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Evolution of the Liberal Democratic State with a Case Study of Latinos in San Antonio, Texas
| Author: | Flores, Henry | |
| Year: | 2003 | |
| Pages: | 248 | |
| ISBN: | 0-7734-6674-6 978-0-7734-6674-6 | |
| Price: | $179.95 | |
CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title
This study addresses several unresolved questions concerning the theory of the state through the use of a nonlinear dynamical theoretical model. This model, sometimes referred to as ‘Chaos Theory,’ identifies the principal structural reasons for the state’s autonomy even though the state is a creation of the dynamical social relations of any given society. Most importantly, Chaos Theory is used to explore how and why the state evolves throughout history. Although the theoretical model is at the heart of this volume’s discussion, the evolution of the local state in San Antonio, Texas provides the case study for explication of the model. The effects of the state’s evolution on the social and political lives of Latinos highlight the case study.
This study addresses several unresolved questions concerning the theory of the state through the use of a nonlinear dynamical theoretical model. This model, sometimes referred to as ‘Chaos Theory,’ identifies the principal structural reasons for the state’s autonomy even though the state is a creation of the dynamical social relations of any given society. Most importantly, Chaos Theory is used to explore how and why the state evolves throughout history. Although the theoretical model is at the heart of this volume’s discussion, the evolution of the local state in San Antonio, Texas provides the case study for explication of the model. The effects of the state’s evolution on the social and political lives of Latinos highlight the case study.
Reviews
"Flores (St. Mary's University) shows a masterful command of the literature on the theory of the state in this example of outstanding scholarship. The most significant contribution of this volume is the application of chaos theory from the natural sciences, which creates a broad theoretical framework to better understand both theories of the state and Latino and American politics. In reminding readers of the paramount role of the nexus of the private and public sectors, associated impact of ideology, and the nature of a structured liberal democratic American state, Flores demonstrates, despite the seemingly dynamic and responsive nature of the state, why Latinos may very well continue to realize potentially overwhelming obstacles and resistance to full and real political participation in useful public policy development in the US. Very useful preface, index, and impressive bibliography. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, faculty, and policy makers." - CHOICE
“…Flores has written a book which asks you to think more deeply and more critically about what it means to be a citizen in the United States. Building on a careful review of contemporary urban social theory, and a detailed empirical analysis of San Antonio’s development policy and history, [this book] provides ample arguments and evidence to conclude that there is a great deal we do not know, and do not understand, about our own social, economic, and political realities. Beyond the many answers he provides, Professor Flores also offers the most important gift any political theorist can give to you, the reader: His book challenges you, and with its creative insights, prepares you, to ask all the right, critical questions about political democracy, social justice, and the obligations of informed citizenship.” – Professor Tony Affigne, Department of Political Science, Providence College
“…Flores has written a book which asks you to think more deeply and more critically about what it means to be a citizen in the United States. Building on a careful review of contemporary urban social theory, and a detailed empirical analysis of San Antonio’s development policy and history, [this book] provides ample arguments and evidence to conclude that there is a great deal we do not know, and do not understand, about our own social, economic, and political realities. Beyond the many answers he provides, Professor Flores also offers the most important gift any political theorist can give to you, the reader: His book challenges you, and with its creative insights, prepares you, to ask all the right, critical questions about political democracy, social justice, and the obligations of informed citizenship.” – Professor Tony Affigne, Department of Political Science, Providence College
Table of Contents
Table of Contents:
Preface; Introduction
1. The Theory of the Liberal Democratic State
2. The Structural Barriers of the Liberal Democratic State
3. Chaos Theory and the Evolution of the State
4. The Social-Political Inequality of Latinos and the State Structure: Economic Development in San Antonio Texas; Dynamical Nature of Political and Electoral Structures in San Antonio, Texas
5. A Dynamical Theory of the State and Latino Politics
Bibliography; Index
Preface; Introduction
1. The Theory of the Liberal Democratic State
2. The Structural Barriers of the Liberal Democratic State
3. Chaos Theory and the Evolution of the State
4. The Social-Political Inequality of Latinos and the State Structure: Economic Development in San Antonio Texas; Dynamical Nature of Political and Electoral Structures in San Antonio, Texas
5. A Dynamical Theory of the State and Latino Politics
Bibliography; Index