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"Party Families and Political Ideologies" published on by Oxford University Press.

As traditional ideologies evolve -- going through the process of breaking down & regrouping -- new ideologies (such as green perspectives) have emerged, illustrating the similarities that exist among all political ideologies. Though many have argued that "liberalism" has become the dominant political ideology of the 20th century, it must be remembered that conservatism, feminism, & nationalism remain strong. Meanwhile, recent ideologies such as postmodernism & poststructuralism dominate contemporary thought. This scenario leads to four conclusions: (1) Disillusionment with the state may cause conflict between ideology & the nation-state; however, nationalisms will continue to occupy a central position among ideologies. (2) The difference between "full" & "thin" ideologies has become more apparent. (3) Though essential, political ideologies have become more fragmented. (4) It is evident that ideologies can take on a variety of cultural forms, which are apparent in contemporary advertising, literature, & film. K. Larsen

The present-day relevance of Alexis de Toqueville's 1830s notion of "American exceptionalism" is evaluated, particularly its application to explanations of the weakness of working-class radicalism & class awareness in the US. It is concluded that the rigid class stratification & consequent political cleavages of advanced industrial, but formerly feudal, countries are becoming increasingly similar to the US system, with its weaker status structure & lack of a feudal history. Reasons why the US is exceptional in never having developed a significant socialist movement or labor party are examined from Marxist & other perspectives, & comparisons made with the European political party structure, particularly in terms of its close links with economic & class structures. It is concluded that the US is no longer as exceptional politically as it was at the time of Toqueville's analysis. 85 References. K. Hyatt Stewart

The present-day relevance of Alexis de Toqueville's 1830s notion of "American exceptionalism" is evaluated, particularly its application to explanations of the weakness of working-class radicalism & class awareness in the US. It is concluded that the rigid class stratification & consequent political cleavages of advanced industrial, but formerly feudal, countries are becoming increasingly similar to the US system, with its weaker status structure & lack of a feudal history. Reasons why the US is exceptional in never having developed a significant socialist movement or labor party are examined from Marxist & other perspectives, & comparisons made with the European political party structure, particularly in terms of its close links with economic & class structures. It is concluded that the US is no longer as exceptional politically as it was at the time of Toqueville's analysis. 85 References. K. Hyatt Stewart