New Rules: Searching for Self-Fulfillment in a World Turned Upside Down

Reviewed by Gary D. Wooddelt, Assistant Professor of Teacher Education, Miami Uni versity, Oxford, Ohio According to ancient Chinese wis dom, a time of crisis was both bane and blessing a time of great danger, yet an opportunity for great progress. Yankelo vich suggests that American culture is in such a period today. In New Rules he investigates what he sees as shifts in the "giant plates of culture." Citing numer ous examples, Yankelovich argues that many people are seeking more "sa cred" and less "instrumental" interpre tations of living and are re-examining the basic beliefs underlying what he calls the "giving/getting compact." In short, Yankelovich argues that modern America is experiencing a search for new life values unique in history: first, because it is powered by the efforts and desires of great numbers of individuals from all elements of society, rather than a small privileged elite; and second, because its fundamental tenet is ap proval for diverse and pluralistic per sonal values. Like the ancient Chinese, however, Yankelovich is not convinced that this bodes well for the future of the society. While certainly not as harsh a critic as others, he does note that the search for self-fulfillment sprang from a period of unparalleled economic abundance and growth that is unlikely to continue Fur ther, he argues that overemphasis on self threatens to destroy the fabric of close personal relationships and com munity (oddly enough, one of the goals given highest priority among inter viewed "seekers"). I think the heart of the book is the second section. Using personal inter views and research data on public atti tudes Yankelovich creates a picture of general dissatisfaction with traditional values and an aimost frantic, if unfo cused, search for new values. The indi vidual vignettes bring statistics to life and such statistics they are! Vari ous surveys dramatically point out the degree of change in our most basic be liefs about what is right and wrong. One caveat though: This is not a careful ex amination of voluminous research data to generate findings; it i.v an example of use of statistics to serve an author's message. By his own admission, Yan kelovich has a point to make and, while that point may have grown from his own research findings over the years, it is also true that Yankelovich is striving to present an optimistic view of recent trends in lifestyles and attitudes. At one point he refers to Lasch's Culture of Narcissism and states his belief that the same general data will support a more optimistic and positive interpretation of current trends. Yankelovich also presents a cogent description of the various forces inter acting to create what appears to be a major economic downturn He argues that the current intense emphasis on immediate personal gratification of all needs (defined to include all desires) is inconsistent with the developing eco nomic climate and that such a narrow focus is unhealthy for society Finally Yankelovich offers a solution for turning what he sees as an inherently self-destructive movement into a healthy investment in the future of American society. He suggests that such a move requires only that the seekers redirect their efforts toward an "ethic of commitment" that emphasizes the self in relation to others. It's somewhat ironic that Yankelovich criticizes pop psychologists influenced by Maslow, Rogers, and others because over a dec ade ago these same authors repeatedly stressed that the self could only be ful filled through the enhancement of oth ers. Except for a few minor points, I like this book It attempts to examine one of the most problematic concerns for any social scientist: what is happening to us? As an educator, I've found the book provocative because it has forced me to examine some of my own values and it points out the need for educators to form a stance with regard to personal values. It seems clear that we can do more to develop values of "sharing, giving, committing, sacrificing, and participat ing." We also can help new generations see beyond themselves and take respon sibility for the future. Available from Random House for $15.95.