Habits of the Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American Life

Habits of the Heart is co-authored by Robert N. Bellah, Richard Madsen, William M. Sullivan, Ann Swidler, and Steven M. Tipton, each bringing a unique blend of sociological insight, historical perspective, and philosophical analysis to the exploration of American individualism and its implications for society. The collaboration among these scholars represents a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the interplay between individual autonomy and communal commitment in American life.

Robert Bellah, as the lead author, is particularly noteworthy for his contributions to the sociology of religion and his development of the concept of “civil religion” in America. Bellah’s concept of civil religion—an analysis of religious-like rituals and beliefs that are intrinsic to the American political culture—serves as an analytical tool for understanding how deeply intertwined religious and civic life are in the American context. His work suggests that there exists a set of beliefs, symbols, and rituals that constitute a religio-civic framework that Americans draw upon to make sense of their national identity, history, and purpose. This framework enables the authors to explore the societal implications of an increasingly privatized and individualized approach to religion, which, as illustrated through characters like Sheila Larson, highlights a broader cultural shift towards personal spirituality at the expense of traditional communal religious practices.