Social Problems

Description

This compact and affordable text serves as an introduction to a wide range of social problems. Social Problems, Second Edition, is unique in that all chapters are organized in a consistent format, beginning with the definition and prevalence of the social problem covered, followed by levels of causation, consequences, and interventions. Each chapter includes a discussion of the future of each social problem covered and a summary of its substantive issues. All chapters conclude with discussion questions, references, and a list of relevant websites.

This lively, readable volume introduces students to a variety of sociological viewpoints on social problems. Every topic is analyzed from individual, cultural, and structural perspectives. This diversity allows instructors to compare explanations that incorporate such structural factors as social class and economic structure to explanations that focus on cultural factors or on biological and psychological characteristics of the individual. Social Problems, Second Edition, emphasizes the importance of gender, race, and class for understanding social problems. The text focuses on the U.S., but incorporates comparative, cross-cultural material when appropriate.

Unique features of this book include the following:

* A consistent approach that offers solutions to social problems, not just explanations
* Full chapters on the topics of cities and urban decline, and on food and population
* Coverage of such issues as the criminalization of pregnancy, domestic violence as a health issue, and aging and homosexuality

To stimulate student interest, each chapter begins with an "In the News" section that consists of several newspaper articles on current issues. Every chapter also includes "A Closer Look" inserts to heighten student interest by describing ongoing efforts to resolve current social issues. Some inserts highlight the impact of social policy, while others summarize research or challenge "common sense" assumptions.

Table of Contents

All chapters conclude with Discussion Questions, References, and a list of Relevant Websites.
Chapters 2-16 also include Summaries.
1. Understanding Social Problems
In the News: An End to Social Problems?
Definition and Prevalence
Levels of Causation
Individual
Cultural
Structural
Consequences
Interventions
About the Book
2. Inequality and Poverty
In the News: Children and Poverty
Definition and Prevalence
Levels of Causation
Individual
Cultural
Structural
Consequences
Interventions
The Future of Inequality and Poverty
3. Racial Inequality
In the News: Who Are We? Census Racial Categories
Definition and Prevalence
Levels of Causation
Individual
Cultural
Structural
Consequences
Interventions
The Future of Racial Inequality
4. Gender Inequality
In the News: Title IX and Women's Sports
Definition and Prevalence
Levels of Causation
Individual
Cultural
Structural
Consequences
Interventions
The Future of Gender Inequality
5. Age Discrimination
In the News: Children Caring for Their Elderly Parents
Definition and Prevalence
Levels of Causation
Individual
Cultural
Structural
Consequences
Interventions
The Future of Age Discrimination
6. Sexual Orientation and Homophobia
In the News: Coming Out on Television: Ellen
Definition and Prevalence
Levels of Causation
Individual
Cultural
Structural
Consequences
Interventions
The Future of Homophobia
7. Crime and Violence
In the News: Why Is the Crime Rate Falling?
Definition and Prevalence
Levels of Causation
Individual
Cultural
Structural
Consequences
Interventions
The Future of Inequality and Poverty
8. Substance Abuse
In the News: Switzerland's Heroin Distribution Program
Definition and Prevalence
Levels of Causation
Individual
Cultural
Structural
Consequences
Interventions
The Future of Drug Abuse
9. Child Abuse
In the News: Taking Children Out of Abusive Families
Definition and Prevalence
Levels of Causation
Individual
Cultural
Structural
Consequences
Interventions
The Future of Child Abuse
10. Battered Women
In the News: Battered Women and the Courts
Definition and Prevalence
Levels of Causation
Individual
Cultural
Structural
Consequences
Interventions
The Future of Battered Women
11. Divorce
In the News: Tightening the Bonds of Marriage in Louisiana
Definition and Prevalence
Levels of Causation
Individual
Cultural
Structural
Consequences
Interventions
The Future of Divorce
12. Health and Health Care Issues
In the News: Surviving in America Without Health Insurance
Definition and Prevalence
Levels of Causation
Individual
Cultural
Structural
Consequences
Interventions
The Future of Health Care
13. Cities and Urban Decline
In the News: The Fall and Rise of a Neighborhood
Definition and Prevalence
Levels of Causation
Individual
Cultural
Structural
Consequences
Interventions
The Future of Urban Life
14. Population and Food
In the News: Going Hungry in American Cities
Definition and Prevalence
Levels of Causation
Individual
Cultural
Structural
Consequences
Interventions
The Future of Population and Food
15. Environmental Problems
In the News: The Summit on the Environment
Definition and Prevalence
Levels of Causation
Individual
Cultural
Structural
Consequences
Interventions
The Future of the Environment
16. Mass Media and Society
In the News: Free Speech on the Internet
Definition and Prevalence
Levels of Causation
Individual
Cultural
Structural
Consequences
Interventions
The Future of Mass Media and Society