Includes bibliographical references and index.

"Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Childhood and Society, eight edition, is a debate-style reader designed to introduce students to controversies in childhood and society. The readings, which represent the arguments of leading child behaviorists and social commentators, reflect a variety of viewpoints and have been selected for their liveliness and substance and because of their value in a debate framework. For each issue, the editor provides a concise introduction and postscript summary. The introduction sets the stage for the debate as it is argued in the "yes" and "no" readings, and the postscript briefly reviews the opposing view and suggests additional readings on the controversial issue under discussion. By requiring students to analyze opposing viewpoints and reach considered judgments, Taking Sides actively develops students' critical thinking skills. It is this development of critical thinking skills that is the ultimate purpose of each of the volumes in the widely acclaimed Taking Sides program."--From book description.

Is Institutional Child Care Beneficial to Children? -- Does Maternal Employment Have Negative Effects on Children's Development? -- Should Scientists Be Allowed to Clone Children? -- Do Federal Laws Make Transracial Adoptions More Commonplace? -- Is Spanking Detrimental to Children? -- Are Fathers Really Necessary? -- Does Divorce Create Long-Term Negative Effects for Children? -- Is Viewing Television Violence Harmful for Children? -- Does Marriage Improve Living Standards for Children? -- Do Children Who Are Homeschooled Have a Limited View of Society? -- Is Television Viewing Responsible for the Rise in Childhood Obesity? -- Do Bilingual Education Programs Help Non-English-Speaking Children Succeed? -- Is Gay Adoption and Foster Parenting Healthy for Children? -- Should the HPV Vaccination Be Mandatory for Girls in Later Childhood? -- Are Male Teens More Aggressive Than Female Teens? -- Is Abstinence-Only Sex Education the Best Way to Teach about Sex? -- Is the Internet a Safe Place for Teens to Explore?