Events » Revisiting American Exceptionalism: Inequality, Cultural Politics and Power in Historical and Comparative Perspective
Dr. Gregg Olsen
The idea of ‘American exceptionalism’ has long been a prominent theme in sociological and political research, underscoring the US’ distinctly different origins and character from tradition-bound, hierarchical European nations steeped in feudalism. Research has consistently highlighted other manifestations of American exceptionalism as well, including: higher rates of many forms of inequality, a greater antipathy to the state and most forms of collectivism and, relatedly, a relatively weak labor movement. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, workers in many European nations built sturdy labor confederations and related parties, allowing for the introduction of policies and legislation that fostered solidarity, provided greater supports, and markedly reduced inequality. Facing different political, social and economic conditions, and without the same associational and power resources, the US working class embraced a range of political and cultural expressions to defend itself and promote its interests, setting the stage for the contemporary period.
