Social Problems (Tenth Edition)

Social Problems (Sixth Edition)

James W. Coleman
Harold R. Kerbo

Source: WeLib

A social problem is defined as either a gap between a society’s ideals and its actual conditions or a condition that a significant portion of the population perceives as problematic. Sociology and Social Problems are analyzed through four primary theoretical lenses: the functionalist perspective, which views society as a system of interdependent parts; the conflict perspective, which focuses on power struggles; the feminist perspective, which examines gender-based inequality; and the interactionist perspective, which explores how individuals define their social reality. These frameworks provide the foundation for scientific research methods, including surveys, experiments, and case studies, to interpret data and evaluate claims regarding collective issues.

Problems of the Family center on the transition from traditional nuclear structures to a diversity of patterns influenced by class and ethnicity. Primary concerns include the rising incidence of divorce, births outside of marriage, and domestic violence. Theoretical frameworks explain these shifts as either a breakdown of social stability or as necessary adaptations to changing economic and social environments, while solutions focus on better preparation for marriage, reducing family conflict, and providing institutional support for parents.

Problems of Education involve the persistent struggle for equal opportunity and the varying quality of schooling. Key distinctions in achievement are linked to social class, minority status, and gender bias within the educational system. Central frameworks highlight how schools function to socialize individuals and reinforce social hierarchies, with contemporary debates focusing on improving school quality through increased authority, accountability, and structural reforms to ensure equitable access.

Problems of the Economy are defined by the shift toward a globalized system and the tension between corporate interests and worker well-being. Central concepts include the rise of multinational corporations, the decline of labor unions, and the emergence of new economic realities like the service-oriented job market. Functionalist views treat the economy as a complex machine that requires coordination, while conflict perspectives focus on how economic structures perpetuate inequality and favor the wealthy over the working class.

Problems of Government explore the distribution of political power and the growth of administrative bureaucracies. Theoretical models such as pluralism and elitism offer different explanations for who controls the state, while practical dilemmas include political corruption, public cynicism, and the balance between national security and civil liberties. Addressing these issues involves restructuring government processes, reforming campaign finance, and increasing citizen involvement to ensure democratic representation.

The domain of Physical and Mental Health distinguishes between biological malfunctions and the social factors that influence well-being, such as unhealthy lifestyles, environmental hazards, and poverty. Mental disorders are categorized by standardized diagnostic systems, yet their causes are debated as being biological, developmental, or products of social labeling. The crisis in health care is characterized by escalating costs and unequal access, leading to proposals for preventive medicine and structural reforms to the delivery system.

The Poor are identified through measures of absolute and relative deprivation, highlighting a widening wealth gap in contemporary society. Categories such as the homeless, the underclass, and the working poor illustrate the diverse experiences of poverty, which are explained through economic, political, and cultural frameworks. Solutions range from job creation and welfare reform to the political organization of impoverished groups to advocate for a more equitable distribution of income.

Issues surrounding The Ethnic Minorities stem from institutionalized patterns of prejudice and discrimination. Patterns of ethnic relations range from assimilation in a “melting pot” to the coexistence of distinct groups in a “salad bowl” model. Theoretical explanations focus on competition for resources and the psychological impact of minority status, while solutions emphasize political activism, fair employment practices, and educational reform to address systemic inequality.

The Old and the Young face challenges unique to different stages of the life cycle, such as child abuse and neglect for the young, or ageism and social isolation for the elderly. The “graying of America” represents a significant demographic shift that creates new economic and social pressures on the welfare system. Sociological perspectives highlight the relative lack of power held by these age groups, advocating for improved social services and cultural changes to better integrate them into society.

The relationship between Women and Men is shaped by gender roles—the social expectations assigned to each sex—and the process of gender socialization. Inequality is manifested through disparities in political power, employment, and domestic labor, often reinforced by traditional religious and social institutions. Analysis focuses on whether these roles are functional divisions or patriarchal structures, with solutions centered on political activism and the legal fight against gender discrimination.

Sexual Behavior encompasses a broad range of human conduct, with social problems arising from discrimination against non-heterosexual identities, unwanted pregnancies, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS. Central theoretical frameworks examine how sexuality is socially constructed and regulated through the legal system and media. Current efforts to address these problems include promoting sexual education, accepting diversity, and reforming laws regarding prostitution and pornography.

Drug Use is categorized by the types of substances consumed and the physiological and social impact of addiction. Explanations for use include biological predispositions, behavioral conditioning, and the influence of drug subcultures. Control strategies involve a tension between legal repression through prohibition and public health approaches that prioritize prevention and treatment.

Crime and Violence are defined as acts that violate legal norms, ranging from property offenses and violent crimes to white-collar and syndicated activities. Theoretical frameworks like strain theory suggest that crime results from the gap between social goals and the legal means to achieve them, while learning theories focus on the influence of peer groups. The criminal justice system—comprising police, courts, and corrections—struggles to balance the goals of punishment and rehabilitation.

Urbanization involves the study of human communities and the challenges posed by the growth of cities and suburbs. Key problems include the decline of central cities, inefficient transportation, and ethnic segregation. While some views emphasize the loss of community in urban settings, others focus on the city as a center of cultural and economic dominance. Solutions focus on urban renewal, controlling growth, and creating a stronger sense of local neighborhood identity.

Population problems center on the global explosion in human numbers and the resulting impact on resources and food supplies. The demographic transition model explains how industrialization influences birth and death rates, leading to shifts like the graying of industrialized nations and mass migration from less-developed regions. Addressing these issues requires a combination of improved food distribution and the implementation of voluntary or state-sponsored population control programs.

The Environment is examined through the lens of ecology and the human impact on natural systems, including air and water pollution, climate change, and the loss of biological diversity. The primary distinction lies between those who believe technology can solve environmental issues and those who argue that industrial society’s drive for constant growth is inherently unsustainable. Solutions involve shifting toward renewable energy and developing a more balanced relationship with finite natural resources.

The Global Divide describes the deep inequality between industrialized nations and the less-developed “peripheral” countries. This gap is analyzed through modernization theory, which focuses on internal development, and world-system theory, which emphasizes international exploitation. Globalization has accelerated these trends, creating new economic realities such as the reliance on remittances from foreign workers and the expansion of multinational influence in the Third World.

Warfare, Terrorism, and International Conflict are analyzed as products of ideological struggles, ethnic tensions, and the competition for resources. In the post-Cold War era, concerns have shifted toward nuclear proliferation and the rise of non-state actors in global violence. Frameworks for understanding these conflicts examine the social and economic costs of the military-industrial complex and the ongoing challenge of maintaining global security without compromising civil liberties.

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