Prof. Marianna Muravyeva

H.L. Mencken ( ) journalist, editor, critic “ For every major problem in this nation, there is a simple solution – and it is wrong

What would you learn? How to define social problems; How to apply various concepts, models and theories to social problems; How to critically think about policy issues.

You are going to apply these:

To these:

Is poverty a social problem or the fault of certain individuals? Institutionalized discrimination OR Affirmative action programs

Subjectivist position A condition is a social problem only when it is perceived as undesirable. A social problem exists when a significant number of people – or a small number of significant people – believe that a certain condition is in fact a problem in need of remedy. “No condition, no matter how dramatic or shocking to someone else, is a social problem unless the values of a considerable number of people within the society define it as a problem.” Paul B. Horton & Gerald R. Leslie

“A social problem is a condition caused by factors built into the social structure of a particular society that systematically disadvantages or harms a specific segment or a significant number of the society’s population.” Daniel J. Curran & Claire M. Renzetti Objectivist position A social problem exists as soon as a significant number of individuals are adversely affected by a phenomenon related to social factors, even if no one recognizes it. “A social problem exists when there is a sizable difference between the ideals of a society and its actual achievements.” James Coleman & Harold Kerbo

You will have a closer look at: -- Social Inequality; -- Poverty; -- Crime; -- Health; -- Homelessness; -- Old age; -- Urban challenges; -- Rural divides; -- Social Policy Issues

Remember: