HKS Authors

See citation below for complete author information.

Abstract

The Performance of Politics is replete with sociological insights. Yet, potential readers may ask why do we need another book on Obama’s political campaign? Jeffrey C. Alexander’s succinct answer is that his book is “different from other ‘campaign books’ in ways that are more likely to stand the test of time” (p. xi). I could not agree more. Representing a study of politics through the lens of cultural sociology, Alexander presents original theoretical arguments on the democratic struggle for power in America, and in the process provides a new explanation for Obama’s historic victory.

Citation

Wilson, William Julius. "The Importance of Performance in Obama’s Victory." Review of The Performance of Politics: Obama’s Victory and the Democratic Struggle for Power, by Jeffrey C. Alexander. Contemporary Sociology: A Journal of Reviews, 40.6, November 2011: 668-672.