Beyond Tocqueville

. Ed(s): Edwards, Bob; Foley, M.W.; Diani, Mario

ISBN 10: 1584651253 / ISBN 13: 9781584651253

Published by University Press of New England, 2001

About this Item

An interdisciplinary collection of historical and comparative articles on civil society and the social capital debate. Editor(s): Edwards, Bob; Foley, M.W.; Diani, Mario. Series: Civil Society S. Num Pages: 352 pages, 23 tables. 4 figs. BIC Classification: JH; JP. Category: (G) General (US: Trade); (P) Professional & Vocational; (UP) Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly; (UU) Undergraduate. Dimension: 216 x 140 x 26. Weight in Grams: 408. . 2001. Paperback. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

Seller Inventory # V9781584651253

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Beyond Tocqueville
• Publisher: University Press of New England
• Publication Date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1584651253
• ISBN 13: 9781584651253
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Recent discussion about the role of civil society in democratic governance around the world and the decline of social capital in the US has raised pressing theoretical and empirical questions about the character of contemporary societies and the social and institutional correlates of sound and dynamic democracies. This debate has reached a North American and European audience that extends well beyond academia. The predominant refrain in the debate, following Alexis de Tocqueville's 160-year-old analysis of democracy in America, attaches tremendous importance to the role of voluntary associations in contemporary democracies. Participation in such groups is said to produce social capital, often linked to high levels of social trust. Social capital in turn is conceived as a crucial national resource for promoting collective action for the common good. Beyond Tocqueville presents 21 varied essays on how civic engagement and political and economic cooperation are generated in contemporary societies, linking theoretical discourse with public policy and actual behaviors.

About the Author

Bob Edwards is Assistant Professor of Sociology at East Carolina University. Michael W. Foley is Associate Professor of Politics at Catholic University of America. Mario Diani is Professor of Sociology at Strathclyde University in Glasgow.