Character : what it means and why it matters / Deborah L. Rhode.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Rhode, Deborah L., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Character.

Physical Description:

320 pages ; 25 cm

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Oxford University Press, [2019]

Summary:

Americans claim to care about character. Over four fifths want it taught in public schools, and 95 percent think that a president's character is important. And historically, philosophers, educators, politicians, religious leaders, judges, and the general public have agreed that character should be valued and reinforced. Yet in the United States, the institutions charged with that mission have consistently fallen short. Simply put, too little effort has been made to understand the importance of character and the strategies that can best develop and support it. After first exploring the history of the concept over time, Deborah Rhode turns her focus to the institutions that have traditionally fostered good character: families, schools, youth organizations, civic groups, and political organizations. However, as we have increasingly de-emphasized the subject-a trend that is most evident in our politics-our awareness of its shaping influence has waned. Indeed, we often focus on the wrong things when it comes to fostering good character. For instance, almost a third of the workforce is covered by licensing laws requiring good moral character, even occupations where the need for screening is not self-evident: florist, fortune teller, and frog farmers. Character also plays a pivotal role in the criminal justice system, in defining guilt, punishment, and eligibility for parole. All too often, these legal requirements are idiosyncratic, inequitable, and subject to race and class bias. Millions of Americans who have convictions for minor offenses are excluded from a vast range of occupations and benefits without evidence that such exclusion serves the public interest. We can do better, she stresses, and outlines a powerful program for reform.

Contents:

What is character

Character development

Character in law

Character in criminal justice

Character in politics

Profiles in character : lives of service

Profiles in character : the pursuit of social justice.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780190919870

0190919876

OCLC:

1082331799