There are new threats to health and a revival of old ones. TB, once thought to be all but extinct, is resurgent. Ebola virus and other mutations may cause epidemics. Longevity is approximately 78 years for those born today with significant gender and ethnic differences. As with the issue of dropouts, there is great debate and confusion regarding crime statistics.
Many social scientists believe that as the family goes, so goes social control.
Science and Values . Scientific and traditional values may at times conflict in matters of social policy. Cloning of humans or human body parts raises ethical debate. Many scientists agree that life exists in other portions of the universe and even in our galaxy. The Pope has noted that the theory of evolution must be acknowledged by the Church in order to come to terms with what appears to be scientific fact.