Americanism in the Twenty-First Century

Erscheinungsjahr 2010
ISBN: 978-0-521-19175-3
Verlag: Cambridge University Press

Buch, Englisch, 280 Seiten, Format (B × H): 161 mm x 240 mm, Gewicht: 640 g

This book explores public opinion about being and becoming American, and its implications for contemporary immigration debates. It focuses on the causes and consequences of two aspects of American identity: how people define being American and whether people think of themselves primarily as American rather than as members of a panethnic or national origin group. Importantly, the book evaluates the claim – made by scholars and pundits alike – that all Americans should prioritize their American identity instead of an ethnic or national origin identity. It finds that national identity within American democracy can be a blessing or a curse. It can enhance participation, trust, and obligation. But it can be a curse when perceptions of deviation lead to threat and resentment. It can also be a curse for minorities who are attached to their American identity but also perceive discrimination.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Schildkraut, Deborah J

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Ethnologie | Volkskunde Volkskunde Minderheiten, Interkulturelle & Multikulturelle Fragen
• Sozialwissenschaften Ethnologie | Volkskunde Ethnologie Kultur- und Sozialethnologie: Politische Ethnologie, Recht, Organisation, Identität
• Sozialwissenschaften Ethnologie | Volkskunde Volkskunde Kultureller Wandel, Kulturkontakt, Akkulturation
• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Spezielle Soziologie Soziologie von Migranten und Minderheiten

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Introduction; 2. The 21st century Americanism survey; 3. Defining American identity in the 21st century; 4. Policy implications of multidimensional Americanism; 5. The myths and realities of identity prioritization; 6. Does 'becoming American' create a 'better' American?; 7. Immigrant resentment: when the work ethic backfires; 8. The politics of American identity.

Über Autor(innen)

Schildkraut, Deborah J
Deborah J. Schildkraut is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Tufts University. She is also the author of Press “One” for English: Language Policy, Public Opinion, and American Identity.