This comprehensive survey of Arab society, culture, and political life draws on a unique blend of field research and literary and qualitative analysis. Particularly helpful is the authors ability to link historical issues of social diversity and integration with the contemporary imperative to buide a new civil society characterized by broad-based political participation of all Arabs.

Social and political integration : alternative visions of the future -- Arab society : basic characteristic features -- Arab identity : e pluribus unum -- The continuity of old cleavages : tribe, village, city -- Social classes : beyond the mosaic model -- The Arab family and the challenge of change -- Religion in society -- Arab politics : its social context -- National character and value orientations -- Creative expression : society and literary orientations -- Arab thought : problems of renewal, modernity, and transformation.