The New Citizenship: Unconventional Politics, Activism, and Service (Dilemmas in American Politics)

Author: Craig A. Rimmerman
Publisher: The Perseus Books Group
Category: Political Science & Theory, Political Structure & Processes, Constitution: Government & The State, Civil Rights & Citizenship
Book Format: Paperback

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.

Table Of Contents

Tables and Illustrations Acknowledgments Acronyms 1 Introduction to the Core Dilemma 2 Theoretical Perspectives on the New Citizenship The Constitutional Context for Citizen Participation Political Socialization and Citizenship in American Politics The Participatory Democratic Tradition The Critique of the Democratic Theory of Elitism The Theoretical Basis for the New Citizenship Conclusion 3 Civic Indifference in Contemporary American Politics Measuring Civic Indifference American Youth and Civic Indifference Sources of Citizen Activism Conclusion 4 Civility, Stability, and Foundations for the New Citizenship The Civil Rights Movement and Foundations for the New Citizenship Challenges to the New Citizenship Conclusion 5 Contemporary Reflections on the New Citizenship The Me Generation New Citizenship Components Conclusion 6 Service Learning and the New Citizenship Critical Education for Citizenship and Educational Approaches The Clinton National Service Proposal and the Case for Service Learning The Critique of Service Civic Indifference and the New Citizenship Conclusion Appendix 1: The Federalist No. 10 Appendix 2: Organizations for Political, Social, and Economic Change Discussion Questions Glossary Notes Bibliography About the Book and Author Index

About Craig A Rimmerman

Craig A Rimmerman