Is America breaking apart?
By: John A. Hall and Charles Lindholm.
Contributors: Lindholm, Charles, 1946-
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 1999
Place of publication: Princeton, N.J
Language: eng
Number of pages: 162
Subjects: Social values -- United States.; National characteristics, American.; Sociology -- United States.; United States -- Social conditions -- 1980-; United States -- Politics and government -- Philosophy.
Description: Americans seem to fear that their society is breaking apart, but how accurate is this portrayal and how justified is the fear? Introducing a balanced viewpoint into this intense debate, John Hall and Charles Lindholm demonstrate that such alarm is unfounded. Here they explore the institutional structures of American society, emphasizing its ability to accommodate difference and defuse conflict.

The culture, too, comes under scrutiny: influenced by Calvinistic beliefs, Americans place faith in the individual but demand high moral commitment to the community. Broad in scope and ambition, this short book draws a realistic portrait of a society that is among the most powerful and stable in the world, yet is perennially shaken by self-doubt.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.