Exploring the intersection of group dynamics and political processes, this book delves into the role of primary groups in shaping political behavior. It examines experimental methods within political contexts, emphasizing the culture of the laboratory and bridging theoretical gaps. Leadership is analyzed through both affective and instrumental lenses, highlighting its influence on group norms. The participation hypothesis is tested through small group findings, offering insights into broader applications. The book concludes with reflections on these themes, supported by a comprehensive bibliography and index.
The Declaration of Independence proclaims equality as a foundational American value. However, Unequal and Unrepresented finds that political voice in America is not only unequal but also unrepresentative. Those who are well educated and affluent carry megaphones. The less privileged speak in a whisper. Relying on three decades of research and an enormous wealth of information about politically active individuals and organizations, Kay Schlozman, Henry Brady, and Sidney Verba offer a concise synthesis and update of their groundbreaking work on political participation. The authors consider the many ways that citizens in American democracy can influence public outcomes through political voice: by voting, getting involved in campaigns, communicating directly with public officials, participating online or offline, acting alone and in organizations, and investing their time and money. Socioeconomic imbalances characterize every form of political voice, but the advantage to the advantaged is especially pronounced when it comes to any form of political expression--for example, lobbying legislators or making campaign donations--that relies on money as an input. With those at the top of the ladder increasingly able to spend lavishly in politics, political action anchored in financial investment weighs ever more heavily in what public officials hear. Citing real-life examples and examining inequalities from multiple perspectives, Unequal and Unrepresented shows how disparities in political voice endanger American democracy today. -- Book jacket
The intellectual history of the Civic Culture concept / Gabriel A. Almond -- The structure of inference / Arend Lijphart -- The Civic Culture : a philosophic critique / Carole Pateman -- The Civic Culture from a Marxist-sociological perspective / Jerzy J. Wiatr -- Political culture in Great Britain : The decline of The Civic Culture / Dennis Kavanagh -- The United States : political culture under stress / Alan I. Abramowitz -- Changing German political culture : continuity and change / Giacomo Sani -- Political culture in Mexico : continuities and revisionist interpretations / Ann L. Craig and Wayne A. Cornelius -- On revisiting The Civic Culture : a personal postcript / Sidney Verba
Volume 5 in the Studies in Political Development Series delves into the complexities of political evolution and governance. It explores various case studies that highlight the interplay between political institutions, social movements, and economic factors. The volume aims to provide insights into how political systems develop over time and the impact of historical contexts on contemporary governance. Scholars and students will find valuable analyses that contribute to the understanding of political dynamics in different regions.
