Part I: Introduction
Chapter 1: The Political Theory of the New Deal 3
Chapter 2: The Evolution of Reform: Populist and Progressive
Forebears
Part II: Ends
Chapter 3: “Necessary First Lessons”: The Preconditions of the
Welfare State
Chapter 4: “That Broader Definition of Liberty:” The Social
Contract of the New Deal
Part III: Means
Chapter 5: “All Armed Prophets Have Conquered”: The New Deal’s
Theory of Agency
Chapter 6: The Third New Deal: The Institutional Context of
Reform
Part IV: Conclusion
Chapter 7: “A Living and Growing Thing:” Appropriating New Deal
Liberalism
Brian Stipelman teaches American politics and political theory at Dowling College.
[This is a] unique work in the field that will garner much praise
from scholars in political science, political theory, and history.
. . . [Stipelman] presents a fresh, vigorous analysis of the
theoretical and political underpinnings of the New Deal and
assesses not only its roots and successes, but also its continued
relevance for contemporary politics, policy, and theory. For
far too long, scholarship on the New Deal has been almost
exclusively the domain of historians and historically-oriented
political scientists. This study offers something unique and bold:
a study of the political theory of the New Deal conceived not in
abstract terms, but in terms of real politics while offering a
compelling argument for the continued relevance of the theory of
the New Deal for contemporary politics and political thought.
Although the author focuses upon a set of thinkers—specifically
Franklin Roosevelt, Henry Wallace, Thurman Arnold, and Eleanor
Roosevelt—he escapes the typical trap of biography and the
reduction of the New Deal to individual thinkers alone. This is an
important, and timely work.
*Michael J. Thompson, William Paterson University*
An important book for both citizens and scholars. Brian Stipelman
explores the meaning of the New Deal—as political theory, as
political practice, and as a story to be understood and passed on.
His meticulous scholarship offers us a powerful new understanding
of the New Deal. His engaging conclusions offer us a fresh way to
think about politics—and about liberalism in America. Bold, fresh,
elegant, thoughtful, wise, and highly recommended.
*Brown University, James A. Morone, Brown University*
Historians and political scientists largely have viewed the New
Deal as an almost purely political project. While a few historians
and scholars of American political development have outlined a
political theory of the New Deal, Stipelman (Dowling College)
offers what is likely the first book-length study that takes
seriously the ideas of New Deal Democrats. The author focuses on
four key figures: Franklin Delano Roosevelt; his wife, Eleanor; his
key aide (and eventual vice president), Henry A. Wallace; and the
legal scholar and practitioner Thurman Arnold. Going beyond these
thinkers' ideas about state intervention and institution building,
Stipelman articulates the key assumptions about economics, liberty
and happiness, and class structure that underlie their political
thought. Some scholars may disagree with the author's emphasis on
particular aspects of New Deal theory, such as the choice of
consumerism as the basis of happiness and security. But even
critical readers will appreciate this fine volume for its role in
starting the conversation. Summing Up: Highly recommended.
*CHOICE*
Ask a Question About this Product More... |