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This work presents six essays that seek answers to some particular questions. What role can, or should, a democratic government play in shaping values? And, how do values shape the effects of public policy? The contributors identify trends and public policy tools through and by which some of these values might be changed.

Tabla de contenidos provista por Syndetics

• Foreword(p. vii)
• 1 Introduction(p. 1)
• Note(p. 15)
• 2 How Changes in the Economy Are Reshaping American Values(p. 16)
• Overview(p. 17)
• Conclusion(p. 50)
• Notes(p. 51)
• 3 Culture, Incentives, and the Underclass(p. 54)
• Notes(p. 75)
• 4 The Family Condition of America Cultural Change and Public Policy(p. 81)
• Notes(p. 106)
• 5 Multiculturalism and Public Policy(p. 113)
• Notes(p. 144)
• 6 Public Spirit in Political Systems(p. 146)
• Notes(p. 165)
• 7 Gang Behavior, Law Enforcement, and Community Values(p. 173)
• Appendix(p. 196)
• Appendix(p. 205)
• Index(p. 211)

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Publishers Weekly Review

As the editors explain, more and more scholars believe that values ``condition the efficacy of public policy,'' and these six essays from eminent social scientists offer provocative and valuable arguments. Daniel Yankelovich explains how ``fear of loss of affluence'' has led to a new American pragmatism toward politics and problem-solving. James Q. Wilson argues that the ``underclass'' is a product not just of economics but of influences that weaken self-control and concern for others; he suggests that parent-training programs, and mother-child group homes might better socialize young men. David Popenoe warns against American ``overindividualism''; to promote intact nuclear families, he proposes ``family friendly'' work schedules and efforts to hinder hasty divorces. Nathan Glazer calls for a cautious path to multiculturalism, and George Akerlof and Janet L. Yellen observe that fighting gang crime may depend more on community willingness to help police than on vigorous policing. Aaron directs the Economic Studies program at Brookings, and Mann directs the Governmental Studies program there; Taylor is managing editor of the Journal of Economic Perspectives. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

CHOICE Review

This volume grew out of a series of seminars the Brookings Institution sponsored in which noted authorities explore the value implications of specific issues of public policy. For instance, Daniel Yankelovich provides a general account of recent changes in American values, which he attributes to the so-called "affluence effect." Nathan Glazer examines issues of multiculturalism and how they bear on public education. Jane Mansbridge discusses the political system's need that citizens move beyond narrow self-interest. James Q. Wilson explores the breakdown of family values and its effects on crime. As a whole, the volume provides a fascinating overview of the erosion of community values in different areas of American life. Though the authors make specific recommendations, especially concerning means to strengthen the family, which is viewed as a purveyor of social norms, the essays make clear the depth of the problems and how difficult it is to counteract the effects of powerful economic and social forces. Less academic than a work such as Herbert McClosky and John Zaller's The American Ethos (1984), Values and Public Policy should be accessible to a wide audience. It succeeds admirably in calling attention to crucial issues of values and the need for public policies to address them. All levels. G. Klosko University of Virginia

Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics

Henry J. Aaron is a senior fellow in Economic Studies at the Brookings Institution, where he holds the Bruce and Virginia MacLaury Chair. Among his many books are Can We Say No? The Challenge of Rationing Health Care , with William B. Schwartz and Melissa Cox (Brookings, 2006), and Reforming Medicare: Options,Tradeoffs, and Opportunities , written with Jeanne Lambrew (Brookings, 2008). Thomas E. Mann is a senior fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution, where he holds the W. Averell Harriman Chair. He is a frequent media commentator on American politics. Timothy Taylor is the managing editor of the Journal of Economic Perspectives at Stanford University.