Interpersonal Relationships: U.S.A. 2000

Abstract

Man's greatest problem, at this point in our swiftly changing technological progress, concerns our ability to assimilate change. With the population doubling during the next generation, can we humanize crowded living? The intensive group experience, perhaps the most significant social invention of this century, may help. The magnetism of the new openness and intimacy may prove more powerful than the trend toward treating man as a role or as a mere mechanism. By the year 2000 we shall probably change from the present pattern of action required to prevent conception to one in which infertility is standard and positive action is required to conceive. Parents may increasingly become not the authorities directing youth, but changing persons living in ever-changing interactions with their children. Institutionalized religion is likely to fade out, but the mysteries of life will acquire fresh challenge. Educators seem to show greater resistance to change than do any other institutional group. A revolution in our schools is long overdue. It is ironic that alert industry now does more than do schools to free up communication among persons. But the most tragic trend is the increasing breakdown of communication between the privileged and the ghetto.