It first defines the what and why of democracy, and then discusses the state of self-governance in politics and government, those areas we are usually referring to when we mention democracy. Recognizing that if we are to think of ourselves as democratic societies we cannot limit our focus to politics, the book goes on to examine a full range of our institutions and measures them as well. It analyzes the state of democracy in our workplaces, to many people the most important place of all. It takes a long look at that old comrade of power, wealth, and its affect on democracy through a range of our institutions, including economics, politics and the mass media. It examines change, technological and global, to see if it is helping or hindering. And finally, it looks at the fundamentals—education and equality—to see how well we are enabling ourselves for democracy.
The book evaluates the state of
democracy in Western society comprehensively, and where it finds
democracy lacking it prescribes as well as analyzes. It is not bound
by what might be immediately practical but adventurously advances
ideas that are worthy of at least hypothetical consideration. It does
not, in other words, bind us within our current limits and
prejudices.
The author does not analyze and
prescribe as an expert in political science but rather as a citizen
addressing his fellow citizens. As a confirmed democrat, he makes no
apology for a bias toward self-governance, for people freely deciding
together on their own fate.
The content is presented as independent
notes. The book may, therefore, be read satisfactorily from cover to
cover or just by picking and choosing areas of particular interest to
the reader. The book can be found in ebook formats at most online bookstores.
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