“American Exceptionalism”—On What End of the Continuum?

Authors

Assem Hasnain, University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill
Josh King, University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill
Judith Blau, University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill

Keywords

Exceptionalism, Human Rights, Comparative Study of Societies

Abstract

This paper draws from global understandings about Human Rights, recasting them in terms of a sociological conception of the dimensions of a Decent Society. We pose our questions within the framework of American Exceptionalism, because the assumptions that underlie that term have never been empirically examined. Can we conclude on the basis of this analysis that America, when compared with other countries, advances human rights? No. Can we conclude on the basis of this analysis that America, when compared with other countries, is a Decent Society? No. Can we conclude on the basis of this empirical analysis that America, when compared with other countries, is Exceptional? Destined to promoting liberties and freedoms around the world? No.

Recommended Citation

Hasnain, Assem, Josh King & Judith Blau. 2012. "“American Exceptionalism”—On What End of the Continuum?." Societies Without Borders 7 (3): 326-340.
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/swb/vol7/iss3/3