Family Values and the New Society: Dilemmas of the 21st Century
By (Author) George P. Smith
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Praeger Publishers Inc
30th August 1998
United States
Tertiary Education
Non Fiction
306.850973
Hardback
296
Beset by socio-legal challenges, medical, and scientific advances in reproduction, feminist philosophies and complex questions regarding its contemporary relevance, the familytogether with the core values that have sustained over the yearsis being tested, re-evaluated, and redesigned. This book directs its focus to the current national debate on family values providing a strong and practical framework for decisionmaking in topical problem areas which integrate the social sciences, law, medicine, political science, economics, ethics, philosophy, and religion. This book analyzes both from a practical and scholastic perspective, nine areas of central focus or challenge to mainstream notions of the family. Feminist perspectives on reproductive rights and responsibilities, domestic partnerships and same-sex relationships, and new assisted reproductive technologies (such as organ harvesting and child abuse) are just some of the issues discussed as they relate to individuals and to the family and the values that have been the backbone of American life. The author suggests an ethical ordering that balances traditional strengths of American life with accomodation for new normative standards.
This excellent sociological study provides an in-depth analysis of ethical and legal dilemmas pertaining to these issues and highlights the influence of state intervention through legislation and evolving case law. It is extensively documented and well written. Highly recommended for upper-division undergraduates and above.-Choice
"This excellent sociological study provides an in-depth analysis of ethical and legal dilemmas pertaining to these issues and highlights the influence of state intervention through legislation and evolving case law. It is extensively documented and well written. Highly recommended for upper-division undergraduates and above."-Choice
GEORGE P. SMITH II is Professor of Law at The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. He is both nationally and internationally known as a lecturer and is a widely published and recognized legal scholar in the field of law, science, and medicine. He is the author of many books, including Bioethics and the Law (1993) and Legal and Healthcare Ethics for the Elderly (1996).