Responsible citizens are expected to combine ethical judgement with judiciously exercised social activism to preserve the moral foundation of democratic society and prevent political injustice. But do they? Utilizing a research model integrating insights from rational choice theory and cognitive developmental psychology this book, first published in 1997, carefully explores three exemplary cases of morally inspired activism: Jewish rescue in wartime Europe, abortion politics in the United States, and peace and settler activism in Israel. From all three analyses a single conclusion emerges: the most politically competent individuals are, most often, the least morally competent. This is the central paradox of political morality. These findings cast doubt on strong models of political morality characterized by enlightened moral reasoning and concerted political action while affirming alternative weak models that fuse activism with sectarian moral interests. They provide empirical support to further upend the liberal vision of democratic character, education, and society.

This book, first published in 1997, explores social activism, emphasizing the competitive, parochial nature of morally inspired activism.
Reviews
"The cognitive epistemological approach provides a coherent explanation of individual-level reasoning and its link to preference formation..." Richard W. Wilson, World Politics
"Gross engages in a rich application of theoretical principles to empirical data....[He] melds the psychologies of cognitive development and collective action into an integrated research model and then applies this model to the rescue of Jews in wartime France and Holland, to pro-life and pro-choice abortion activism in the US, and to the Gush Emunium and Peace Now moevements in Israel." Choice
"This book will appeal to those who are already convinced by rational choice theory." Stjepan G. Mestrovic, Contemporay Sociology



Book Information
ISBN 9780521580977
Author Michael L. Gross
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 640g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 22mm