Social Problems
how social problems are studied
1. surveys and research: asking questions 2. Field Research: Joining in. 3 Experimental Research (looking for cause) 4. Secondary or existing data
analyzing social problems: the role of theory
1. theory: and interrelated set of concepts (or ideas) that state how and why facts are related
defining social problems
1.are conditions that undermine the well being of some or all members of society. 2.Social problems are "socially constructed" they have to be "defined" as harmful and in need of change.3. determining social problems is controversial and can create public controversy.
systems of stratification
Slavery: ownership of human beings caste: religious social hierarchy estate: ascribed status and land ownership class: social ranking based on one's relation to the economy
structural functions perspective
society is a complex system which is made up of many interrelated parts called social institutions. 1. family, education, economy, religion. b. the the system seeks stability and coherence c. social problems are a threat to the equilibrium
society
people who live within a territory who share an identity and culture
demographic transition theory
population growth linked to social development. Pre-industrial society: high birth and high death rates. Early industrial period beginning of growth due to high birth and declining deaths mature industrial: slowing growth decline to birth and deaths postindustrial society: zero growth low birth and deaths mature industrial: slowing growth decline to birth and deaths
multicultural and feminist theory
poverty is determined by ones race ethnicity and gender.
conflict analysis
poverty should be eliminated, allows on social class to exploit another.
economic models: capitalism
private ownership and pursuit of personal profit. a market place of freedom. "lassez faire- leave it be". Tends towards monopolization
Social Policy
refers to form strategies used to address social problems.
income
refers to salary or wages plus investment earnings
wealth
refers to the value of all the economic assets owned minus any debits. Richest 5% control 60% of all wealth. Bottom 40% have no wealth.
conservative
seek to limit the scope of societal change. Focus on individual not social failure
tertiary sector
service, information, and high technology .
Taxation
social policy attempt to reduce economic inequality
Four Challenges to studying social problems: one
social world and human behavior is to complex
progressive taxation
tax rates rise as income increases
Political Institution
the directing of social goals and the use of power
globalization
the expansion of economic activity with little regard for national boarders
economic institution
the providing of services and distribution of resources
three
the rapid pace of social change
secondary sector
transformation of raw materials into manufactured goods
american social classes
upper class 5% of population "old" or "working" money middle class 22% of population white collar jobs working class 35% of population blue collar jobs lower class 20% of population recipients of govern. aide.
capitalism
vertical form of power a stratification and plutocracy (rule of rich)
Eight assertions of social problems
1. Social problems result from the operation of society. 2. People perceive and experience social prolbems differently. 3. Problems involve subjective perception vs. objective facts. 4. People see problems differently based on their "social location" 5. Most social problems are inter-related AND global 6. May but not all problems can be solved 7. definitions of social problems change over time.
the social imagination
1. allows us to critically question the world around us by connecting our own "personal troubles" to the "public issues" of the day 2. A recognition that who I am and how I "see" the world is influenced by the society I live in. 3. Gives us the power to confront social problems and bring about social change
Social movements and claims making
1. an indication that a social problem exists is the information of a social movement. 2. movements promote claims making by convincing the public that a particular issue or should be considered a social prolem
The sociological imagination as critical thinking
1. critical thinking should involve not just the recalling of facts, but their comprehension(meaning) and application (use) 2. analysis (making logical connections) and synthesis (developing a larger understanding) 3. The goal is : evaluation (judgement). and Action (a willingness to change the world)
Globalization in one country
1. deindustrialization 2. transnational economics by transnational corperations 3.
welfare system
Historically benefits: women, new immigrants, children, elderly, and poor.
conflict persepctive
a modern society is organized around the unequal distribution of resources. b. social problems are based on conflicts between the "have" and "have-nots"
social stratification
a social system which hierarchically ranks categories of people. Ranking is based on the unequal distribution of valued resources such as Income and power. Impacts a persons life changes or their access to to resources and opportunity. People experience stratification differently based on SOCIAL POSITION. Relatively permanent and social mobility with in them is difficult.
policy strategies
along a continuum of "left" to "right" politics
radical
argues for wholesale social change to solve a social problem. Can be ultra liberal or ultra organized.
four
because sociologists live in the social world, it's hard to be "objective". Taking sides when studying social problems.
economic models:Socialism
collective ownership, meeting basic needs
economic models: communism
communal ownership and elimiation of social distinction
Immanuel Wallerstien's World System
core wealthy nations periphery nations (poorer) semi periphery nations (aspiring or developing)
economic strategies
debates about how a society should distribute its material resources
social and cultural strategies
debates involving moral judgement about how people should live
economic models: mixed
democratic socialism
social conflict
dependency theory: rejects modernization theory rather poor nations are locked in a dependent relationship with wealthy countries.
sectors of economy: primary sector
extraction of raw materials from the environment
liberal
favors more sweeping change in society. Emphasize organized social reform
symbolic interaction perspective
focus on how people create meaning an understanding of th world through social interaction. Emphasize the importance of socialization or the learning of culture. Social problems are "created" in the process of socialization, in what we learn about and define (or label) situations as problems.
world systems
global inequality results from how and where nations are situated in Global capitalist world economy. The world economy transcends and organizes all nations. A nations "position" in the global economy is dictated by Transnational Corperations
symbolic interaction analysis
highlights the social construction of what we decide is "poverty" and "inequality". Determined by our cultural symbols of success and the status of consumption. How we construct a problem
democracy
horizontal form of power equality of voice and citizen rights
two
how do we know what we are studying is accurate?
social policy questions
how is success defined? what are the costs of success? who should the polices help?
structural functionalist approach
inequality and poverty is a function of personal deficiency and lack of adaption (social disorganization). Social inequality motivates individuals and poverty distributes talent
social problems and poverty
infant mortality is twice the national rate. homelessness schooling dropout of high school and few go to college crime and punishment political alienation
culture
is a way of life of a people which includes their values, beliefs, and social practices.
Sociology
is the systematic study of social and group behavior in society