Research Catalog

Title

• The state of the nation : government and the quest for a better society / Derek Bok.

Author

Bok, Derek Curtis

Publication

Cambridge, Mass. : Harvard University Press, 1996.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Holdings

Details

Description

x, 483 p.; 25 cm.

Summary

• In virtually all important areas of American life, Bok concludes, government policies have played a significant, often decisive role in accounting for our successes as well as our failures. But whereas others call for downsizing the federal government, Bok argues that government is essential to achieving America's goals. In short, Ronald Reagan was only half right: government is the problem - but it is also the most important part of the solution. By assessing the state of the nation and identifying the reasons for its current condition, this book helps set the agenda for improving America's performance in the future.
• Never before have Americans been so anxious about the future of their society. But rarely has anyone offered a clear account of why, in a nation so prosperous, free, and stable, we tend to assume that the country is in dire straits and that the government can do little to help. This book is just such an account - an eloquent assessment of where America stands, how our society has changed in the past half-century, and who or what is responsible for our current frustrations.

Subject

• Quality of life > United States
• Since 1945
• United States > Economic conditions > 1945-
• United States > Politics and government > 1945-1989
• United States > Politics and government > 1989-
• United States > Social conditions > 1945-

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. 427-476) and index.

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

Contents

1. The Economy -- 2. Scientific Research and Technology -- 3. Education -- 4. Labor Market Policies -- 5. Living Conditions -- 6. The Environment -- 7. Encouraging the Arts -- 8. Child Policies -- 9. Race -- 10. Career Opportunities -- 11. Violent Crime -- 12. Health Care -- 13. Regulating the Workplace -- 14. The Burdens of Old Age -- 15. Individual Freedom under Law -- 16. Personal Responsibility -- 17. Helping the Poor -- 18. Summing Up -- 19. Questioning the Verdict -- 20. The Role of Government.

ISBN

0674292103 (alk. paper)

LCCN

^^^96022881^

OCLC

34782711

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library