Author Description

The Politics Of Individualism Re-examines The Concept Of Individualism. While Both Political Scientists And Social Psychologists Agree That Individualism Is A Core Value For Many Americans, Political Science Has Primarily Associated The Concept With Views About Economic Activity. Political Theorists Tend To Focus On A Different Feature Of Individualism: The Idea Of The Autonomous Self As The Primary Arbiter Of Moral Choices. This Approach Emphasizes The Ways In Which The Self Resists The Claims Of Other Authorities Or Institutions. Building Upon Insights From Political Theory, The Book Introduces A Novel Measure Of Individualism Focused On This Concept Of Autonomy, Labeling It Moral Individualism. Empirical Analysis Validates The Measure And Shows That People Who Adhere To This Notion Of Autonomy Can Be Found Across The Political Spectrum. Chapters Also Explore The Political And Social Implications Of The Widespread Embrace Of This Concept. People Who Score High On The Moral Individualism Scale Express Distinct Views Of Core Values Like The American Dream And Are Less Likely To Commit To Civic Engagement Or Value Collective Efforts To Secure Public Goods. Moral Individualism Is Also Correlated With Patterns Of Social Engagement And With Attitudes About Marriage And Children. During The Pandemic, Moral Individualists Were Less Likely To Take Actions Meant To Secure The Public Health, Such As Wearing A Mask Or Being Vaccinated. In Light Of These Findings, The Book Assesses The Challenges That Moral Individualism May Pose To The Legitimacy Of Democratic Institutions And The Pursuit Of Common Goals-- Provided By Publisher.