On Character

by James Q. Wilson

Book Overview

James Q. Wilson is the former president of the American Political Science Association and adviser to four presidents on issues related to crime, drug abuse, education, and other crises of American cutlure. In this book, he has produced a provocative series of essays related to character development and character policy that sets this important area in perspective. He brings his argument into clear focus by negating that public discussion of character...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0844737879
• ISBN13: 9780844737874
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: AEI Press
• Length: 243 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.9" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Great look into the importance of American social structures and norms.

I can't say enough about how important this book is for understanding the importance of social and family structures in the United States of yesterday and today. Wilson astutely points out the ways that social norms for behavior lowered crime rates in 19th century New York (despite what many might think) and even affect such small details as whether a car is left untouched in a crime zone (according to Wilson, studies show that many people will not touch a car until someone else vandalizes it first; then it creates a free-for-all in which the car will be stripped, showing that "group think" is a dangerous trend if left unchecked). On the other hand, group think can also be used for the good if moral voices in society can harness the tool of "peer persuasion" for the greater good (as was the case with the some of the more positive movements in U.S. history). This book is a must for anyone who wants to understand the basic psychology of society as a organism, or who wants to evaluate ways to make a positive difference in our nation. Outstanding!