copyright © allyn & bacon 2007 chapter 1 studying social problems in the twenty-first century...

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Chapter 1

Studying Social Problems in the Twenty-First Century

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What is Sociology?

Academic and scholarly Systematic study of human behavior

Studies the issues that affect society and culture Society: large number of people who share

same geographic territory Same political authority Share dominant cultural expectations


What is a Social Problem?It is a . . . Social condition (e.g., poverty, discrimination, crime,

pollution, etc.) Behavioral pattern (e.g., substance abuse, domestic

violence, etc. ).

AND…. Disadvantages or harms a large number of people Causes, consequences, and sources of possible

resolution are social Warrants public concern and action


Hate Crimes as a Social Problem The social condition

Hate crimes Who does it disadvantage?

Hate crimes are attacks on people because of assumptions regarding race, sex, ethnicity, religion, disability, etc.

What can we do to prevent it?Federal and state laws have been enacted to

increase the penalties


Sociological Imagination

Coined by Sociologist C. Wright Mills (1959)Is the ability to . . . Connect personal problems to public

issuesSocial problems are often matters beyond a

person’s control Shift focus to a larger social context

Recognizing that the loss of a job is due to economic trends, such as downsizing


Sociological Perspectives on Social Problems Move beyond myths and commonsense

“Things are not what they seem.”

Move between a micro and macro analysis Fear of unemployment affects workers’ personal lives Loss of millions of jobs directly affects the US economy

Look for the social causes and consequences of social problems


Subjective Awareness of Social Problems Social problems are subjective by nature Not everyone agrees on what is

considered “objective” realitySome “objective” conditions may not be

consider social problems Environmental pollution, war, health care, abortion

Sociologists strive to view social problems objectively


Theory and Social Problems Theory

Explain relationships between social concepts Interpret social reality by providing a

framework Theoretical perspective

Overall approach toward a particular social condition

Sociology has three major perspectives Functionalism, conflict perspective, and the

interactionist perspective


The Functionalist Perspective Macro-level analysis

Draws from Auguste Comte (1798–1857)

Society is an orderly system composed of a number of interrelated parts Social institutions

Each part functions for stability

Problems arise when parts do not function


Functions of Social Institutions Manifest functions: Intended and

recognized consequences (e.g., education provides knowledge and skills).

Latent functions: Unintended or hidden consequences (e.g., education keeps youth off the street).

Dysfunctions: Undesirable consequences that inhibit a society’s ability to adjust Leads to social disorganization


The Conflict Perspective Macro-level analysis Views society in a struggle over scarce resources Some groups benefit & maintain their privileges

while other groups are disadvantaged

Attributes social problems to contradictions in society:

Social class (Karl Marx) – Class inequality Exploitation of people of color – Racial inequality Patriarchy (feminism) – Gender inequality


The Interactionist Perspective Micro-level analysis Society is interactions between people

Social problems occur when:Social interaction is disruptedPeople are labeled deviantPeople’s perception of reality is different


Sociological Explanations of Violence Functionalist: Social institutions are not

providing social stability Anomie creates moral decay and violence increases

Conflict: Response to inequalities Economic and racial exploitation leads to violence

Symbolic Interactionist: Learned attitudes and values Violence results from “situational transactions”


Sociological Solutions of Violence Functionalist: Social institutions (family,

schools, religion) must be strengthened

Conflict: Changes needed in political and economical arenas to bring about equality

Symbolic Interactionist: Change societal values that encourage excessive competition and violence


Social Research Methods:Field Research

Study of life in a natural setting

Observing and interviewing people in many settings Participant observations

Provides complete understanding of environment

Requires strong interpersonal skills


Survey Research Series of questions on a specific topic

Used frequently by social scientists

Self administered or face-to-face interviewsUCR and NCVS

Allows study of large population


Secondary Analysis of Existing Data

Data is already collected Unobtrusive research

Sources include the U.S. Census

No direct contact with subjects

Can include content analysis

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