Myth of Individualism

Peter L. Callero is professor of sociology emeritus at Western Oregon University. He holds a PhD in sociology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and has published extensively on issues of self, identity, and politics.

• PrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroductionChapter 1. Individualism: The Power of a MythThe Mask ControversyWhy All the Drama?What is American Individualism?A Culture of IndividualismEconomic IndividualismIndividualism in Economic TheoryWhat’s Wrong with Individualism?Sociology as Myth BusterChapter 2. Becoming a Person: The Power of SymbolsEvil WitchesMissing LinksThe Socially Constructed PersonLanguage and the Power of SymbolsThe Sociology of ThoughtGroup Differences in Social CognitionThe Sociology of EmotionThe Sociology of IdentityChapter 3. Conformity and Disobedience: The Power of the GroupObedience to AuthorityQuestioning AuthorityResisting AuthoritySolidarity and Conflict Between GroupsGroup IdentityChapter 4. Family Matters: The Power of Social ClassThe Myth of MeritocracyAlexander WilliamsTyrec TaylorThe Relationship Between Class and Family LifeClass CompetitionCultural CapitalSources of Cultural CapitalThe Privilege of ClassChapter 5. Globalization: The Power of CapitalismA New Type of CapitalismCommunities in CrisisChina BluesGlobal ConnectionsWho Benefits?RowenaCare for SaleChapter 6. Government Control: The Power of the StateWhat is The State?Types of State PowerThe ShootingThe ProtestThe Sociological ContextState Borders and State PowerBorders are Not for EveryoneMaking the Invisible VisibleChapter 7. From the Printing Press to the Internet: The Power of Mass MediaHow Media Shapes Our LivesThe Power of the Printing PressHow the Printing Press Changed PeopleHow the Printing Press Changed SocietyHow New Electronic Media Changed PeopleMedia Addiction?The Danger of Social MediaThe Death of Molly RussellHow Electronic Media Changes SocietySocial Change and Social MediaChapter 8. From “Me” to “We”: The Power of Collective ActionA Woman and a MovementWhat is a Social Movement?Social Movements and DemocracyGlobal DemocracyThe Globalization MovementThe World Trade OrganizationProtecting PowerGlobal SolidarityConclusionIndexAbout the Author

This is the introductory text for critical educators dedicated to fulfilling Mills’ promise of sociology. Now with added material that includes the societal origins of Trump, threats to U.S. democracy, and social isolation, this new edition is a vital teaching tool for imparting the power of social forces that both constrain and liberate. It inspires impassioned teaching as well as truly meaningful learning.