G. William Domhoff

"The Scientific Study of Dreams: Neural Networks, Cognitive Development and Content Analysis presents a new neurocognitive model of dreams that draws from empirical research to explain the process of dreaming and the nature of dream content. Until now, dream studies have been limited in their usefulness, but recent advances in neuroscience, dream content analysis cognitive linguistics, statistics, and computer software have made it possible to revitalize this area of research with the use of scientific methods."--BOOK JACKET.

"This text is an invaluable tool for teaching students about how power operates in U.S. society. Its author argues that the owners and top-level managers in large income-producing properties are far and away the dominant figures in the U.S. Their corporations, banks, and agribusinesses dominate the federal government in Washington, while their real estate, construction, and land development companies dominate most local governments. By providing empirical evidence for his argument, William C. Domhoff encourages students to think critically about the power structure in American society and its implications for our democracy."--Jacket.

With a deft combination of data and telling anecdotes, Richard Zweigenhaft and G. William Domhoff show that women and minorities have made inroads into the power elite, although the overwhelming majority at the top continues to be white, wealthy, Christian, and male. The authors find - and explain the reasons for - striking differences in the representation of these various minorities in the power elite. They also examine how the presence of women and minorities affects the elite group itself.

"This volume presents a network of social power, indicating that theories inspired by C. Wright Mills are far more accurate views about power in America than those of Mills's opponents. Dr. Domhoff shows how and why coalitions within the power elite have involved themselves in such policy issues as the Social Security Act (1935) and the Employment Act (1946), and how the National Labor Relations Act (1935) could pass against the opposition of every major corporation. The book descri bes how experts worked closely with the power elite in shaping the plansfor a post-World War II world economic order, in good part realized during the past 30 years. Arguments are advanced that the fat cats who support the Democrats cannot be understood in terms of narrow self-interest, and that moderate conservatives dominated policy-making under Reagan."--Provided by publisher

The author is convinced that there is a ruling class in America today. He examines the American power structure as it has developed in the 1980s. He presents systematic, empirical evidence that a fixed group of privileged people dominates the American economy and government. The book demonstrates that an upper class comprising only one-half of one percent of the population occupies key positions within the corporate community. It shows how leaders within this "power elite" reach government and dominate it through processes of special-interest lobbying, policy planning and candidate selection. It is written not to promote any political ideology, but to analyze our society with accuracy.

"This book reveals how campaigns by Nader and other third-party progressives have been misguided. Unlike most other democracies, specific principles built into the American electoral system doom third-party candidacies for the presidency and other offices. Domhoff's narrative explains why this is the case. He then presents a new way for progressives to enter the political arena without compromising their basic values or their emphasis on participation in social movements. He shows how "planning through the market" holds more potential for freedom and fairness than centrally planned economies. He also shows how progressives can redefine "who is us" and "who is them" in a way that is more inclusive, allowing people across the class spectrum to support a renewed egalitarian vision."--Jacket.