NCJ Number
180197
Editor(s)
Meredith W. Watts
Date Published
1998
Length
39 pages
Annotation
The authors explore youth violence and citizenship in the United States by examining national surveys of young people conducted in the 1990's; the goal is to objectively assess strengths and weaknesses of young people as citizens.
Abstract
The analysis indicates that American young people in the 1990's do not appear to be a "lost generation" whose members lack identity and are disconnected from their parents, society, and each other. Rather, most young people display optimism in their personal lives and support for traditional community values. In addition, many young people express concern and worry about their generation's problems. Despite some of the damaging economic, social, and political trends, most young people appear firmly committed to the major institutions of civil society--the family, education, religion, and voluntary associations. At the same time, young people of the 1990's are threatened by serious problems. Growing numbers of young people engage in aggressive and unhealthy activities that indicate difficulty with impulse control, self-restraint, and taking personal responsibility for their actions. In particular, males and young people with poor academic performance are more receptive to violent and risky behaviors, and peer-related factors play an important role in stimulating irresponsible and destructive actions. Another disturbing feature for the stability of a democratic society is that it is increasingly difficult to interest members of the youth generation in conventional party and electoral politics. The authors believe schools and citizenship education programs have a mandate to move beyond a limited focus on cognitive goals and outcomes for students. 60 references, 3 notes, and 3 tables