Social Problems

Variability in Definitions of Social Problems

Some Americans view the availability as a social problem, others view restrictions on abortions as a social problem. Variations in that is considered a social problem are due to differences in values, beliefs and life experiences.

Ascribed Status

Something society assigns to an individual based on factors which the individual has no control over (senior citizen, royal family)

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

A condition must be defined or recognized as a social problem for it TO BE a social problem

Social Problem

A social condition that a segment of society views as harmful to members of society and in need of remedy

Sociology

Study of human societies, society refers to people who live within some territory and share many patterns of behavior

Dispossessed Claims-makers

People who are poorer, lack power, wealth or status and are viewed as less newsworthy

Claims-making

Process of convincing the public and officials a particular situation or issue should be defined as a problem

Research and Social Problems

Research refers to the systematic examination of empirical data. Research can provide the most coherent and objective info about the causes of social problems and the effectiveness of solutions.

Outcomes of Medicalization

Shifting responsibility away from an individual and a problem and outcome should be owned and controlled by medical experts. People shouldn't be blamed for their problems.

Structional-Functionalist Perspective

Society is composed of parts that work together to maintain a state of balance

Medicalization

The increased use of medical language to characterize social problems and if something is viewed as a medical problem that should be addressed through medical solution (Drunkards- Disease of Alcohol)

National Crime Victim Surveys

-Attempts to measure crime unreported to police by surveying victims -Utilizes at large nationally representative sample -People are asked to report their victimization experiences -NCVS estimates 247,000 rapes or attempted rapes occurred compared to 90,000 per UCR (2002)

Methods of Data Collection

-Experiments -Surveys -Field Research: Secondary Data Research (stats) -Direct Observation

Experts as Claims-makers

-Experts are presumed to possess especially authoritative knowledge - Rank among the most influential claims-makers - Status as experts can give them easier access to policy makers -There is a decline in the influence of ministers and a growing authority of Doctors

Consensus view of crime

Agreement that exists on outlawed behavior and the laws apply to all the citizens equally

Macro-Sociology

An approach to the discipline which emphasizes the analysis of social systems and populations on a large scale, at the level of social structure, and often at a necessarily high level of theoretical abstraction.[1] Microsociology, by contrast, focuses on the individual social agency. Macrosociology also concerns individuals, families, and other constituent aspects of a society, but always does so in relation to larger social system of which they are a part.

Deviance

Any action that departs from the social norms of society and can range from the most socially harmful to the relatively offensive (wearing low pants)

Counter-Claim

Arguments in direst opposition to original claim (Pro life v. Pro Choice)

Social Constructionist Approach

Assertion that social problems arise as people define conditions as undesirable and in need of change (experts, ruling class, union leaders etc)

Achieved Status

Assigned on the basis of some characteristic or behavior which the person has some control over (college grad, spouse, parent, bank president)

Role of the media

Claims-making precedes the medias involvement and the media brings claims to a larger audience. The media often alters claims it presents and transforms messages by making them shorter, more dramatic and less ideological. Claims-makers are often competing for media attention.

Uniform Crime Reports

Collected by local law enforcement agencies and published yearly by the FBI. More than 17,000 police agencies contribute records.

Micro-Sociology

Concerning the nature of everyday human social interactions and agency on a small scale. Micro-sociology is based on interpretative analysis rather than statistical or empirical observation.

Conflict view of crime

Definition of crime is controlled by wealth, power, and social problems. Crime is shaped by the ruling class and not the moral consensus of the people.

Warrants

Justifications; reasons why something must be done about a troubling condition

Agenda Setting

Media attention makes the public aware that the issue exists or encourages the public to think that something ought to be done.

Issues with media involvement in social problems

Media often focuses on issues of bias and the coverage alters how social problems are viewed and constructed.

Causality

One factor has an effect on or produces change in some other factor

Conflict Perspective

Views society as composed of groups and interests competing for power and resources

Crime

Violation of societal rules of behavior as interpreted and expressed by the criminal law

Correlation

When one variable changes so does another (not necessarily a cause)