Observatori Social de “la Caixa”

These two works analyse, from the angles of psychology and sociology respectively, the increase in social opportunities for underprivileged children. The first proposes acting on the environment and the second, on individual capabilities. 

How should we care for our children? The discipline of Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, contrasts with the experimental extravagances of Dalton Conley and his Parentology. However, the two share a competitive vision of childhood that focuses on social approval.

This book, reviewed for the Social Observatory of "la Caixa", aims to measure participation in cultural activities on a European level, as well as promote them to contribute to social inclusion and active citizenship.

Tackling growing inequality in income distribution and wealth is a social challenge that demands an innovative approach. Academic Anthony B. Atkinson proposes 15 actions that combine old policies with new instruments.

The two books reviewed share concerns regarding the decline of the USA and show the problems facing the country. From different perspectives, both reach the same diagnosis regarding American society and the danger that threatens democracy.

From an economic viewpoint, innovation is considered to be an engine of growth because of its capacity to generate wealth and employment, a focus that has gained prominence since the start of the financial crisis in 2008. This review by the “la Caixa” Social Observatory comments on two books that analyse this issue from very different perspectives. 

Climate change is a very complex problem, and its possible solutions may not be a matter of true or false, but of better or worse. We review two books that talk about how this debate is ceasing to be a technical and rational question to become a question of values and lifestyles.

How can we tackle living with uncertainty? We analyse two books that provide a critical view and a philosophical focus to try to help manage our expectations regarding the future and the tools that science offers us to try to predict it.

Inequality as a phenomenon can be studied from a local, global or international perspective. Branko Milanovic integrates these three points of view in order to reflect on the effect of globalisation within this inequality.

How should migration within the European context be studied? These two books, from the standpoints of gender and rurality, tackle a phenomenon previously studied above all in urban contexts with male protagonists. With these new perspectives, the scientific view offers extra depth to an issue of recent social importance.

Can education reduce social inequality? These two books, which talk to us about the theory of multiple intelligences and the importance of passion and perseverance, propose educational options for working in this direction.