Suchergebnisse

Considers how to transform an unsustainable society into a sustainable one, addressing five concomitant questions: (1) How did we get into this predicament? (2) Why is modern society unsustainable? (3) What happens if we do not change? (4) What must change for society to survive? (5) How do we make these changes? Values of a sustainable society are contrasted with those inherent to modern society, & it is contended that economic growth cannot remain the top priority. Sustainable societies would encourage scientific/technological development but not without developing social controls for the inevitable potential for evil some advances possess. In addition, the idea of social learning would form the basis for social change; ie, social change is only possible if we change the way we think. This "learning our way to a new society" is viewed as critical to social change & requires an awareness of a need for change. Several specific recommendations for bringing about a sustainable society are offered in conclusion. J. Zendejas

If cultural evolution is purposive cities should have improved the quality of human life. City life is examined first in relation to the satisfaction of human needs. The inner areas of giant cities are perceived by their inhabitants as undesirable places to live. But the special problems of giant cities when subject to closer analysis are seen to be rooted in the larger pathology of the thrust for growth and power in modern civilisation.

Public opinion is embedded in underlying societal beliefs—a social paradigm—and these organize the way that people perceive and interpret the functioning of the world around them. Paradigms are so fundamental as to be taken for granted, but they do change. Evidence is presented that modern industrial societies now are undergoing a paradigm shift; substantial proportions of the public are now operating on the basis of one or more new paradigms. Public opinion analysts no longer can take for granted the belief paradigm that had been our context for opinion. Instead they must investigate paradigms and take them into account in the design and analysis of opinion studies.

PO is embedded in underlying societal beliefs -- a social paradigm -- & these organize the way that people perceive & interpret the functioning of the world around them. Paradigms are so fundamental as to be taken for granted, but they do change. Evidence is presented that modern industrial societies are now undergoing a paradigm shift; substantial proportions of the public are now operating on the basis of one or more new paradigms. PO analysts no longer can take for granted the belief paradigm that had been our context for PO. Instead they must investigate paradigms & take them into account in the design & analysis of PO studies. 2 Tables, 1 Figure. HA.