| The dissertation explores the relationship between diverse traditions and groups and modern, liberal principles in the United States. Certain organizations can combine traditional notions of authority and community with the individualist and plural values of American society, and they are more likely to bridge social differences and to attract new generations of practitioners than either strictly liberal or traditional organizations. Secondly, the creative syntheses of traditional and liberal principles are more likely with "outsider" institutions, such as Asian-style martial arts, which are less connected to historic domestic cleavages.; The dissertation assesses key propositions with fieldwork on organizations associated with Korean-Americans and American Protestants, and an analysis of race and religion in the 1972--1998 General Social Survey. Many karate schools creatively combine the collectivist traditions of older immigrants with the individualist, plural mores of American society. Similarly, many Christian churches combine authoritative tradition with interracial outreach. Finally, karate organizations (e.g. Fitzpatrick's Tang Soo Do) are more likely than Christian groups (e.g. ICC, Mormons) to interact with the wide range of plural institutions, from colleges to parks. |
