This book analyzes the complex relationship between human rights and liberalism as two different worldviews, and how American liberalism impedes the recognition of human rights. In order to achieve democratic, equitable, and sustainable societies, people need to be accorded fundamental human rights and to grant these rights to others.

Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Liberalism Chapter 3 Human Rights Chapter 4 Bread and Circuses Chapter 5 Inequalities and Global Capitalism Chapter 6 Strong State, Minimalist Society Chapter 7 Rights and Duties Chapter 8 Another World Is Possible

Judith Blau is professor of sociology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and president of the U.S. chapter of Sociologists without Borders. She is the author or editor of numerous books, including The Shape of Culture, Race in the Schools, and The Blackwell Companion to Sociology, and is currently the editor of Social Forces. Alberto Moncada is professor of sociology at the University of Madrid and president of Sociologists without Borders. He is founder of the University of Piura, Peru and its first Prorector and has served as consultant to UNESCO and the Council of Europe. Moncada is the author of over 30 books on migration, sociology of education, sociology of religion, and the media.