New Books in Sociology
James Davison Hunter, "Democracy and Solidarity: On the Cultural Roots of America's Political Crisis" (Yale UP, 2024)
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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Quick takeaways
- America's political crisis is deeply rooted in a cultural conflict that transcends traditional economic divides, exemplifying a shift in societal dynamics.
- Restoring democracy requires revitalizing civil society and fostering civic solidarity to navigate ideological differences and promote a common good.
Deep dives
Cultural Roots of Political Crisis
The current political crisis in America is fundamentally rooted in cultural issues rather than solely economic or political ones. Over the last few decades, the nature of political conflict has shifted from traditional economic divides, previously characterized by class struggles, to cultural disputes over identity, values, and beliefs. These cultural conflicts encompass a broad spectrum, including debates on topics such as abortion, gender roles, and the intersection of religion and politics. The recognition of how various cultural groups, regardless of their specific beliefs, can rally together around shared values has highlighted a shift in societal dynamics that contribute to the increasing polarization in American politics.
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