The latter decades of the 20th century have seen an increased attention to social issues such as aging, poverty, the environment, civil rights and women's issues. The role of government versus the individual and the community is being redefined. This broad-based 6-volume encyclopedia provides one of the most detailed examinations of today's social issues. By treating these frequently controversial and often contentious subjects in an objective fashion, this reference set can aid in understanding the impact of these issues. The 6-volume set is alphabetically arranged for easy access to a wide array of subjects from Abortion to Zoos and Wildlife Refuges. The shortest entries are brief 100-word biographies or definitions of significant people and terms. Signed entries on major subjects such as racism, sexuality and values contain as many as 3,500 words and are accompanied by suggested further readings. The set contains more than 1,500 articles varying in length from a single paragraph to several pages.
It is organized around thirty-four core articles that include such broad topics as: Aging; Business and the Economy; Civil Rights; Crime; Death and Dying; Disability Issues; Education; the Environment; Family and Relationships; Health and Medicine; Immigration; Poverty; Religion and Spirituality; Reproductive Issues; Sexuality; and Work and Labour. Throughout the encyclopedia are nearly 1,000 photographs, maps, charts, graphs and other visual aids. The thirty-four core articles cover the full spectrum of social issues engaging the American public's attention today. From aging to health and medicine, from crime to poverty, from government and politics to business and the economy, the complete range of modern social problems is examined in detail. The editors of "Encyclopedia of Social Issues" have assembled a distinguished group of academics, researchers and scholars. Editor John K. Roth is the author of numerous works on philosophy and contemporary culture, including "American Dreams: Meditations on Life in the United States". He is the Russell K. Pitzer Professor of Philosophy at Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, California.
All contributors are listed in Volume 1 and all longer essays are signed. A reader can locate topics of interest either through an alphabetical or a subject index. The longer essays include annotated "Suggested Reading" lists pointing to other especially relevant sources of information. The encyclopedia also includes a general bibliography; an annotated "Mediagraphy" that explores provocative books, films, artworks, exhibits and other cultural artifacts; and a timeline of important legislation and court cases. As we head into the 21st century, it is apparent that the wide variety of social issues currently confronting the American public will only increase in importance as well as in intensity. As government platforms are forged around these issues, and battle lines are drawn regarding their resolution, this objective treatment of the debates and controversies that are making headlines will be welcomed.
- ISBN10 0761405682
- ISBN13 9780761405689
- Publish Date 1 January 1997
- Publish Status Unknown
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Benchmark Books
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 1900
- Language English