{"title":"Anthony J. Spires","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnthony J. Spires\u003c\/strong\u003e offers insightful explorations into the dynamics of political engagement and public decision-making. His work, such as \u003cem\u003eEveryday Democracy\u003c\/em\u003e, delves into how democratic practices unfold in daily life, blending academic rigour with accessible analysis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders interested in contemporary political thought and the mechanisms that sustain democratic societies will find Spires' writings thought-provoking and illuminating. His approach emphasises the active role of citizens and institutions in shaping political realities today.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"everyday-democracy-by-anthony-j-spires-9780231211512","title":"Everyday Democracy","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottom-up voluntary associations, it is commonly thought, are among the fundamental building blocks of democracy, preparing people for engaged citizenship. A great deal of interest in Chinese civil society is premised on the idea that such groups might foster the emergence of democracy. But in a society where virtually all major institutions—from schools to workplaces to government—bear the deep imprint of authoritarian rule, can voluntary associations still spur social and political change?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEveryday Democracy\u003c\/em\u003e is a groundbreaking study of bottom-up organizations in China, arguing that even in an authoritarian state, they nurture the skills and habits of democracy. Anthony J. Spires offers an in-depth look at two youth-based, youth-led volunteer groups, showing how their values and practices point the way toward the emergence of new, more democratic forms of association.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn mainstream Chinese organisational life, even in grassroots civil society groups, hierarchy and autocracy are pervasive. In these groups, however, ideals of equality, mutual respect, and dignity have motivated young people to invent new practices and norms that contrast greatly with typical top-down organisational culture. Drawing on more than a decade of field-based research with a diverse array of participants, \u003cem\u003eEveryday Democracy\u003c\/em\u003e pinpoints the seeds of a democratic culture inside an authoritarian regime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47406337163500,"sku":"9780231211512","price":66.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/511D7GlzN3L.jpg?v=1773962739"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/anthony-j-spires.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}