What is the social condition of youth in modern society? This is the question taken up by this passionate and substantive book. The author argues that youth are at a crisis state. The crisis has been brought about by the general state of social crisis; violence, questions of political legitimacy, educational decline; as well as the decline of compassion as a core principle of culture. The author draws on a variety of trends and scholarly research to examine the problems of growing up in a high risk society and offers pathways to spiritual renewal and cultural renewal, esential for salvaging the next generation.

The study takes on the youth crisis as a compelling public issue, exploring various manifestations of the crisis; endangered youth, gang participation, youth addictions, unworkable schools, violence in the home and on the streets, homelessness, and the near genocidal conditions that plague African American and urban youth. Students, educators, and policy makers, as well as anyone interested in the plight of youth and the steps necessary to successfully overcome the crisis will find this book invaluable and memorable.