The Unmaking of American Citizenship: How Americans Learned Not to Love Their Country and What Can Be Done About It

This book explores the ideologies and educational and cultural trends that have alienated Americans from their own country and offers a guide to the restoration of American citizenship. The authors examine the genealogy of ideologies that are leading to a decline in American citizenship, illuminate educational and historical trends in both K-12 learning and higher education, and offer an even-handed critique of the role that various thinkers, activists, and decision-makers on both the Left and the Right have played in unravelling civic and political bonds. They go on to offer new ways of thinking about American citizenship, ways that are inclusive and inspirational and address the short-sightedness of both the Left and the Right. Applying the lens of political theory, political science, American political development, and institutionalism, this book will be of interest to students, educators, policy makers, and activists interested in citizenship and civic education.