Issues of our time

Describes the world's move toward preemptive action rather than reaction in foreign policy, crime fighting, and various aspects of society, examining consequences of this for civil liberties and human rights and suggesting ways to achieve balance between security and freedom.

Discusses isolationism and intervention both as philosophies and with reference to major historical events including the World Wars, the Cold War, Haiti, and Bosnia.

Photographs and text examine the changes taking place in the structure of families in the United States, new types of families, and factors influencing families today.

Examines the role of what the author calls identity contingencies in the lives of individuals and in society as a whole, focusing on stereotype threat, arguing that people who believe they may be judged based on a bad stereotype do not perform as well, and showing how to overcome the problem.

A discussion of family violence and abuse telling of emotional and sexual abuse, and how to heal after receiving abuse.

Discusses homelessness, its causes, the problems the homeless face, and what the government and citizens can do about it.

Provides an overview of how the legal system has treated children in the past and discusses the rights young people have today.

Discusses the history of immigration, immigration laws, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and immigration issues.