1. Defining Social Problem
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Defining Social Problem

2. What is a Social Problem?
C. Wright Mills distinguished between personal troubles and public issues
Public issues
have an impact
on large numbers
of people
and are matters
of public debate
Personal troubles
are things that
affect individuals
and their immediate
surroundings

3. What Is a Social Problem?
There is no absolute definition of what constitutes a social problem.
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.

4. What is a Social Problem?
A social problem is a social condition that a segment of society views as harmful to members of society and in need of remedy.
A social problem exists:
when an influential group defines a social condition as threatening its values
when a condition affects a large number of people
and when the condition can be remedied by collective action

5. Objective and Subjective Elements of Social Problems
All social problems share two elements:
An objective social condition
A subjective interpretation of that social condition.

6. Objective Elements of Social Problems
Awareness of social conditions through life experiences and through reports in the media.
We see the homeless, hear gunfire in the streets, and see battered women in hospital emergency rooms.
We read about employees losing their jobs as businesses downsize and factories close.

7. Subjective Elements of Social Problems
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.
We know crime, drug addiction, poverty, racism, violence, and pollution exist.
These are not considered social problems unless a segment of society believes these conditions diminish the quality of human life.

8. Question
I believe that underage drinking is an important social problem in our society.
Strongly agree
Agree somewhat
Unsure
Disagree somewhat
Strongly disagree

9. The End