Viable Utopian Ideas: Shaping a Better World: Shaping a Better World

by Shostak,Art

• ISBN13: 9780765611055
• ISBN10: 0765611058
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781317452683
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2003-02-28
• Publisher: Routledge
• More Book Details

Summary

Utopias -- whether philosophical, literary, or actual experiments -- are attempts to solve all social problems. In the wake of the attack on the World Trade Center, unfolding corporate scandals, and other devastating shocks, it is natural to search for practical lessons in utopian literature. In this collection noted sociologists renew the call to develop an altruistic social order. They address a wide variety of topics as they look for viable utopian ideas that can be applied to today's society. Written in an engaging, jargon-free style, and directed to introductory sociology students as well as anyone concerned with social problems, the book provides both visionary ideals and insights for pragmatic decision-making as we venture into an uncertain future.

Author Biography

Arthur B. Shostak is professor of sociology at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and adjunct sociologist on the faculty of the National Labor Relations College at the AFL-CIO George Meany Center for Labor Studies in Silver Spring, Maryland

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Challenges-Personal in Nature

Challenges-Conceptual in Nature

Methods: Even Better Tools

Methods: Information Technology

Looking Inward

Looking Homeward

Schooling Possibilities

High-Schoolers on Utopia

Choices: Very Personal

Choices: Societal

Nation-Building Aids

The Big Picture: Global Transformation

Looking Forward

Drawing it Together - and Moving On

Epilogue. Getting On With It

Recommended Readings by Contributors and Allies

Recommended E-Mail Listserves and Websites

Books, Videos, and Web Sites of Contributors

Notes on the Editor and Contributors

Index

Books by the Editor

Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.