Inert America Book Summary

I've received about 4 rejection notices from the agents I contacted. Although not fun, it's part of the process. I only need one yes. I thought it would be good for readers to get a complete overview of the book. This was part of my proposal, but I felt that it was unnecessary and took it out.

Book Synopsis

The first three chapters of this book are designed to orient the reader and shift their thinking from a 20th century industrial society paradigm to a 21st century information society paradigm. In chapter 1, the reader is presented with a thorough discussion of major issues affecting America today with an emphasis on the social, political and economic forces that are impacting the issues in five key areas – the economy, politics and government, the legal system, education, and health care. Chapter 2 discusses these major areas by comparing and contrasting these issues from both the perspectives of a social problem and social change. The main purpose of this chapter is to properly classify issues and conditions as either a social problem or social change – the two are not the synonymous. And in Chapter 3, readers are provided with a complete discussion of the transition from industrial society to the information society by focusing on issues of production and consumption as related to the information society paradigm.

The next section encompasses chapters 4 – 8. Chapter 4 introduces the concept of the digital self by focusing on American citizens whose social lives are now digitized in every aspect -- work, leisure, daily living. Chapter 5 explores the impact of an informatizationalized society on government and what that means for a democracy in the 21st century. Chapter 6 deals specifically with the intersection of business and government in the 21st century America to illustrate how a new political economy is created in a 21st century information society. Chapter 7 explains America’s place and role in the global economy and globalization by examining the two competing models of globalization -- industrialization vs. informatization. Chapter 8 continues by providing a through case study of the institution of public education in America by examining the social, political and economic forces driving it with an emphasis on the role of education in a 21st century information society.

Finally, chapter 9 discusses two possible outcomes for America in the 21st century by presenting social, economic and political implications of certain decisions and how they can lead to a future where the average American either lives in poverty or in prosperity. The last chapter of the books outlines the 7 major challenges for America over the next decade. America’s response to these challenges will dictate which future the next generation of Americans will encounter.

Stay tuned.

Gary