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This book provides an accessible resource for understanding the world behind the advertising jingles and Super Bowl commercials and digital algorithms. Advertising has become a ubiquitous force in American life, penetrating almost every aspect of our daily routines. Additionally, as technology has evolved throughout American history, so too has advertising proliferated as media has become increasingly sophisticated and ever-present, whether it takes the form of algorithms governing your social media feed, television commercials, paid influencers, or stadiums branded with the names of corporate sponsors/owners. This authoritative one-stop resource provides a rich overview of the evolution and present state of advertising in all its forms, as well as the multitude of connected issues—data collection, privacy, consumerism, technology, and others—regarding advertising and its role as both a shaper and reflector of American culture. It surveys various advertising media, discusses the social and cultural contexts in which it is consumed, and highlights key moments in the history of advertising in the United States. In addition, the book is supplemented with carefully curated primary sources, personal essays, a glossary of advertising terms, and other resources to provide readers with a full picture of advertising as both an industry and a shaper of American culture.

This wide-ranging and accessible survey of poverty in America examines every important facet of the issue, from historical and socioeconomic contributors to poverty to programs, policies, and ideas crafted to reduce income inequality and poverty across the USA. Specific attention is given to shifting ideological views and approaches to poverty and poor relief, major historical actions, statutes, and practices adopted to mitigate poverty’s various causes and effects, and trends related to mobility and wealth and income disparity.Important areas of coverage include the impact of depressions, recessions, economic "booms," and social welfare laws on poverty. Other subjects receiving extensive coverage include the linkage between educational attainment, employment, social capital, family structure, housing security, homeownership, and geography on poverty. Readers will better understand efforts that have been made to alleviate poverty, restore a thriving middle class, and improve prospects for social and economic mobility. An array of complementary materials on poverty and economic inequality in America are also provided, including a suite of personal essays, a general bibliography, primary documents, glossary of terms, and chronology.

Provides a comprehensive guide to the history and current shape of conspiracy theories in American life, including the findings of research seeking to understand their origins, type, function, and widespread appeal.This all-in-one resource provides an accessible overview of conspiracy theories past and present in all their many forms. Taking an even-handed, scholarly approach, the book outlines the longer history of conspiracy theories, starting with Ancient Greece and Rome and continuing the story up to the present day, including analysis of 9/11, anti-vaccine, COVID, and QAnon theories. It surveys an array of current books and articles to try to understand why people believe in and act on outlandish and evidence-free conspiracy theories.Notably, this resource also outlines the problems created by untrue conspiracy theories in terms of their negative impact on public debate, trust in others, and efforts to nurture an informed and educated citizenry. Instead, many conspiracy claims have become sources of misinformation, cynicism, and polarization. This book will benefit anyone who seeks a pathway through our current "epistemic crisis" in which the lines between fact and fiction—and between truth and falsehood—have become blurred.

This comprehensive and authoritative one-stop resource examines the issue of food insecurity in the United States, including the various economic, social, political, and cultural factors that drive the problem.Social welfare agencies, schools, food banks, and other organizations have all put forth efforts to combat food insecurity, but it remains a serious risk for millions of poor Americans today. Food Insecurity: A Reference Handbook examines the reasons why food insecurity remains such a longstanding problem in American society.Beginning with a history of food insecurity from the country's origins to the present day, the book also delves into the problems and controversies related to food insecurity, such as urban food deserts, substance abuse impacts, nutrition education, and income inequality. One of the most valuable aspects of the book is that it surveys the history of food insecurity in a manner that helps the reader identify key issues in an easy-to-understand fashion. The book’s Perspectives chapter presents a broad range of voices on various facets of food insecurity, providing crucial, diverse perspectives to round out the coverage and expertise of the authors.

This multifaceted reference work surveys the history, development, leadership, and priorities of Black Lives Matter (BLM), including the group's efforts to raise public awareness of police violence in communities of color.Beginning with the infamous incidents of police brutality that spurred the creation and growth of BLM, this book goes on to profile leading and influential activists and organizations, such as the NAACP, movement co-founder Alicia Garza, and civil rights activist and athlete Colin Kaepernick. Readers will gain an understanding of important organizational priorities, as well as criticisms of and controversies surrounding the group. A broad range of personal essays explore the persistent problems of police violence and racial discrimination in America. Governmental data and excerpts of primary documents are also included, and an annotated bibliography of related books, news articles, reports, podcasts and more supports readers in conducting further research into BLM, police violence, and racism in American society.

