The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy

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The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy

By: Christopher Lasch

Narrated by: David de Vries

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About this listen

In this challenging work, Christopher Lasch makes an accessible critique of what is wrong with the values and beliefs of America's professional and managerial elites. The distinguished historian argues that democracy today is threatened not by the masses, as Jose Ortega y Gasset (The Revolt of the Masses) had said, but by the elites. These elites - mobile and increasingly global in outlook - refuse to accept limits or ties to nation and place. As they isolate themselves in their networks and enclaves, they abandon the middle class, divide the nation, and betray the idea of a democracy for all America's citizens. This is Lasch's clarion call for a return to the virtues of community, responsibility, and religion.

Political Science

Politics & Government

Social Classes & Economic Disparity

Sociology

United States

World

Socialism

Capitalism

Liberalism

Middle Class

Economic disparity

Social justice

Economic Inequality

Discrimination

Equality

Taxation

Human Rights

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Critic reviews

"Lasch is so pithy and cogent that he produces the kind of book that makes you want to corner friends and read it aloud to them." ( Booklist)

Most relevant

Surprisingly prophetic on the broad societal trends that developed in the years after publication of this book. Some valuable thoughts into the underpinnings of democracy. The mythological perspective on religion at the end is not particularly strong.