Values and Public Policy.

These essays by well-known public policy analysts present a timely conversation about the place of values in the construction and implementation of policies. The editors maintain that contemporary social scientists have ignored or refused to analyze values in public policy analysis and debates; however, as they note in their introduction, "values can change, combined with the recognition that responses to policies depend on people's preferences -- that is, their values --leads to thinking about how public policy might change values directly or indirectly and thereby change the responses to public policies themselves" (p. 3). In response to this viewpoint, a tension exists between the authors regarding whether policies should aim at changing values through childhood intervention, or at the management of conflicts between long-held values. Public policies can be made more effective depending on which perspective of value formation legislators accept.

Several essays concentrate on the changes of values regarding family life and obligations to the community. Daniel Yankelovich posits that as societies undergo various stages of development, and ultimately attain a level of "affluence", values change to reflect the new reality. James Wilson explores how life-long "habits" in stable family life promote positive values which sustain individuals and communities. The critical dilemma between "communal obligations" and "individual autonomy" in family life is explored by David Popenoe, who resolves the tension by postulating a "communitarian individualism." Nathan Glazer looks at the current debate about "multi-culturalism" and the role of minorities in value formation in educational policy. The value of "self interest" in a democracy, discussed by Jane Mansfield, focuses on the need for continued dialogue and debate in the public realm; values may change but conversation and participation is critical for public virtue. Finally, the essay by George Akerlof and Janet Yellen analyzes the relationship between community attitudes about crime, gangs, and security.

Even though these essays discuss how individual values are formed and changed, few mention the works of Robert Bellah, and his team (The Good Society, Alfred A. Knopf, 1991), and Amitai Etzioni (The Spirit of Community: Rights, Responsibilities, and the Communitarian Agenda, Crown Books, 1993) in their "communitarian" investigation of values and policy implications. It would seem that a dialogue needs to occur between these authors and the growing "communitarian" perspective on the role of values on public policy.

The authors in Values and Public Policy seem to concentrate their analysis on individual changes and adherence to values without much attention to the values of other actors which also shape and inform public policy. Scant attention is paid to the influence of corporations and institutions in promoting their values in society: the values of competition, individual economic pursuits, and disinvestment in communities are not necessarily "family values" based on solidarity and commitment. Family renewal is argued by many of the authors, however, none provide any advice about countering non-family values in society. Finally, though most of the authors discuss the role of community organizations and intermediary groups as vehicles for values, none concentrate on this important "third sector" between market forces and public life. More research on how values are transmitted and supported through these intermediary institutions is required.

Values and Public Policy rejuvenates a concern that many social scientists have feared to probe: values and social policy. This is a book which will change the future of policy discussions, and hopefully, decisions.

Brian R. Corbin
Catholic Charities - Youngstown, OH