A one-stop resource for understanding historical and contemporary perspectives on ideological extremism in law enforcement, as well as its wider impacts on American society. The work blends narrative overview, biographies, essay perspectives, and a helpful guide to other resources to facilitate understanding of the contemporary problem of extremism in American law enforcement. Written by experts in the criminal justice field, the book focuses on the extent, motivations, causes, and dangers of ideological extremism in the ranks of America's police, from the smallest towns to the biggest cities. In addition, it discusses reforms that have been proposed—and in some cases implemented—to combat the problem, including measures introduced in other countries.

Remote learning and distance education burst into the national consciousness with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic - yet it remains poorly understood in many ways. Explore a range of debates around this timely topic, including: can remote learning models of educational instruction produce the same (or better?) academic results than in-school learning? What are the socialization impacts of remote learning? What do education experts think is the next frontier in remote learning? This book explores those questions and many more. Remote Learning and Distance Education provides the historical background and context for understanding the origins and evolution of distance education - an evolution which was accelerated dramatically, and in unpredictable ways, when the COVID-19 pandemic transformed millions of actual classrooms into virtual ones. Readers will better understand the problems, controversies and solutions surrounding distance education, from access and equity issues to maintaining academic integrity. Profiles of key figures and organizations, such as Khan Academy, give readers an introduction to important players in this potentially revolutionary approach to teaching and learning.

Cyber warfare, a term that encompasses a wide range of computer-based attacks on targeted enemy states, has emerged as one of the most pressing national security concerns of the 21st century. All around the world, the scramble to shield thoroughly computerized military and infrastructure resources from cyber attacks is intensifying. Military experts, for example, believe that Ukraine's ability to defend its cyberspace from Russian cyber attacks was one of the key reasons Russia's dramatic 2022 invasion of neighboring Ukraine failed to topple the Ukrainian government in Kiev.This all-in-one resource explains the world of cyber warfare in authoritative but lay friendly terms. First, it details the historical evolution of cyber warfare and the different forms it can take, from crippling attacks on power grids and communications networks to secret intelligence gathering. From there it moves into a wide-ranging exploration of the main controversies and issues surrounding cyber security and cyber warfare, as well as coverage of major cyber warfare attacks, the organizations responsible, and the steps that the United States and other countries are taking to protect themselves from this constantly evolving threat.Like all books in the Contemporary World Issues series, this volume features a suite of "Perspectives" in which cyber warfare experts provide insights on various elements of cyber warfare. Other features include informative primary documents, data tables, chronology, and a glossary of terms.

This resource provides a wide-ranging survey of the past, present, and future of youth activism in the USA and around the world. The work places a special focus on prominent youth activists, their organizations, and the causes to which they are determined to make change, including civil rights, environmental issues such as climate change, gender and LGBTQ+ rights, and US military actions and financial investments to which they are opposed. How has youth activism changed over the decades? What are the keys to fostering civic engagement among young people? What tools do young people use now to advance political causes important to them? What impact are they having on political and legal struggles over climate change, immigration, and civil rights? This all-in-one resource answers all those questions and more.

Written by a respected science educator and advocate for women and girls in STEM fields, this one-stop resource provides a rich overview of efforts to provide women and girls with greater access to educational and career opportunities in traditionally male-dominated STEM fields. Since the passage of Title IX, the numbers of American women working in STEM fields have increased, particularly in the social and biological sciences. Nonetheless, women continue to be underrepresented in STEM disciplines, accounting for less than a third of the current STEM workforce. When the intersection of sociocultural factors such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background are examined alongside gender, some demographic groups of women continue to lag in terms of representation in all STEM fields. The reasons cited for this continued state of affairs remain hotly debated, even as efforts intensify to break down longstanding gender barriers and bring women and girls into the worlds of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.Women and Girls in STEM Fields provides wide-ranging, complementary coverage of every aspect of the issue, from the historical barriers that confronted generations of American women and girls interested in pursuing careers in various STEM disciplines to the laws and movements that dismantle some of those obstacles. Features include smartly organized chapters on major trends, issues, debates, and historical moments; carefully selected profiles of the key organizations and individuals that have shaped discussions of this subject in Washington, D.C. and across the USA; a suite of original essays from educators, scholars, and women writing about their firsthand experiences in today's STEM world.

