American Paradox

For Americans entering the twenty-first century, it is the best of times and the worst of times. Material wealth is at record levels, yet disturbing social problems reflect a deep spiritual poverty. In this compelling book, well-known social psychologist David G. Myers asks how this paradox has come to be and, more important, how we can spark social renewal and dream a new American dream.Myers explores the research on social ills from the 1960s through the 1990s and concludes that the materialism and radical individualism of this period have cost us dearly, imperiling our children, corroding general civility, and diminishing our happiness. However, in the voices of public figures and ordinary citizens he now hears a spirit of optimism. The national dialogue is shifting—away from the expansion of personal rights and toward enhancement of communal civility, away from efforts to raise self-esteem and toward attempts to arouse social responsibility, away from “whose values?” and toward “our values.” Myers analyzes in detail the research on educational and other programs that deal with social problems, explaining which seem to work and why. He then offers positive and well-reasoned advice, suggesting that a renewed social ecology for America will rest on policies that balance “me thinking” with “we thinking.”

"A call to action, an exhortation to hope, this book is clearly required reading for the concerned citizen." Choice "A remarkable book: combines the findings of social sciences with good sense, better yet - with keen moral judgment. Well written by an outstanding social psychologist." Amitai Etzioni, author of The Spirit of Community "A new millennium calls for a new vision of America. We have had enough blatant materialism, too much selfish sexism that makes a mockery of marriage and family. The American Paradox gives us such a new vision of America and we would do well to read it seriously. As the good book says: 'Without vision the people perish.' Theodore M. Hesburgh, President Emeritus, University of Notre Dame "The American Paradox will deepen family therapists' commitment to help families think through their relationship to the broader culture and make sound decisions about time and money, shopping and media." Mary Pipher, Networker

David G. Myers is John Dirk Werkman Professor of Psychology at Hope College.