George Lundskow

Building critically from the work of Erich Fromm, who argued that societies based on class domination foster aggressive personalities and normalize pathology, this unique book envisions spiritual-intellectual-emotional unity to promote a living experience of fulfilling and productive social relations. Visions of a Sane Society posits that the familiar left versus right political spectrum concept is long-outdated, and that the political and cultural battles of today are between those who support a common humanity and shared prosperity, and those who seek self-aggrandizement and personal gratification. Based on contemporary research and psychodynamic theory, this work develops Fromm’s concept of the sane society to show the adverse emotional and intellectual consequences of alienated labor lead to authoritarianism and consumerism and that, in order to save the world from fascism and ecosystem collapse, the progressive side must succeed to unite diverse activist groups, overthrow the old hierarchies, and establish a society with ideals of democracy and equality. Fromm’s vision of a postcapitalist society would necessarily overcome the alienation inherent to capitalism, requiring not simply a change in the economic system through a humanistic socialism, but a fundamental change in the very nature of social character which would be an egalitarian democratic society of caring, sharing, of people living in harmony with each other, and with Nature. This book is an important and vital resource for students and instructors in sociology, social theory, political sociology, social psychology, and political science, as well as activists, organizers, and community workers who want to understand contemporary social dynamics and the way toward a healthy and sustainable society for all.

Building critically from the work of Erich Fromm, who argued that societies based on class domination foster aggressive personalities and normalize pathology, this unique book envisions spiritual-intellectual-emotional unity to promote a living experience of fulfilling and productive social relations. Visions of a Sane Society posits that the familiar left versus right political spectrum concept is long-outdated, and that the political and cultural battles of today are between those who support a common humanity and shared prosperity, and those who seek self-aggrandizement and personal gratification. Based on contemporary research and psychodynamic theory, this work develops Fromm’s concept of the sane society to show the adverse emotional and intellectual consequences of alienated labor lead to authoritarianism and consumerism and that, in order to save the world from fascism and ecosystem collapse, the progressive side must succeed to unite diverse activist groups, overthrow the old hierarchies, and establish a society with ideals of democracy and equality. Fromm’s vision of a postcapitalist society would necessarily overcome the alienation inherent to capitalism, requiring not simply a change in the economic system through a humanistic socialism, but a fundamental change in the very nature of social character which would be an egalitarian democratic society of caring, sharing, of people living in harmony with each other, and with Nature. This book is an important and vital resource for students and instructors in sociology, social theory, political sociology, social psychology, and political science, as well as activists, organizers, and community workers who want to understand contemporary social dynamics and the way toward a healthy and sustainable society for all.

This book applies the most recent research in social psychology to decisive historical events that arguably built white supremacy as a cultural force, institutional system, and dominant social character. Simultaneously, the discussion considers the progressive counter-forces that have and continue to challenge white supremacy, and how this dialectical battle has brought the United States to the polarizations of the present day. The book builds a four-part argument. First, it considers the origins of white supremacy in the United States, and how some people uphold it today. Second, it discusses personality types that find white supremacy appealing. Third, it lays out the sociohistorical patterns that promoted white supremacy, rewarded people who practiced it, and created generations of people who find meaning and comfort in racist, misogynist, and heteronormative domination. Fourth, it discusses the social counterforces that challenge white supremacy and links these to personality types as well. Overall, the book examines how social character correlates with differing personality types, resulting in very different social movements, cultural expressions, political activities, and daily interactions.

Q-Anon and Other Replacement Realities: How Religious Emotion Threatens Free Society but Can Also Contribute to a Progressive Future examines the historical and theological origins and the social-psychological effects of American conspiracy fantasies that Q-Anon and other right-wing beliefs foster. The authors argue that as progressive social change moves groups of people and the natural world from the margins to the mainstream, this inclusiveness “threat” mobilizes reactionary forces that embrace wild fantasies of Satanic sacrifice, Jewish global control, racial replacement, communism, cannibalism, pedophilia, orgies of rape and murder, and manipulations to steal elections and enslave the “normal” white population. To counter such gratifying myths, and replace violence with mutually reinforcing social interaction, the authors challenge the rhetoric that abuses power. The book maps out an alternative to destructive, hateful, polarizing, and conspiratorial discourse, with new more life-giving rational, emotional, and spiritual orientations. The authors hope this will move American society towards a new collective national identity, based on inclusiveness and equality, around a social character defined by compassion, gratitude, reverence, and love.

From a small group of devout Puritan settlers, the USA ultimately became the richest, most powerful Empire in the history of the world. Yet it is now in a process of implosion and decay. This book, inspired by Frankfurt School Critical Theory, offers a unique historical, cultural and characterological analysis of American national character and its underlying psychodynamics.

Using a lively narrative, The Sociology of Religion is an insightful text that investigates the facts of religion in all its great diversity, including its practices and beliefs, and then analyzes actual examples of religious developments using relevant conceptual frameworks. As a result, students actively engage in the discovery, learning, and analytical processes as they progress through the text. Organized around essential topics and real-life issues, this unique text examines religion both as an object of sociological analysis as well as a device for seeking personal meaning in life. The book provides sociological perspectives on religion while introducing students to relevant research from interdisciplinary scholarship. Sidebar features and photographs of religious figures bring the text to life for readers. Key FeaturesUses substantive and truly contemporary real-life religious issues of current interest to engage the reader in a way few other texts do Combines theory with empirical examples drawn from the United States and around the world, emphasizing a critical and analytical perspective that encourages better understanding of the material presented Features discussions of emergent religions, consumerism, and the link between religion, sports, and other forms of popular culture Draws upon interdisciplinary literature, helping students appreciate the contributions of other disciplines while primarily developing an understanding of the sociology of religion Accompanied by High-Quality Ancillaries! Instructor Resources on CD contain chapter outlines, summaries, multiple-choice questions, essay questions, and short answer questions as well as illustrations from the book. CIntended AudienceThis core text is designed for upper-level undergraduate students of Sociology of Religion or Religion and Politics.