Do scientists expect the number and severity of extreme weather events to increase in a warming world? Which parts of the world are most vulnerable to a future of weather catastrophes? This resource considers all those questions and more as it explains the relationship between climate change and the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, and wildfires.Opening chapters explain climate change trends throughout history, providing readers with a foundational understanding of our current environmental moment. This coverage is supplemented with extended discussion of the political and cultural factors shaping policy responses to the issue, both historically and in the present day. In addition, Extreme Weather and Climate Change offers an extensive array of personal and scholarly essays and illuminating primary documents that discuss the issue from a range of scientific, political, and cultural standpoints.

Choice 2025 Outstanding Academic TitleAn all-in-one resource for understanding the issue of teen runaways in the USA, including the demographic and socioeconomic dimensions of the problem. This work examines every aspect of the issue, from the key drivers of the phenomenon (such as estrangement from family or vulnerability to abuse) to the dangers of life as a runaway (including increased vulnerability to hunger to human trafficking) to the efforts of agencies, organizations, and advocates to reduce the number of teen runaways and provide assistance and resources to teenagers already on the street.Features include personal essays on the experience of being a teen runaway; illuminating figures, tables, and primary sources that document various facets and trends; glossary of terms; chronology of events; and information for government agencies, child welfare organizations, and other parties working to reduce teen runaway populations across the USA.

This one-stop resource explores the leading child welfare issues facing the USA today, as well as the laws, programs, and policy prescriptions that have been implemented or suggested to address pressing child welfare problems. In doing so, the book surveys the perspectives of lawmakers, child advocacy organizations, and scholars, as well as parents and children.Moving through centuries of US history, Child Welfare in America ranges from the child labor practices of the nineteenth century to contemporary anxieties about affordable child care, underperforming schools, screen time and social media pressures, and abusive family environments. Readers will better understand the range of factors affecting child welfare, including the cost of good child care, alcohol and drug abuse in family settings, homelessness, educational opportunities, teen pregnancy, and more. The book also surveys the perspectives of lawmakers, child advocacy organizations, and scholars, as well as parents and children.Profiles of important advocacy organizations, agencies and individuals outline the approaches to child welfare issues and policies throughout the centuries.

Racial Justice in America examines a volatile social issue that is always in the news, focusing on five critical areas: criminal justice, education, employment, living accommodations, and political participation.By 1451, Africans were used as slaves in the Madeiras and Canary Islands. Not until 1502 did they arrive in the New World. All told, nearly 10 million Africans—equal to the year 2000 populations of Virginia and Mississippi combined—were transplanted across the Atlantic as slaves. Despite the termination of the U.S. slave trade in l807 and emancipation after the Civil War, members of a racial couple married as late as l958 were jailed for one year for breaking Virginia's antimiscegenation law.So where are we today? This book, which provides historical perspective and a discussion of different types of discrimination, examines how systemic changes have been made and analyzes the debates that still exist.An introductory essay briefly reviews the history of Africans in America, then examines five areas of life where racial justice has been particularly relevantThe book includes coverage of significant people, places, and events, from the abolition of slavery in Vermont in 1777, to the shocking murder of Medgar Evers in 1963, to the triumphant grand slam by golfer Tiger Woods in 2000–2001

A sweeping overview of the problems, politics, and policies of international and domestic management of the world's oceans.The world ocean is one of the most important global resources. Without it most life on earth would not survive because the ocean provides temperature regulation and produces oxygen, among other vital functions. However, this life-sustaining resource faces dangerous threats from over fishing, industrial wastes, oil pollution, and loss of biodiversity.Ocean Politics and Policy covers the major types of pollution, deep sea-bed mining, international jurisdictional disputes, and piracy, examining the underlying reasons for these problems and providing practical policy suggestions for reducing their impact. Special focus is placed on historical and contemporary ocean laws, from the concept of "freedom of the seas" to the 2001 Fishery Stock Agreement. Solving the problems facing the world ocean should be a high priority for the international community, and this book provides a starting place for this process.Provides a chronology of the development of ocean management Reproduces portions of documents along with important raw data on world fish catch trends and whale populations

