Self-interest is an important human motive and this book explores its evolution in the United States and its consequences for politics, business, and personal relationships. In the postwar era American understandings of self-interest have moved away from Alexis de Tocqueville’s concept of “self-interest well-understood” – in which people recognize that their interests are served by the success of the community of which they are part – towards “individualism” – by which he meant narrow framing that often leads people to pursue their interests at the expense of the community. The book documents this evolution through qualitative and quantitative content analysis of presidential speeches, television sitcoms and popular music, before exploring its negative consequences for democracy. 

“Richard Ned Lebow provides an insightful reading of the way the rhetoric of self-interest has shifted across recent American history. In a wide ranging critical analysis, Lebow examines political and popular discourses to pursue the negative impact of unrestrained self-interest. This volume will be essential reading for any citizen concerned with the trajectory of American politics and culture.” (Professor Kendall Phillips, Syracuse University, USA) “Richard Ned Lebow provides an impressive analysis providing insight into the current state of political fragmentation and social polarization. He masterfully charts the transformation of America’s concept of self-interest based on the success of members of the community to individualism where all interests are self-interests without regard for others.  The age of psychological egoism where all interest is self-interest presents a clear danger to democracy.” (Professor Robert E. Denton, Virginia Tech, USA)

Explores underlying shifts in values and principles of justice to help account for political preferences Uses Tocqueville's notion of 'self-interest well-understood' to consider the political scene in the US Brings together empirical analysis of presidential speeches, sitcoms, and popular music with theoretical considerations of individualism

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