“A clarion call for fundamental change.” (*)

Aimed at students taking courses in social problems, research methods, and social welfare policy, this book paints a vivid portrait of the nation’s social health. The authors present evidence that shows that social progress has stalled and the country’s energies need to be directed at critical domestic issues in the years ahead. They maintain that social conditions, like economic conditions, must be constantly monitored in order to have a clear sense of how we are doing as a society. The book argues that there needs to be a greater visibility for social issues—and a closer link between social reporting and public action—to better address the nation’s social problems. It considers the critical role of the media in advancing public understanding of social issues, and examines important advances in the community indicators movement and international social reporting.

Endorsements:

“The authors are among the nation's leading pioneers in their field: social indicators. They knew many years ago what the rest of us are now waking up to. GDP does not tell us enough about how we are doing as a nation. We need a smarter, more comprehensive and more honest approach to the nation's social health. This book summarizes the achievements of the social indicators movement to date. They are impressive. And the authors' own work leads the way. But far more has to be done. How is America doing? Not well, as you will see when you read this volume. But you would not learn that from the indicators the government, the media or Wall Street watch. The book is a clarion call for a fundamental change in the focus of public policy in America.” — Jeff Madrick, Editor, Challenge: The Magazine of Economic Affairs (*)