The Politics of Individualism
Individualism is a quintessential American value, manifesting in emphases on hard work and economic independence. But there is another key aspect to individualism: moral autonomy, which must be understood in the context of an individual's relationship to authority.

The Politics of Individualism emphasizes the importance of moral autonomy by examining the relationship between autonomy, the self, and institutions. Political scientists Christopher F. Karpowitz and Kelly D. Patterson examine the conceptual dimensions of individualism, introduce a new empirical measure they call "moral individualism," and evaluate its relationship to civic life. Their analysis shows that people who score highly on the moral individualism scale are less likely to commit to public goods and to engage in collective efforts to alleviate common problems—like a pandemic. In light of this finding, Karpowitz and Patterson assess the danger that moral individualism may pose to the maintenance of democratic institutions and the common goals and beliefs that help bind a nation together.
1147320710
The Politics of Individualism
Individualism is a quintessential American value, manifesting in emphases on hard work and economic independence. But there is another key aspect to individualism: moral autonomy, which must be understood in the context of an individual's relationship to authority.

The Politics of Individualism emphasizes the importance of moral autonomy by examining the relationship between autonomy, the self, and institutions. Political scientists Christopher F. Karpowitz and Kelly D. Patterson examine the conceptual dimensions of individualism, introduce a new empirical measure they call "moral individualism," and evaluate its relationship to civic life. Their analysis shows that people who score highly on the moral individualism scale are less likely to commit to public goods and to engage in collective efforts to alleviate common problems—like a pandemic. In light of this finding, Karpowitz and Patterson assess the danger that moral individualism may pose to the maintenance of democratic institutions and the common goals and beliefs that help bind a nation together.
110.0 Pre Order
The Politics of Individualism

The Politics of Individualism

The Politics of Individualism

The Politics of Individualism

Hardcover

$110.00 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Available for Pre-Order. This item will be released on October 3, 2025

Related collections and offers


Overview

Individualism is a quintessential American value, manifesting in emphases on hard work and economic independence. But there is another key aspect to individualism: moral autonomy, which must be understood in the context of an individual's relationship to authority.

The Politics of Individualism emphasizes the importance of moral autonomy by examining the relationship between autonomy, the self, and institutions. Political scientists Christopher F. Karpowitz and Kelly D. Patterson examine the conceptual dimensions of individualism, introduce a new empirical measure they call "moral individualism," and evaluate its relationship to civic life. Their analysis shows that people who score highly on the moral individualism scale are less likely to commit to public goods and to engage in collective efforts to alleviate common problems—like a pandemic. In light of this finding, Karpowitz and Patterson assess the danger that moral individualism may pose to the maintenance of democratic institutions and the common goals and beliefs that help bind a nation together.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780197814444
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication date: 10/03/2025
Pages: 328
Product dimensions: 6.50(w) x 1.50(h) x 9.50(d)

About the Author

Christopher F. Karpowitz is a professor of political science at Brigham Young University. He was director of the Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy at BYU. He is currently a co-editor of Political Behavior. He received his Ph.D. from Princeton University.

Kelly D. Patterson is a professor of political science at Brigham Young University. He has served as department chair, Director of the Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy at BYU, and as an associate dean in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences. He received his Ph.D. from Columbia University.

Table of Contents

1. Individualism in American Politics2. Individualism and the Question of the Self3. Measuring Individualism as Moral Autonomy4. Moral Individualism and the Demands of a Pandemic5. Moral Individualism in the Public and Private Spheres6. Conclusion: Whither the Republic?
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews