Habits of the Heart Individualism and Commitment in American Life [Paperback]

First published in 1985,Habits of the Heartcontinues to be one of the most discussed interpretations of modern American society, a quest for a democratic community that draws on our diverse civic and religious traditions. In a new preface the authors relate the arguments of the book both to the current realities of American society and to the growing debate about the country's future. With this new edition one of the most influential books of recent times takes on a new immediacy.

Recipient of the National Humanities Medal,Robert N. Bellahis Elliott Professor of Sociology Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley.Richard Madsenis Professor of Sociology, University of California, San Diego.William M. Sullivanis Senior Scholar at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.Ann Swidleris Professor of Sociology, University of California, Berkeley.Steven M. Tiptonis Professor of Sociology and Religion at Emory University and the Candler School of Theology.

The contemporary benchmark from which to look back and look forward in the continuing inquiry about American character. Daniel Bell

"Habits of the Heartis, rare among works of scholarly origin, an outspoken and even emotional plea for attention to an argument, and a danger. Its power is in the passion of its analysis, the vision of us...narrowing the gap between the inordinate rewards of success and the not less inordinate punishments for failure, in economic terms, in the society."

"(A) brilliant analysis. Easily the richest and most readable study of American society . . . sinceThe Lonely Crowd."