Summaries of books about Politics & Social Sciences:
The Smart Society
Strengthening America s Greatest Resource, Its People
Peter D. Salins
The book presents an argument for the importance of human capital as America's most valuable resource, advocating for policies and reforms in education, immigration, and social welfare that aim to enhance the nation's intellectual and economic potential. It emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to cultivate a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to maintain the country's competitive edge in the global economy.
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Avoiding Politics
How Americans Produce Apathy in Everyday Life
Nina Eliasoph
The book examines the ways in which citizens in the United States deliberately avoid political discussions in everyday settings like schools, voluntary associations, and private conversations, arguing that this avoidance is a response to a social environment that discourages engagement. It explores the cultural patterns and institutional pressures that lead to a cycle of political disengagement and the production of apathy.
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The January 6th Report
Complete Transcript of the First Committee Hearing on June 9, 2022
The Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol
The book presents a verbatim transcript of the first public hearing conducted by the U.S. House Select Committee, detailing testimonies and evidence related to the January 6th, 2021, attack on the Capitol. It includes witness statements, video exhibits, and the committee's findings on the events leading up to and during the insurrection.
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Mothers Unite!
Organizing for Workplace Flexibility and the Transformation of Family Life
Jocelyn Elise Crowley
The book examines the grassroots movements and advocacy efforts of mothers campaigning for workplace flexibility, highlighting their strategies and the impact on family dynamics. It explores the intersection of gender, labor, and policy, documenting personal stories and the broader implications for societal change in work-family balance.
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The Conundrum of Russian Capitalism
The Post-Soviet Economy in the World System
Ruslan Dzarasov
The book critically examines the development of the Russian economy post-Soviet Union, analyzing its capitalist structure within the global economic system. It explores the challenges Russia faces, including oligarchic dominance, integration into world markets, and the struggle to modernize and diversify its economy.
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Normality
A Critical Genealogy
Peter Cryle|Elizabeth Stephens
The book traces the historical development of the concept of normality, examining its emergence in various scientific and social contexts. It critically analyzes how the idea of what is considered "normal" has been constructed, contested, and applied throughout history, influencing disciplines such as medicine, sexuality, and statistics.
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The Risk Pivot
Great Powers, International Security, and the Energy Revolution
Bruce D. Jones, David Steven
The book examines the intersection of energy transitions, international security, and the strategic maneuvers of great powers in the context of a global shift towards renewable energy sources. It explores how this energy revolution impacts geopolitical stability, influences the balance of power, and presents both challenges and opportunities for international governance and conflict prevention.
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Populism in Europe and the Americas
Threat or Corrective for Democracy?
Cas Mudde, Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser
The book examines the role of populism in both Europe and the Americas, analyzing whether it poses a danger to democratic systems or serves as a democratic corrective by addressing issues neglected by the political establishment. It provides a comparative perspective on populist movements, exploring their causes, characteristics, and consequences for political discourse and democracy.
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Dangerously Sleepy
Overworked Americans and the Cult of Manly Wakefulness
Alan Derickson
The book explores the historical trend in the United States of valuing long work hours and minimal sleep as a symbol of strength and masculinity, tracing its impact on workers' health and safety. It examines the cultural, economic, and political forces that have glorified relentless work at the expense of adequate rest.
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American Generosity
Who Gives and Why
Patricia Snell Herzog|Heather E. Price
The book examines the patterns and motivations behind charitable giving in the United States, analyzing how factors like religion, age, race, and socioeconomic status influence Americans' generosity. It presents empirical data and explores the cultural and institutional contexts that shape philanthropic behavior.
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