Books in Gallup Major Trends and Events series

American values have changed dramatically since 1900. As a result, so has the typical American family. This volume explores how and why. Today, divorce and single parenthood are no longer scandalous and unconventional families are increasingly common. Weddings occur later in life, and many couples are choosing to have fewer, or no, children.

The twentieth century saw countless innovations in science and technology. These developments have changed the way people experience transportation, entertainment, communication, astronomy, and warfare. This work examines technological advancements and the thinkers responsible for them.

Examines a variety of issues about abortion.

The statistics are alarming: millions of Americans are overweight or obese. The epidemic especially affects children, many of whom suffer from severe obesity-related conditions that could make them the first generation to die younger than their parents. This work outlines where the obesity epidemic came from and how it can be fought.

Since 1900, the average American life expectancy has risen thirty years. Many diseases have been conquered, and medical knowledge has increased exponentially. This volume explores the major health issues, including dreaded diseases from tuberculosis to AIDS, medical breakthroughs, cigarette addiction, and the affordability of health care.

America made great strides toward racial equality during the twentieth century. Freedom fighters earned rights for minorities that many had previously only dreamed of. This work shows how Americans of various backgrounds feel about divisive race-related issues such as affirmative action, racial profiling, race riots, and re-segregation of schools.

America has always been a nation of immigrants. This volume traces the history of American immigration and the issues involved, from the Ellis Island quotas, bracero workers and Japanese internment camps of days past, to modern controversy over terrorism-related paranoia, bilingual education, and, border patrols.