A thought-provoking examination of how explanations of social and moral development inform our understandings of morality and culture. A common theme in the latter part of the twentieth century has been to lament the moral state of American society and the decline of morality among youth. A sharp turn toward an extreme form of individualism and a lack of concern for community involvement and civic participation are often blamed for the moral crisis. Turiel challenges these views, drawing on a large body of research from developmental psychology, anthropology, sociology as well as social events, political movements, and journalistic accounts of social and political struggles. Turiel shows that generation after generation has lamented the decline of society and blamed young people. Using historical accounts, he persuasively argues that such characterizations of moral decline entail stereotyping, nostalgia for times past, and a failure to recognize the moral viewpoint of those who challenge traditions.

Elliot Turiel is Chancellor's Professor in the Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Berkeley. He is an Affiliate in the Department of Psychology. He served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (1994-99) and Acting Dean of the Graduate School of Education. He is author of The Development of Social Knowledge: Morality and Convention, and is editor or co-editor of Values and Knowledge, Development and Cultural Change: Reciprocal Processes, and Culture, Thought and Development.