Free Spaces: The Sources of Democratic Change in America

This compelling study argues that community life, in one form or another, has been a crucial factor in attempts by ordinary Americans to seek democratic change. The authors show how ""free spaces''voluntary associations from social clubs to civic, ethnic and reform groupshave fostered democratic action and ``schooling'' in both citizenship and the common good throughout U.S. history. Focusing on the major movements for social change involving blacks, women and labor, they examine such issues as the role of black churches in the civil rights struggle, and the part played by ethnic communities in the fight to organize labor. The authors' fresh view of communities, so often seen as bulwarks of the status quo, makes this a valuable vantage on democracy and the common citizen. Evans wrote Personal Politics; Boyte's books include The Backyard Revolution. (March 5)