A MINOR REVOLUTION

A law professor and father demonstrates how keeping children at the forefront can ensure a robust society.

Benforado argues persuasively for the need to prioritize children's welfare by the government, the law, businesses, and the community as a whole. Once the focus of progressive reformers, the rights of children have retreated into the background. No longer “in the vanguard,” the U.S. has “fallen behind other advanced nations on protecting children at every stage of development." Benforado examines children's lives from infancy to the cusp of adulthood, suggesting changes that could affect them profoundly. National parental leave, for example, would foster parent-infant attachment. Investing in early childhood education, as well as greater access to health care and housing, would lessen the economic inequality that impedes many children's futures. "In America today," writes the author, "one in six kids grows up in poverty. In our largest cities, one in seven has experienced eviction by the age of fifteen." Benforado suggests reforms to the criminal justice system to account for the harmful impact of a parent's incarceration, and he lays out the reasons we must reconsider harsh sentences imposed on young offenders. The author cites psychological and sociological studies to support his proposal of granting the vote to adolescents, who, he contends, are often more politically literate than many adults. Even partial suffrage would give young people input on issues that are particularly relevant to them; alternatively, their votes could be weighted based on age. Young people's voices, perspectives, and leadership, the author believes, can bring about changes in areas beyond government. "On many issues," he asserts, "young people may encourage us to rethink long-held assumptions, reform antiquated practices, and seize opportunities." Citing researchers' findings and abundant firsthand testimony, Benforado underscores his main point: Children are being victimized "not from our deliberate actions to disadvantage" them "but from our lack of awareness."

A thoughtful and practical manifesto for large-scale reform.