The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character
The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2001
Book Brief
BetaThe Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2001307
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 1950s
2001
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character examines American social character post-World War II. The authors, David Riesman, Nathan Glazer, and Reuel Denney, explore three personality types—tradition-directed, inner-directed, and other-directed individuals—and how societal shifts influence these orientations, affecting personal and social relationships.
Informative
Contemplative
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
638 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character by David Riesman, Nathan Glazer, and Reuel Denney offers a seminal examination of American social dynamics, praised for its insightful analysis of conformity and individuality. However, some critics find its theories outdated, and its dense prose challenging. Overall, it's a landmark work in understanding cultural shifts.
Who Should Read The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character?
Readers interested in sociology, cultural shifts, and social psychology will enjoy The Lonely Crowd. Fans of works like Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam or The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich Hayek will appreciate its exploration of American societal changes and character evolution.
638 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Published in 1950, The Lonely Crowd quickly became one of the most influential sociological texts of the 20th century, exploring post-World War II American society's shifting dynamics.
The book's terminology—such as "inner-directed" and "other-directed"—became widely recognized and used to describe different personality types and social behaviors.
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Co-author David Riesman was recognized for his interdisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from sociology, psychology, and cultural studies in analyzing the American character.
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307
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 1950s
2001
Adult
18+ years
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