Suzanne Keller Boeken

Exploring the formation of human communities, this book delves into the aspirations for a good life amidst real-life challenges. Through a unique thirty-year case study of Twin Rivers, New Jersey's first planned unit development, it examines how shared spaces foster collective identity and mutual support in a society focused on individualism. The author poses timeless questions about community identity, shared goals, and the impact of design on social cohesion, highlighting both the obstacles faced and the strategies used to cultivate a sense of belonging.

The book explores the role of influential minorities throughout history, highlighting their impact on society. It examines the diverse reactions these elites provoke, such as respect, hostility, and envy, and emphasizes the significance of strategic elites in shaping social goals and maintaining order amid rapid change. By analyzing both historical and contemporary examples, the work sheds light on how these groups have navigated their influence and the complexities of their relationships with the broader society.

Using five key concepts (social structure, culture, power, functional integration and social action), this book aims to show the diversity of sociology, without presenting it as though it were divided by competing perspectives. This edition emphasizes cross-cultural understanding and global issues.