Showing papers on "Contemporary society published in 1976"

Traditional Religion in Contemporary Society: A Theory of Local-Cosmopolitan Plausibility

Abstract: Sociological theories of religion typically presuppose a religiously-based nqimative order, and for this reason their appropriateness in a modern, secular society is questionable A localcosmopolitan theory is proposed which attempts to identify an important "plausibility structure" for traditional, church-type religion today. Analysis of data from a sample of Worth Carolina Episcopalians shows that this theory not only explains multidimensional religiosity patterns, but also provides a parsimonious interpretation for the effects of education and community size. Implications for the changing social basis of church religion in modern society and the process of secularization are discussed.

Hannah Arendt's Political Philosophy: An Interpretation

Abstract: In recent years the question of the feasibility and importance of participatory forms of government has been increasingly debated. Academicians, students, workers, poverty groups, party members, and environmental action groups have demanded greater participation in decision-making. They have concluded that civic involvement is the answer to what they characterize as the malaise of contemporary society: loss of governmental authority, feelings of powerlessness, overcentralization and bureaucratic manipulation, and inauthenticity.This emphasis on participation is the dominant theme in Hannah Arendt's political philosophy. Arendt argues that a truly human life must have a public dimension to it. In many respects, though, her political thought in general, and her case for participation in particular, are distinctively different from others who also favor greater citizen involvement.

Next Week--East Lynne: Domestic Drama in Performance, 1820-1874

Abstract: Examines plot, character, setting, and spectacle, viewing the plays in performance. Discusses the importance of costume, makeup, gesture, and audience participation, and relates the subject matter of the plays to contemporary society, especially as it reflected England's change from a semi-feudal to an increasingly democratic society. Illustrated.

Social Patterns and Norms in Lebanon and the United States

Abstract: This study reports selected respondents' views of the norms and patterns generally present in the contemporary societies of Lebanon and the U.S.A. Employing an instrument initially developed by Miller in the comparison of Ibero-Latin-American societies with those of the Anglo-American culture complex, it is possible to compare judgments of Lebanon and the U.S.A. on a number of characteristics, to consider indications of recent changes in American society, and to observe several interesting similarities between Lebanon and other societies which share in the tradition of the circum Mediterranean culture area.

Law and Justice at the University of Massachusetts at Boston.

Abstract: The Law and Justice Program, begun in 1973-1974, represented a major step in the evolution of the curriculum of College I a liberal arts college at the University of Massachusetts at Boston attempting to develop new interdisciplinary programs in institutional and area studies. These programs, it was hoped, would bring together the Humanities and the Social Sciences, would bring to bear the conceptual concerns of the liberal arts on important problems of contemporary society, and would combine the traditional academic interest in intellectual breadth with the interest of many students in programs relevant to their possible careers.