Political Culture, Social Change, Political Sociology, Postmodernism, Political Activism & Social Action, Liberalism & Conservatism, Social Sciences - General & Miscellaneous, U.S. Politics & Government - General & Miscellaneous
In Social Decay and Transformation social and political critic Samuel Farber presents an analysis of social decline that has been missing from the contemporary scene: a view from the Left, one which draws from the ideas and traditions of the Enlightenment's left wing. Using a comparative approach to situate his theoretical conclusions in historical circumstances, Farber looks at the working class and temperance movements, civil rights rebellions and the Black Panthers, and the cultural revolutions of 1920s Russia and the Bolsheviks. Providing carefully reasoned interrogations of contemporary thinkers such as James C. Scott and Robin D. G. Kelley, Farber clarifies the discussions on social decay currently taking place, adding an important voice of the Left to the current debate.
About the Author, Samuel Farber
Samuel Farber is Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College. He is the author of Before Stalinism: The Rise and Fall of Soviet Democracy (1990) and Revolution and Reaction in Cuba, 1933-1960 (1976).
Social Decay and Transformation deserves serious attention from those activists and engaged intellectuals who are interested in constructing that kind of left.
The Nation
The left cannot ignore the growing social decay. It must provide rational answers for the immediate future and long-term answers leading beyond the confines of existing society. With this book, closely reasoned and well-argued but also full of contained political passion, Sam Farber makes an important contribution to our search for a radical alternative.
