SEIZING THE FUTURE

An exuberantly upbeat and beguilingly plausible guide to the brave new world that sociologist Zey believes could eventuate from what he views as a macroindustrial era, i.e., one in which planet earth's inhabitants have the means and opportunity to gain full control over forces that previously have buffeted them. Asserting that the present day is a historically defining moment, Zey reviews how humankind has established (and can extend) its dominion over agriculture, energy, medicine, space exploration, manufacturing, solid-state electronics, transportation, telecommunications, and a host of other fields. While the Global Village has the resources and technology to guarantee an age of economic abundance, he warns that practicable cultural and sociopolitical institutions will be needed to ensure a smooth, productive transition. Ethical issues involving, among other things, the longevity made possible by advances in genetic engineering or allied discipline must be addressed as well. Having set an inviting stage, Zey (Management/Montclair State College) gets down to cases on what's required from individuals, their elected representatives, and large communities. To begin with, he argues that nations that can foster the most stable family structures (from whence come creative, intelligent risk-takers) will be in the macroindustrial era's vanguard. Along similar lines, the author proposes ways in which governments could improve the educational systems needed to school workplace contributors, encourage constructive self-development, provide incentives for private enterprise, instill a sense of national purpose, and otherwise prepare an enlightened citizenry to meet the challenges of an expansive, if exacting, future. Credibly optimistic scenarios on what it will take for the US and wider world to realize the promise of bright tomorrows that lie within their reach.