Children in Jeopardy : Can We Break the Cycle of Poverty?

Irving B. Harris

ISBN 10: 0300199805 / ISBN 13: 9780300199802

Published by Yale University Press Mai 2013, 2013

About this Item

Neuware - American children are in crisis. Inner cities are filled with violence and massive drug problems; families are dysfunctional; illiteracy is rising; society's efforts to combat educational failure, poverty, crime, and disease have created an enormous economic debt for the future. In this compassionate and controversial book Irving Harris argues that the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, hopelessness, and violence is very early intervention: we must provide adequate caregiving to children from birth to age three and-to stop the cycle even sooner-we must discourage pregnancy among adolescents.Harris, a successful businessman, has devoted himself to children's causes for the past forty years and has initiated and funded numerous programs geared to children and families. He presents data from research in pediatrics, social work, nursing psychology, and education showing that children who receive early nurturing and stimulation are far more likely to have success in school and in life. He urges that the government build more day-care centers and train more caregivers and public-health nurses for babies and small children; that schools offer instruction and counseling in prenatal care; and that there be easier access to contraceptives and abortions in order to reduce unwanted pregnancies.

Seller Inventory # 9780300199802

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Children in Jeopardy : Can We Break the Cycle of Poverty?
• Publisher: Yale University Press Mai 2013
• Publication Date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0300199805
• ISBN 13: 9780300199802
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 229W x 152H x 15D millimeters 229 millimeters width by 152 millimeters height by 15 millimeters depth
• Weight: 401 grams

About this title

Synopsis

American children are in crisis. Inner cities are filled with violence and massive drug problems; families are dysfunctional; illiteracy is rising; society's efforts to combat educational failure, poverty, crime, and disease have created an enormous economic debt for the future. In this compassionate and controversial book Irving Harris argues that the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, hopelessness, and violence is very early intervention: we must provide adequate caregiving to children from birth to age three and-to stop the cycle even sooner-we must discourage pregnancy among adolescents. Harris, a successful businessman, has devoted himself to children's causes for the past forty years and has initiated and funded numerous programs geared to children and families. He presents data from research in pediatrics, social work, nursing psychology, and education showing that children who receive early nurturing and stimulation are far more likely to have success in school and in life. He urges that the government build more day-care centers and train more caregivers and public-health nurses for babies and small children; that schools offer instruction and counseling in prenatal care; and that there be easier access to contraceptives and abortions in order to reduce unwanted pregnancies.

Review

"Irving Harris has the pragmatism of a businessman and the eloquence of a prophet, and he brings both to his analysis of how our poorest children are being shortchanged. In Children in Jeopardy, he lays out the devastating consequences of our piecemeal and punitive approach-for these kids and for our society. He also gives us a blueprint for the humane and practical social policy that we desperately need."-Albert Shanker, President of the American Federation of Teachers "Harris has written a wide ranging and readable account of the latest findings in child development and analyzed how the research fits with public policies and professional practices. A hard headed businessman, he makes a persuasive case for increasing our commitment to children, particularly those most at risk. Intelligently considered and passionately presented, it is must reading for all who care about our future."-Barbara T. Bowen, President, Erikson Institute "A revealing discussion of the problems among America's most disadvantaged children and how they ought to be addressed. Harris's thought-provoking book is required reading for anyone concerned about the lack of informed national policies to protect youngsters at risk."-William Julius Wilson, Lucy Flower University Professor of Sociology and Public Policy, University of Chicago "What an impressive statement. I hope everyone interested in the future of our nation will read this book. Written by a person with a rare combination of insights-philanthropist, business man and philosopher, it attacks the problems in the United States with a scholarly approach to the opportunities for prevention of these problems. 'Anything is possible if you try' should give us all hope and vigor for the fight."-Thomas Berry Brazleton, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School "It's wonderful to read a book viewed through the eyes of a business leader whose vision extends much farther than the eye can see. As we are walked through the dark tunnels of life of poverty, unplanned, unwanted children, we can feel the added insults of poverty, poor parenting, lack of access to health care, drugs, poor schools, and poor environment. This book should be a must read for all people concerned about children and all political leaders concerned about the future of this country. Hopefully, they will understand the importance of health and education as investments in the future of society as opposed to an expense."-M. Joycelyn Elders, M.D.