The dynamic and emerging social reality of the liberal/capitalistic Western World has created a new type of personality, the characteristics of which the educational community must be aware. Although early capitalism stressed production, the present emphasis features consumption as the dominant activity. The acquisitive, hardworking individual has…

This paper examines the elements leading to school violence in order to propose strategies to help achieve a peaceful school climate. It states that there is evidence that the brain of violent individuals seems to reveal abnormalities. Brain pathology and genetic vulnerability are only two components that may cause individuals to become antisocial…

Argues that parental licensing is the wrong approach to the serious dysfunctional aspect of contemporary American life of single parent families. The nation, instead, should adequately address the poverty, crime, unequal educational opportunities, and drug problems that already exist. (GR)

Argues that sociopathy is the result of broad cultural failure and that social science has not demonstrated either the causes or the cures for sociopathy. Demonstrating social cause is beyond both the financial capacity and the ethical boundaries of society. Cultural and economic equality are potential solutions but society rejects these notions…

Reports on educational happenings in Quebec (Canada). Discusses school violence, a multiple murder at a Canadian university, student academic achievement, and the possibility of Quebec withdrawing from the Canadian union. Predicts that Quebec will remain part of Canada. (CFR)

Compares the American and British experiences in the demoralizing of society to England's Victorian Age and argues that society's moral condition is deteriorating--a trend that constitutes a threat to society's future. Various statistical evidence is presented, as well as examples stemming from economic, material, and political factors. (GLR)

Examines the history of violence in American society, explains some reasons behind these acts, and explores the implications of societal acceptance of violence. While criminologists consider extreme violence to be deviant forms of natural aggression, the paper shows that American society tolerates physical force when expressing political dissent…

Citing scandals in accounting, law, banking, securities and corporations, Candace de Russy, a member of the State University of New York Board of Trustees recently urged college boards to "make ethics a living tradition, a day-to-day reality throughout higher education." If colleges prepare bankers, lawyers, accountants and brokers, de…

Studies have traced a possible link between patterns of family interaction, faulty socialization, child abuse, and delinquent behavior. Counselors can respond to the needs of society to reduce violence by their access to the research on human development and in their work with families and children. Some types of discipline and parental attitudes…

Discusses the characteristics of child abusers and physical and behavioral indicators of child abuse. Advocates parenthood education programs for children and parents as child abuse preventive measures. Suggests ways that educators can handle cases of suspected child abuse. (DMM)

This article proposes that schools take on the role of coordinating intervention efforts with school-age children who exhibit antisocial behavior patterns. Collaboration with families and social service agencies is urged. A generic prevention/intervention approach for reducing antisocial behavior risk factors is suggested, with recommendations for…

Discusses efforts to criminalize fetal abuse, harm caused from a pregnant woman's use of illegal drugs. Such efforts have typically failed to withstand judicial scrutiny. Suggests that criminal prosecution for fetal abuse relies on questionable procedures, is unevenly applied, and may keep women from seeking drug treatment or prenatal care. (LKS)

Schools are one of the culprits responsible for the "Me" Generation's attitudes, through emphasis on the child's individuality, rights, freedoms, and lack of attention to obligations toward society. Schools should try to redress the balance by helping students realize obligations toward society as well as their individual rights.…

Asserts that today's students must cope with considerable hostility and find the courage to survive aggression (e.g., through organized religion). Without religion in schools, educators lose values that teach children to be ethical, contributing citizens. Teachers must be leaders in moral development in order to help students understand how their…

When students are tardy or absent, or when they drop out of school, sequential learning cannot occur, subject matter and skills cannot be developed, and much student talent is wasted. At-risk students identified in the school setting include those exhibiting signs of alcohol consumption, drug abuse, or antisocial behavior. These students need…