The New Citizenship: Unconventional Politics, Activism, and Service - Softcover

Rimmerman, Craig A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0813343097 ISBN 13: 9780813343099

Publisher: Westview Press, 2005

Synopsis

This popular book argues that we are not born citizens but must be educated and trained to be citizens. This new edition has been updated to provide recent examples of the need for "new citizenship" Arguing that civic effort must go beyond merely voting and build on the participatory democratic vision of the 1960s, Craig Rimmerman examines grassroots mobilization, community activism, service learning, and the Internet as potential tools for confronting the breakdown of civility in U.S. politics. Why do so many Americans fail to participate in their communities' affairs? What role should the citizenry play in our political system? In addressing these concerns, the text both evaluates the dilemma of participation, civility, and stability at a time when civic indifference is a national problem and outlines its sources, suggesting ways in which Americans can conquer their apathy toward government. This third edition expands the discussion of the internet as an element of the New Citizenship and outlines President George W. Bush's National Service proposals. Finally, the third edition integrates the impact of September 11, 2001 on American civic life, with a particular focus on the consequences of that cataclysmic event for college students and their conceptions of participation and citizenship.

About this title

Review:

"Craig Rimmerman is among the few political scientists who both examine problems and offer solutions. "The New Citizenship: Unconventional Politics, Activism, and Service" draws upon the insights of political theorists and practitioners, assesses present-day participatory democracy, and offers recommendations for its improvement. This is a book that invites readers to learn - and then to take action."
MaryAnne Borrelli, Director, Holleran Center for Community Action and Public Policy, Connecticut College
"At few times in our history have we needed more understanding of the relationship of citizenship to a healthy democracy as we do now. Craig Rimmerman has done a masterful job in challenging us to think about the means to citizenship, but more importantly, the ends of sustained and enlightened civic engagement."
Suzanne W. Morse, Ph.D., Executive Director, Pew Partnership for Change"

This readable, engaging book addresses and urgent concern of our times, the decline of participation of college students in the democracy. Readers will come away with insight into both traditional and new forms of democratic participation and their appeal for the next generation. This an invaluable resource for faculty and students interested in American politics, history, social movements and civic engagement. Any faculty member teaching a service-learning course in any discipline will find it helpful for thinking through their course strategy and for civic reflection with their students."
--Elizabeth L. Hollander, Executive Director, Campus Compact

"A helpful first step in making political science courses relevant to our students once again. It is definitely worth considering for classroom adoption."
--American Political Science Review"Craig Rimmerman is among the few political scientists who both examine problems and offer solutions. The New Citizenship: Unconventional Politics, Activism, and Service draws upon the insights of political theorists and practitioners, assesses present-day participatory democracy, and offers recommendations for its improvement. This is a book that invites readers to learn - and then to take action."
-- MaryAnne Borrelli, Director, Holleran Center for Community Action and Public Policy, Connecticut College

About the Author:

Craig Rimmerman is professor of political science at Hobart and William Smith Collges

About this edition

• Publisher: Westview Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0813343097
• ISBN 13: 9780813343099
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 206