A balanced and thoughtful analysis of human reproduction issues in the United States with emphasis on the ethical and policy implications of cutting-edge reproductive technologies.Few subjects are as divisive and partisan as the issues surrounding the propagation of the human species. This thorough examination covers the full scope of the debates and offers an up to the minute survey of the controversial technologies that are at the heart of reproductive rights in the United States.The areas explored range from abortion and sterilization to fetal research and human cloning. The moral, societal, and public policy implications of each subject are examined thoroughly, with emphasis on those areas where cutting-edge technology has raced ahead of public policy, thereby creating new concerns for ethicists and policy-makers. Legislative oversight or the freedom to pursue reproductive technologies at any cost, this debate is far from over.Includes a comprehensive chronology of key events and people related to the issue of reproductive rights from 1900 to the presentProvides a glossary of medical and legal terms used in the text

A balanced presentation chronicling both the major events that sparked environmental activism and the nature of that activism in the past century.Beginning with an overview of activism in the past century from 1900 to 2001, Environmental Activism: A Reference Handbook puts organizations and their activities into historical context. This volume offers both an American perspective and a global perspective. It chronicles the major events that sparked environmental actions; aligns individuals with organizations, such as John Muir and the Sierra Club; and presents a balanced treatment of activities in both conservative and liberal political spheres.Separate chapters identify six eras of activism from 1900 to 2001 and include their characteristics, issues, strategies, and advocates. This is followed by summaries of the various types of organizations and their strategies, including direct action (ecoterrorism, monkey wrenching) as well as mainstream activity (lobbying, letter writing).In-depth profiles of 25 key individuals and organizationsOriginal reports, congressional testimony, and court documents covering environmental justice, green political parties, corporate environmentalism, the wise use movement, genetically engineered foods, environmental sabotage, and local land use issues

A concise survey of the treatment of jailed women in America since the early 1800s, their unique problems, the effect on their families, and the state of prisons today.Focusing on an often overlooked subject, this volume explores women's incarceration, from the first women-only prison to modern state-of-the-art facilities. It explores controversies, problems, and solutions, such as excessive discipline, the lack of training programs, sexual abuse, medical services, and visitation policies.The book also investigates key issues such as the background of inmates, the disproportionate number of African American and Hispanic prisoners because of the "war on drugs," and how women cope with the separation from their children and families. A full chapter is devoted to important people and events, from the first female jail keeper in 1822 to changing prison goals and the impact of feminism.Includes an abundance of resources for further research including extensive statistics on the number of women in state and federal prisons by race, the proportion of women jailed for violent offenses, and characteristics of female state prison inmatesAn annotated bibliography of print and nonprint resources such as Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment, Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, Corrections Today, and Women, Crime, and Justice

A collective overview of contemporary developments affecting court organization and judicial procedures.America has a long history of sensationalized trials and infamous lawyers and judges, but what is the truth about how our system of jurisprudence really works? Courts and Trials: A Reference Handbook makes the subject accessible by presenting an overview of the organization of courts and procedures used in criminal and civil cases, with special emphasis on contemporary developments. The book analyzes specific issues: methods of selecting judges, the capacity of citizen-jurors to make appropriate decisions, cameras in the courtroom, "three strikes" laws, and the prosecution of juveniles as adults. The discussions illuminate competing perspectives on controversies that influence new initiatives and reforms affecting courts and their operations.Covers key historical people and events throughout U.S. jurisprudence historyDocuments and tables include excerpts from relevant constitutional provisions, statutes, and judicial opinions; tables include statistics on court organization in different states and in other countries

A unique exploration into the fascinating world of human and technological espionage, its contributions to national security, and its vital role in global politics.Espionage: A Reference Handbook illuminates the murky underworld of espionage and counterespionage efforts in the United States and around the world. Combining an academic treatment of the causes and forces that shape espionage with narrative accounts of how spying and spy catching are conducted, this is the only work of its kind to cover Benedict Arnold, J. Edgar Hoover, the CIA, the KGB, and Jay Pollard, all in one volume.Though special attention is focused on the American experience, British, Soviet, and Israeli cases are presented, along with recent world events of terrorism and ethnic conflict, providing a unique comparative perspective on the international forces behind spying.

