The American Civilizing Process

Zusatztext

Since 9/11, the American government has presumed to speak and act in the name of civilization. But isthat how the rest of the world sees it? And if not, why not?<br /><p>Stephen Mennell leads up to such contemporary questions through a careful study of the whole span of American development, from the first settlers to the American Empire. He takes a novel approach, analysing the USAs experience in the light of Norbert Eliass theory of civilizing (and decivilizing) processes.<br /></p><p>Drawing comparisons between the USA and other countries of the world, the topics discussed include:<br /></p><ul><li style="list-style: none"><br /></li><li>American manners and lifestyles</li><li style="list-style: none"><br /></li><li>Violence in American society</li><li style="list-style: none"><br /></li><li>The impact of markets on American social character</li><li style="list-style: none"><br /></li><li>American expansion, from the frontier to empire</li><li style="list-style: none"><br /></li><li>The curse of the American Dream and increasing inequality</li><li style="list-style: none"><br /></li><li>The religiosity of American life</li></ul><br /><p>Mennell shows how the long-term experience of Americans has been of growing more and more powerful in relation to their neighbours. This has had all-pervasive effects on the way they see themselves, their perception of the rest of the world, and how the rest of the world sees them.<br /></p><p>Mennells compelling and provocative account will appeal to anyone concerned about America's role in the world today, including students and scholars of American politics and society.</p>

Autorenportrait

<b>Stephen Mennell</b> is Professor of Sociology at University College Dublin.

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