Social Problems Source: Understanding Social Problems by Linda Mooney, David Knox, and Caroline Schacht

Definition of Social Problems Not a universal definition “Social problems are defined by a combination of objective and subjective criteria that vary across societies, among individuals and groups within a society, and across historical time periods.” 1) What is something that might be considered a social problem in our society, but not in another? 2) What is something that you consider to be a social problem that someone else in this class might not? 3) What is something that used to be a social problem, but is no longer?

Definition of Social Problems, cont. Social problems have both “an objective social condition and a subjective interpretation of that social condition.” The objective social condition is something that we observe, read about, hear about, learn about, etc. For example, we see videos on social media of people being killed by police. We walk through Andrew Station and see people with nowhere to live. We read in the news about people losing their jobs and schools being closed. What are other objective social conditions of which you are aware?

Definition of Social Problems, cont. “The subjective element of a social problem refers to the belief that a particular social condition is harmful to society or to a segment of society and that it should and can be changed.” Therefore, a social problem is “a social condition that a segment of society views as harmful to members of society and in need of remedy.” What do you believe is the most pressing social problem in our society today? Why?

Institutions: “family, religions, politics, economics, education…science and technology, media, medicine, sports, military.” Social problems can be the result of institutional inadequacies. For example, the social problem of unemployment is partially the result of an inadequate education system. For example, poverty is partially the result of a political system that has not allowed the minimum wage to increase adequately. What are other examples of social problems that you think are the result of institutional inadequacies?

Values: “social agreements about what is considered good and bad, right and wrong, desirable and undesirable.” Social conditions become social problems when they “contradict values.” What are some social conditions you see today that contradict our values?

Norms: “socially defined rules of behavior.” Informal: shaking hands, making eye contact, giving personal space in a public place Formal: laws for which you receive punishment if you break them Sanctions: “social consequences for conforming to or violating norms.” Positive and informal, positive and formal, negative and informal, negative and formal

REMEMBER Sanctions are used to enforce folkways/mores/laws, which are types of norms, that are based on values. If you believe something is a social problem, you likely believe it violates your values, and that it is or should be against our norms.

The Sociological Imagination “[T]he ability to see the connections between our personal lives and the social world in which we live.” “[Seeing] connections between the events and conditions of our lives and the social and historical context in which we live.” Unemployment, poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, obesity, divorce, etc. – these are personal “troubles” that are also social problems, according to many people.

Think about a social problem that is somehow important to you. What is the objective social condition? Explain the subjective element of this condition – why do you see this condition as harmful? Who else would agree with you that it is harmful? To whom is it harmful? Why does it need to change? What institutions and institutional inadequacies are involved in this social problem? Which of your beliefs and values influence you to see this as a social problem? Do others share the same beliefs and values? If so, who? Is there anything else about our social structure and/or culture that contributes to this social problem?