Description
Book SynopsisThis engaging reader asks provocative questions about the issues around social problems, allowing students to see the topic from a wide range of perspectives and to think critically about the subjects that matter to them.
Table of ContentsAnnotated Contents Preface Contributors THE BASES OF INEQUALITY Social Class and Poverty 1. Global Food Crisis: What′s Causing the Rising Prices? - Marcia Clemmitt Race and Ethnicity 2. Affirmative Action: Is It Time to End Racial Preferences? - Peter Katel Gender 3. Gender Pay Gap: Are Women Paid Fairly in the Workplace? - Thomas J. Billitteri Sexual Orientation 4. Gay Marriage Showdowns: Will Voters Bar Marriage for Same-Sex Couples? - Kenneth Jost Age and Aging 5. Aging Baby Boomers: Will the ′Youth Generation′ Redefine Old Age? - Alan Greenblatt OUR SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS Families 6. Future of Marriage: Is Traditional Matrimony Going Out of Style? - David Masci Education 7. Student Aid: Will Many Low-Income Students Be Left Out? - Marcia Clemmitt Work and the Economy 8. Public-Works Projects: Do They Stimulate the Economy More Than Tax Cuts? - Marcia Clemmitt Health and Medicine 9. Universal Coverage: Will All Americans Finally Get Health Insurance? - Marcia Clemmitt The Media 10. Television′s Future: Will TV Remain the Dominant Mass Medium? - Alan Greenblatt OUR SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL WORLDS Alcohol and Drug Abuse 11. Drinking on Campus: Have Efforts to Reduce Alcohol Abuse Failed? - Barbara Mantel Crime and Criminal Justice 12. Juvenile Justice: Are Sentencing Policies Too Harsh? - Peter Katel Cities and Suburbs 13. Rebuilding New Orleans: Should Flood-Prone Areas Be Redeveloped? - Peter Katel The Environment 14. Regulating Toxic Chemicals: Do We Know Enough About Chemical Risks? - Jennifer Weeks War and Terrorism 15. Cost of the Iraq War: Are Economic Woes a Casualty of Unexpectedly High Costs? - Peter Katel INDIVIDUAL ACTION AND SOCIAL CHANGE Social Problems and Social Action 16. The Obama Presidency: Can Barack Obama Deliver the Change He Promises? - Kenneth Jost and the CQ Researcher Staff