An engrossing review of the development of global consumerism and its impact on sociological issues.The phrase "shop till you drop" has become as American as apple pie and the trend does not appear to be slowing. Consumer Culture begins with the history of the consumer culture, which reveals that our fascination with consuming shows not only the hidden significance of everyday items, such as sugar and fashionable clothing, but also reveals the uniqueness of our way of life.Consumer Culture also presents the views of economists and sociologists who see consumption as an expression of freedom. The book covers the social impact of consumption, examining such dubious milestones as physical attacks upon McDonald's and Starbucks, and best sellers that are critical of consumption. There is coverage of important research, such as whether consumers are making rational or impulsive choices and the effect of advertising on children.Capsule biographies of key individuals, such as Aaron Montgomery Ward, who pioneered the modern catalog, and Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald's; important figures in advertising, such as Helen Rosen Woodward; leaders in the consumer protection movement, such as Ralph Nader and Florence Kelley; and moreStatistics on U.S. and global consumption trends including clustering and segmentation in patterns of consumption; the growth of franchises and malls; shopping behavior by age, ethnicity, and geographical location; and environmental effects such as those due to garbage production

This work is a detailed survey of food safety issues today, from E-coli contamination in fruits and vegetables to food production practices that increase antibiotic resistance.Is our food safe? Much of the corn, soybeans, and canola oil we eat has been genetically modified, but we don't know the long-term effects of GM foods on our health and the environment. We also consume antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria through the meat we eat, and we face new threats like mad cow disease, avian flu, and bioterrorism.Food Safety: A Reference Handbook, Second Edition provides a broad, readable, and level-headed overview of these and other food safety controversies. Through a combination of statistics and substantive information, it delineates the nature and scope of the issues. It also introduces readers to the researchers, activists, industries, and government agencies that play a role in the battle for food safety—an issue that impacts us all.

Explores the contentious history of the international gay rights movement from its inception in Germany in the 1800s to today.Gay and Lesbian Issues: A Reference Handbook traces the developments, people, and organizations responsible for bringing homosexual issues to the public's attention. In addition to exploring such controversial issues as gays in the military and child adoption, this title discusses court decisions, pivotal events, and key individuals like Magnus Hirschfeld, Radclyffe Hall, and Harvey Milk, the San Francisco town supervisor who along with Mayor George Moscone was murdered by ex-supervisor Dan White.What happens when a same-sex couple marrying in Holland returns to the United States expecting to be treated as legally married? This one of a kind reference explores the interplay of international politics with U.S. policies. Students, administrators and parents alike will discover a wealth of supportive data and statistics on hate crimes, adolescent suicide, military discrimination and much more.Primary source documents include Colorado Amendment 2, the Crittenden Report, Executive Order 10450 (Dwight Eisenhower), "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the Society for Human Rights charter, and the United Nations declarations on human rights and tortureThe chronology begins with Germany in the 1800s and shows how during times of cultural stress, such as war or economic depression, antigay sentiments increase

A highly informative account of trends, concepts, and problems related to dating and sexuality in the United States, along with thought-provoking coverage of today's most important issues and controversies.A history of dating and sexuality illuminates new trends and problems that were absent just a few decades ago. The most important dating and sexuality issues facing teenagers today are explored, including solutions and implications for educational intervention. The work elucidates how dating unfolds and how sexual attitudes and behaviors impact intimacy. Valuable information about organizations and individuals as well as print and electronic resources are included in this authoritative work.32 biographical profiles describing the research of respected contributors to the fields of dating, sexuality, adolescent development, and family lifeA lively and engaging timeline chronicling the historic events that shaped dating and sexuality in America, such as the birth of the drive-in movie theater, the pill, the sexual revolution, MTV, HIV/AIDS, the Internet, and Viagra

