This book investigates the complex relationship between American national identity and the political implications of multiculturalism. Drawing on extensive research in social psychology and political science, David O. Sears examines how evolving demographic landscapes and the recognition of diverse cultural groups challenge traditional notions of what it means to be American. The work explores the psychological underpinnings of identity formation and the political attitudes that arise from these shifts.

This work is recognized as a significant contribution to the study of American identity and its intersection with multiculturalism. Scholars in political science and sociology often cite Sears's research for its rigorous empirical approach and its nuanced exploration of identity politics. The book is generally regarded as a foundational text for understanding contemporary debates on diversity and national belonging in the United States.