"Building on the foundation of his classic work, The Public Man, Glen Dealy delineates here a pervasive "caudillaje" attitude toward life that is common to the Catholic part of the Western Hemisphere. Focusing on certain constants of Latin America's civic life, he offers implicit and explicit juxtapositions to Protestant-capitalist society, arguing that Latin America is a dualistic society that clearly distinguishes public and private realms." "The book provides an exegesis of the Latin American mode of existence, illustrating the goals that are inherent in every Latin American's hope for deference and respect. Drawing on examples from everyday life, Dealy shows how behaviors that might seem curious to North Americans are quite rational within Latin Americans' own frame of reference. He also furnishes a thumbnail description of how and where these behavioral virtues may be learned and practiced to one's advantage." "In this provocative and fascinating study of thought, attitude, and behavior, Dr. Dealy illuminates Latin American exceptionalism. North Americans could learn much from Latin habits of private life, just as Latin Americans could profit from adapting some of our public institutions."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved