Bøger i Contemporary World Issues serien

Prescription drugs are a basic and invaluable part of society today, but there is debate surrounding the methods of testing new drugs, the possible misuse of prescription drugs, and the economics of drug production and use.This book examines the evolution of prescription drugs in the United States, as well as the formation of the pharmaceutical industry. It begins with a history of prescription drugs, dating back to their origins, then moves through the Industrial Revolution and into the present day. It also delves into the issues and controversies related to prescription drugs, such as drug costs, regulations, prescription drug abuse, insurance complications, and more. Both implemented and proposed solutions are also discussed. One of the most valuable aspects of the book is that it surveys the history of prescription drugs in a manner that helps the reader identify key issues in an easy-to-understand fashion. Finally, the perspectives chapter allows a broad range of voices to be heard, allowing crucial, diverse perspectives to round out the author's expertise.

With 50 percent new material, this third edition breaks this complex topic into key elements, examining the roots of the problem, programs that address it, current research, and public perceptions of homelessness. American Homelessness covers who the homeless are and why they are in such a situation;

This even-handed survey of contemporary urban development in America examines how and why a growing number of citizens are concerned about urban sprawl. Offering a balanced overview, Urban Sprawl marshals the facts, sorts out the benefits and the drawbacks, and withholds judgment.

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?

From killer storms to their implications for the insurance premiums of U.S. residents, this much-awaited update explores the ecological, social, and economic consequences of hurricanes and their effects on both coastal and inland areas.

This book examines the history of the concepts of intellectual property and the current state of U.S. and international intellectual property law. In this timely and readable volume, law professor Aaron Schwabach explores the three traditional categories of intellectual property-copyright, patent, and trademark.

This go-to resource on substance abuse supplies the broad background knowledge and historical information needed to understand this important sociological issue and provides readers with a range of additional sources for continuing their study of the topic.From the pharmaceuticals advertised on television for various specific medical conditions; to alcohol, which is consumed regularly as a societal norm; to illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine; to marijuana, which is becoming legal in an increasing number of U.S. states, drugs are all around us and are ingrained in our culture. The difficult reality is that any drug is a substance that can be abused. Substance Abuse: A Reference Handbook provides a detailed discussion of the history of substance abuse, covers the classification of drugs, explains how drugs work in the body, includes a general survey of both legal and illegal drugs, and describes the methods of substance abuse prevention and treatment. Readers receive a comprehensive introduction to the broad topic of substance abuse and a variety of additional resources with which to conduct extensive research.In addition to describing the nature of licit and illicit drugs, the beneficial and harmful effects drugs can have on the human body, and factors that may lead to abuse and/or substance abuse, this book covers subtopics such as drug testing in a variety of settings including the workplace and sports, drug control mechanisms, and the debates relating to the legalization of drugs such as medical and recreational marijuana. The book also offers primary source resources that enable readers to directly examine the text of documents, such as significant laws and court cases dealing with aspects of substance abuse, alcohol prohibition amendments, the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, a series of memoranda from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the prosecution of marijuana cases, and state doctor shopping laws.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in countries like the United States. This book provides a comprehensive summary of obesity in America and around the world, discussing the causes and proposing ways to help stem the tide and to help those who are overweight.

The Climate Change Debate: A Reference Handbook provides an in-depth look at climate change facts and statistics.

A comprehensive look at torture, this book examines societal understanding of its use, how we got here, and how it might be regarded in the future. Torture and Enhanced Interrogation: A Reference Handbook begins with an overview of the history of torture, beginning in Ancient Greece and continuing to Guantanamo Bay and beyond.

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.

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.

World Poverty provides an authoritative and balanced examination of the many facets of world poverty and the policy issues surrounding it. World Poverty: A Reference Handbook provides an authoritative overview of world poverty as it stands today.

This intriguing volume gives readers a thorough understanding of all sides of the ozone debate. A 190 year chronology tracks our growing understanding of the ozone layer

Indoor Pollution educates concerned readers about the sources of indoor pollutants, the illnesses associated with them, and the measures used to control them. Readers will also find a comprehensive listing of relevant laws and regulations, a directory of organizations, a complete bibliography, and a listing of audio/visual aids. Appendixes listing organizations, chemical compounds, measurements, and testing information complete the volume.

Wade to the present, with clear analyses of disputes such as public funding for abortion, the status of the fetus, contraception, abortion as a "litmus test" for candidates and judicial nominees, and more. A separate chapter looks at abortion politics throughout the world and places the United States in a global context.

This work is a fascinating overview of Americans' complex and occasionally uneasy relationship with military service, from World War II to the age of global terrorism. The end of the Cold War ushered in a new kind of war that has already made conventional tactics and strategy obsolete.

In the past 20 years, the victims' rights movement has gathered momentum, often succeeding in its attempts to turn the tables on laws and legislation that traditionally loaded the scales of justice in favor of criminal defendants. Victims' Rights explores this movement and its implications in detail for the first time.

Provides timely and up-to-date facts, context, perspectives, and tools to make informed decisions about nuclear energy. In the 21st century, nuclear power has been identified as a viable alternative to traditional energy sources to stem global climate change, and condemned as risky to human health and environmentally irresponsible.

Single Parents offers an overview of this growing phenomenon, the problems faced by single-parent families, and their impact on society.

This book provides the answers to controversial questions about religious liberties in the United States and connected issues through balanced, thorough, and nonjudgmental coverage of the issues in a reference format.The subject of religious freedom is important to all American citizens, regardless of religious affiliation or ethnicity. Are the rights of religious individuals being eroded, or is religion being unfairly used to deny basic secular rights to individuals? How will religious institutions adapt to changes in legislation that have an impact on how they operate? Does the Supreme Court have the right to enforce these changes? Finally, how can the precarious separation of church and state be maintained while simultaneously respecting both institutions?This single-volume work provides an introduction that addresses the historical background of religious freedom in America, accurately explains the latest legal developments in religious freedom in the United States, and presents an unbiased account of the probable impact of the new Freedom of Religion laws in the continuing culture war. Readers will gain insight into key controversies such as prayer in public schools, creationism versus evolution, abortion, religious objections to medical care, religious displays in public places, same-sex marriage and LGBT rights, and state and federal religious freedom acts. The book also includes perspective essays by outside contributors, a selection of useful primary documents, a listing of print and nonprint resources, a chronology, and a glossary of terms.

An accessible introduction to climate change that outlines key scientific, economic, and political issues, reviews how the global community has addressed the issue to date, and discusses the options being explored for further action.

This book explains how race, once a differentiating factor, became a major basis for stratification in the United States that pervaded scientific thought, religious doctrine, governmental policy, and the patterned actions of decision-makers in all sectors of social life.Racism in America: A Reference Handbook diverges from the typical focus of accounts of racism on interpersonal prejudice and discrimination to situate racism within structural processes to demonstrate the systematic nature of racial discrimination. Racial progress, though notable, has largely addressed symptoms of the racialized social system rather than tackling the ways in which the system is inherently patterned to benefit whites. This book provides evidence that racial discrimination is not an occasional decision made by individuals.The book provides readers with a background and history of race in America; a thorough treatment of the problems, controversies, and solutions related to race; a perspectives section including essays from experts in a variety of related fields; profiles of important people and organizations; and a section dedicated to data and documents. Its organizational strategy benefits the reader, first explaining core concepts and providing context for racism in America before moving into more specific applications in the work of relevant experts and providing directions for further study.

Voting Rights: A Reference Handbook is a valuable resource for high school and college students curious about the history of voting rights in the United States. Voting Rights: A Reference Handbook chronicles voting rights in the United States, from the colonial period to the present.

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.

A shocking account of how slavery continues to afflict millions around the world today-from children in the carpet trade in Asia, to immigrants forced into prostitution in Europe, to domestic workers in the United States and other Western countries.

This award winning handbook presents the views of both advocates and critics of the argument that government policies can establish gender and racial equality.

A thorough overview of the populations and social forces that have shaped the character of racial and ethnic diversity in the United States. Racial and Ethnic Diversity in America: A Reference Handbook documents how diversity as part of the social fabric of American society has changed its character over time.

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 work offers an insightful guide to the global struggle for human rights, the problems and shortcomings of the international human rights regime, and the resources essential to human rights studies.