Citizen Speak
The Democratic Imagination in American Life
- Contents
- Review Quotes
- Awards

1. Citizenship, Creativity, and the Democratic Imagination
2. How Do Civic Organizations Mobilize?
3. Talking about Politics in Groups: What to Look for in Citizenship Discourse
4. Mistrust, Information, and Legitimation: Justifying Citizenship Decisions
5. Morality, Ideology, and Interest
6. Capacity and Expression: The Tactical Repertoire of Citizenship
7. Political Microcultures: The Structure of Political Talk
8. Conclusion: How to Use Civic Life to Build Citizenship
Appendix A. Methodology: How Associations Mobilize
Appendix B. Methodology: Focus Group Research
References
Index
“What a wonderful book! This original contribution to our understanding of political participation and discursive citizenship breaks new ground in its subject matter, methodology, and range of reference. Stretching our conceptions of mobilization and offering beautifully realized accounts of individuals in group settings, it illuminates questions fundamental to the study of culture, politics, and democracy.”--Ira Katznelson, Ruggles Professor of Political Science and History, Columbia University
“Citizen Speak improves our understanding of the conditions that foster active citizenship and the cultural conditions that lead citizens to be involved in politics. This book makes a convincing case that a focus on democratic imagination and talk can add crucial new dimensions to our conception of citizenship as it is practiced in today’s society.”--Michèle Lamont, professor of sociology, Harvard University
ASA Culture Section: Mary Douglas Prize
Honorable Mention
Anthropology: Cultural and Social Anthropology
Language and Linguistics: Anthropological/Sociological Aspects of Language
Political Science: Political Behavior and Public Opinion
Sociology: Social Change, Social Movements, Political Sociology
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