Problems

of the Societ

y

Mikhaela Garcia Bartolo

Allyssa Abello Bantang

Micha Mariel Manalo

The Sociological Study of

Social Problems

“For every major problem in thisnation, there is a simple solution –

and it is wrong.”

H.L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)journalist, editor, critic

What is a “Social Problem”

Pro Choice OR Pro Life

Is poverty a social problem Or

the fault of certain individuals?

Where does legitimate discipline end and child abuse begin?

Subjectivist position

A social problem exists when a significant number of people – or a small number of significant people – believe that a certain condition is in fact a problem in need of remedy.

“No condition, no matter how dramatic or shocking to someone else, is a social problem unless the values of a considerable number of people within the society define it as a problem.”

Paul B. Horton & Gerald R. Leslie

Objectivist positionA social problem exists as soon as a significant number of individuals are adversely affected by a phenomenon related to social factors, even if no one recognizes it.

“A social problem is a condition caused by factors built into the social structure of a particular society that systematically disadvantages or harms a specific segment or a significant number of the society’s population.”

Daniel J. Curran & Claire M. Renzetti

“A social problem exists when there is a sizable difference between the ideals of a society and its actual achievements.”

James Coleman & Harold Kerbo

Social problems are not only subjective states of mind; they are also objective states of affairs.

“A social problem exists when there is a sizeablediscrepancy between what is and what people think ought to be.”

Robert K. Merton1910- 2003

“What constitutes a social problem” is the outcome of an extended set of social negotiations between different groups with markedly different sets of legitimate beliefs, values, attitudes, perceptions, interests, and power.

Typology of Social Problems

Manifest Social Problems

Recognized, certified and supported by government agencies.

Latent Social Problems

Not recognized.

What types of social factors lead to the existence of social problems?

The influence of other people: significant others – including parents, role

models, peer groups;

Social disorganization: rapid social and technological change;

Institutional breakdowns: family, economy, politic, religion,

education;

Structural strains and internal contradictions: social structure and anomie; institutional

ambivalence

Unanticipated consequences of well-intentioned actions: labeling, “Matthew Effect”;

POVERTY

Thank You !!!GODBLESSYO

U!!!