New Books in Sociology

James Davison Hunter, "Democracy and Solidarity: On the Cultural Roots of America's Political Crisis" (Yale UP, 2024)

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Apr 11, 2025
James Davison Hunter, Labros Levinson Distinguished Professor of Religion, Culture, and Social Theory, dives deep into America’s political crisis. He explores how historical sources of national solidarity have eroded, leading to stark political polarization. The podcast highlights the role of cultural conflicts rather than mere economic issues in this turmoil. Hunter also examines myths of unity, the impact of American exceptionalism on identity, and the limitations of secular humanism in fostering solidarity amid rising nihilism.
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INSIGHT

Cultural Roots of Political Crisis

  • America's political crisis is fundamentally cultural, stemming from evolving values and beliefs.
  • This cultural divide fuels political polarization and hinders constructive dialogue.
INSIGHT

Shift from Class to Culture

  • The 20th-century political divide focused on economic class, but shifted to cultural issues in its latter third.
  • This shift was marked by conflicts over cultural authority concerning societal institutions and America's meaning.
ANECDOTE

Unlikely Alliances

  • In the late 1980s, Hunter observed conservative religious leaders from different faiths uniting on issues.
  • This collaboration, historically unprecedented, highlighted a significant shift in cultural alliances.
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