Active Society by Amitai Etzioni (1968-03-01)

Amitai Etzioni

Amitai Etzioni's The Active Society Amitai Etzioni's The Active Society is a cornerstone in the field of communitarianism, offering a critique of both liberal individualism and totalitarian collectivism. It proposes a third way: a society that balances individual liberty with communal responsibility. Key Ideas: Critique of Liberalism and Collectivism: Etzioni argues that both liberal individualism, which prioritizes individual rights over communal obligations, and totalitarian collectivism, which subordinates the individual to the state, are flawed ideologies. The Active Society: Etzioni proposes a society that is characterized by a balance between individual freedom and communal responsibility. This society would foster a sense of community, civic engagement, and shared values. Community as a Moral Imperative: Etzioni emphasizes the importance of community in shaping...