital. Rebuilding Communities: Public-spiritedness and community; The retreat into tribalism; Communitarianism, liberalism and public-spiritedness; Citizenship - a modest proposal; Conclusion; Notes; Bibliography; Index.
About the author
Dr Paul Hopper, Lecturer at the University of Brighton, School of Historical and Critical Studies, UK
Summary
As modern societies become increasingly individualistic, this fascinating book examines how we can maintain and revive local communities and community life. It provides a coherent and distinct analysis of community as well as offering concrete policy prescriptions to counter the excessive individualism of our times.
Additional text
’An original, sophisticated and fluent analysis. This book provides an up to date and thorough analysis, both theoretically and empirically, of current trends of social atomization and outlines practical methods for rebuilding community.’ Dr Luke Martell, University of Sussex, UK ’Paul Hopper has admirably charted the rise, decline, and potential revival of community with wide-ranging practical and theoretical implications. 'Rebuilding Communities in an Age of Individualism' is a major theoretical contribution to the debates on liberalism and communitarianism, and will be of great interest to students, academics, activists and ordinary citizens.’ Dr Darrow Schecter, University of Sussex, UK
