Book Author
This multidisciplinary study examines the dynamics of group anger across history and modern society. Editors Susan C. Cloninger and Steven A. Leibo explore the origins, media influences, and potential resolutions for collective social conflict.
Understanding Angry Groups is a thought-provoking examination of the motivations behind group behavior and its lasting effects on global society. From climate activists to militia groups, this text dives into the causes of civil unrest that shape our government, politics, and daily lives.
The book studies the human spirit through a biological, psychological, and social lens. It identifies the specific manifestation of disrespect, discontent, and disconnection that lead to the emotional pain fueling today’s most visible social movements.
This compilation doesn’t just focus on the news; it looks at how anger is delivered and perceived through various cultural and historical filters:
Literary & Cinematic Analysis: Explores anger as depicted in the Bible, the world of Harry Potter, and international cinema.
Historical Contexts: Analyzes the “Angry Exile” groups following the French and Russian Revolutions.
Modern Political Extremism: Investigates the extreme right and neo-Nazism in the post-war United States, as well as the institutionalization of political anger during the Affordable Care Act era.
Global Conflict Case Studies: Detailed academic insights into the crisis of capitalism in Greece, the Niger Delta conflict, political action in Iran, and the evolution of the Tibetan independence movement.
Beyond merely identifying problems, this work provides readers with an understanding of origins and dynamics that offer insights into successful conflict resolution.
Predictive Insights: Offers suggestions for predicting and influencing the expression of angry group behavior.
Suffering Reduction: Identifies strategies specifically designed to reduce the human and financial suffering that stems from these conflicts.
Channeling Energy: Provides a roadmap for channeling negative collective energy into positive societal outcomes.
Edited by Susan C. Cloninger, an expert in the theories of personality, and Steven A. Leibo, a specialist in international history and politics, the text features contributions from a wide array of scholars. It draws on expertise from neuroscience, sociology, and political science to make complex societal issues accessible to any interested reader.
“This book does an excellent job of combining insights… to explain the phenomena of past and current group behavior and philosophy both nationally and globally.” — Library Journal
“This text promises a multidisciplinary perspective and doesn’t disappoint… I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the study of the human spirit.” — Shelley L. Reppel, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
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