From the popular video game Mortal Kombat to reality TV, this book offers a candid compilation of the history, problems, impacts, and solutions relating to media violence.Violence in the Media: A Reference Handbook documents the issues, impact, controversies, and consequences of one of the most insidious phenomena facing American society. With 99 percent of American homes having TV sets, the book's main focus is on television violence and in particular its effects on children, who spend an average of 28 hours a week watching television.A historical synopsis, covering early concerns that continue to be hotly debated, describes congressional hearings and their outcomes. Brief biographies present perspectives on key players like theoretician Albert Bandura, communication scholar George Gerbner, and Representative Edward Marke (D-MA). A discussion of the evidence both supporting and condemning media violence includes its use by perpetrators in the Columbine High School shootings and recent sniper attacks.A chronology dating back to the Payne Fund Studies, published in the 1930s, outlines congressional hearings and other pertinent eventsProvides information about relevant organizations and websites that can be used by parents for more detailed information about television violence and how to deal with it in the home

An authoritative analysis of one of the most revered rights of peoples and cultures around the world—privacy.Invasion of Privacy: A Reference Handbook chronicles the most pressing privacy issues and dilemmas from around the world from the 17th century to today. Shocking accounts of government and corporate abuse liven discussions of controversial topics ranging from high-tech surveillance and the collection of personal data to bodily and sexual privacy. The Internet, a platform for free speech now subject to calls for rigorous censorship, and the global threat of terrorism in the post–September 11 era receive special emphasis.Readers will also learn about disturbing abuses of power by the FBI, including how it intercepted emails, misled the federal courts in 75 warrant applications, and contributed to wrongful arrests of more than 100 people suspected of receiving child pornography over the Internet.A chronology of important moments in the development of the right to privacy from the 17th century to the presentPrimary sources include a brochure from the Center for Democracy and Technology about the USA PATRIOT Act and a reproduction of a "Bust Card" created by the American Civil Liberties Union

An up-to-date analysis of the wave of terrorism in the post-Cold War era and the ways in which states and societies are responding.Counter-Terrorism: A Reference Handbook outlines the threat of terrorism and ways to combat it. Written by two expert insiders in the field, this extensive examination surveys a wide range of diverse terrorist groups from the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) to Al Qaeda. It shows how key trends and patterns in domestic and international terrorism such as suicide bombings require counter strategies and tactics including surveillance and reconnaissance.Case studies of terrorist organizations in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Balkans, and the Caucasus, and profiles of terrorists like Khalid Sheikh Mohommad, alias Mokhtar (The Brain), who masterminded the Al Qaeda attack on 9/11, illustrate the growing network of groups and leaders harnessing the forces of globalization. Finally, the authors suggest lthat no single state can act effectively on its own to confront terrorism--instead, a wide range of strategies needs to be adopted by all.

The USA Patriot Act: A Reference Handbook is an in-depth examination of the difficult wartime task of balancing civil liberties against national security.Within weeks of the September 11 terrorist attacks, overwhelming majorities in both houses of Congress passed the USA Patriot Act. The act immediately aroused bitter controversy. Some claim it impermissibly infringes on constitutional rights; others argue it is a necessary tool to ensure the security of the American homeland.Distinguished scholar and prolific author Howard Ball provides the background necessary for a reasoned, historical examination of both positions. He details the threats to America in the last 60 years, emphasizing terrorist acts; examines the temporary surrender of civil rights during past American wars; and uses that history to analyze the USA Patriot Act, both as it exists and as arguments rage over whether to strengthen or weaken the law.

This handbook provides an unbiased, in-depth assessment of the struggles, successes, and status of Native Americans in what is now the United States from the time of the first European settlers to the present.Native American Issues: A Reference Handbook, Second Edition explores the history, problems, and contemporary issues faced by peoples of Native American heritage. From the Indian Removal Act of 1830 to the "Twenty Points" platform advanced by the American Indian Movement in the 1970s to the massive budget cuts of the 1980s, readers will discover how the well-being of Native Americans has been affected by federal and state policies.Refocusing the first edition's underlying theme of sovereignty to highlight issues related to community, this extensively updated volume addresses the greatest single change in the condition of Native Americans in the last decade—the proliferation of gambling enterprises. Issues such as land claims, use of natural resources, sacred sites, governments, and stereotyping are examined from the perspective of strengthening community.