Expresses the view that radical reforms, including reordering of national priorities, are needed to provide a human environment for children. Gives a concrete suggestion to make major institutions become family- and child- oriented. (Author/AJ)

Extensive analysis of all the data available from the United States Census bearing on changes in the American family from the Second World War to the present reveal a progressive fragmentation and isolation for the family in its child rearing role. Suggests the necessities for complete child development, examines the plight of single parents, and…

Many aspects of social change in the United States are reducing the amount of caring and interpersonal contact available to children, thus enhancing the likelihood of social failure. Schools and other social institutions can be reorganized and redirected to provide more positive social support. (PGD)

Deals with the changing patterns of child rearing and family lifestyles in the United States and the significance of these changes for the development of children, families, and society at large. Four "preposterous proposals" describe current conditions for child development and include recommendations for public action. (JJD)

The finding of positive effects of developmentally sensitive interaction on children's physical health is discussed and expanded in terms of five propositions. The first is that development requires participation in progressively more complex reciprocal activities on a regular basis over an extended period of time, with at least one person…