Chapter 1

1. Chapter 1 Sociology: Studying Social Problems

2. Social Problems • Sociological Imagination – point of view that highlights how society affects the experiences we have and the choices we make • Social Problem – a condition that undermines the well-being of some or all members of a society and is usually a matter of public controversy

3. The Social-Constructionist Approach • Social-constructionist approach – social problems arise as people define conditions as undesirable and in need of change

4. Objective/Subjective Assessment

5. Social Problems: 8 key points • Social problems result from the ways in which society operates. • Social problems are not caused by bad people. • Social problems are socially constructed as people define a condition as harmful and in need of change • People see problems differently

6. 8 key points • Definitions of problems change over time • Problems involve subjective values as well as objective facts • Many- but not all- problems can be solved. • Various social problems are related.

7. Analyzing Social Problems • The Structural-Functional Approach – problems result from deficient people (problems as social pathology), too rapid change (problems as disorganization), or dysfunctional consequences. • Social-conflict approach – problems result from inequality in terms of class (Marxism), race (multiculturalism), gender (feminism), etc. • Symbolic-interaction approach – people learn patterns for attitudes and behaviors (learning theory); explores how people may or may not define situations as problems (labeling theory).

8. Discussion • Poverty is a social problem found in virtually every society. Discuss from each theoretical paradigm what might be the cause of poverty? How do we understand the problem of poverty? Which approach do you agree/disagree with? Be specific and think of examples.