Sociology: Identifying Social Problems

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Identifying Social Problems

The definition of a social problem varies greatly depending on whether an objectivist

approach or a constructionist approach is taken. This is because sociologists that adopt these

unique perspectives will differ in how they view the nature of a social problem. The

objectivist definition of a social problem is perhaps more common sense because it "suggests

that the essence of social problems lies in objective social conditions and that some

conditions are problems." [1] This definition focuses around the evaluation of conditions in

society to decide whether they are harmful to either individuals or society, and then defining

them as social problems. If a condition fails to meet a given criterion of harm, it then would

not be considered a social problem.

While this process of defining social problems in terms of objective conditions may

seem adequate, further analysis reveals serious flaws. Foremost "it minimizes or even

ignores the subjective nature of social problems." [2] This becomes apparent when one realizes that not all harmful conditions are considered to be social problems, such as the nutritional concerns of a high fat diet. Another flaw in considering social problems to be the result of objective conditions of harm is that "the objective conditions that people define as social problems have relatively little in common." [3] A list of social problems will have a great

variety of topics with no common theme, nor common causes and effects. It may appear that

social problems are inevitably subjective, and that a more valid definition could be sought in

the constructionist perspective.

The constructionist perspective to social problems foc...

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...abuse

could simply be a symptom of a greater problem such as the breakdown of the family, and

focus its intervention here instead. Whatever the conclusion suggested, it is always based on

the grounds statements, and is justified through the use of warrants.

Bibliography:

[1] Best, Joel. Images of Issues, Typifying Contemporary Social Problems. 2nd Edition. Aldine de Gruyter, New York. 1995, 3.

[2] Best, 1995, 4.

[3] Best, 1995, 5.

[4] Best, 1995, 6.

[5] Best, 1995, 6.

[6] Best, 1995, 8.

[7] Best , 1995, 342.

[8] Best, 1995, 345.

[9] Sgroi, Suzanne M. Handbook of Clinical intervention in Child Sexual Abuse. Lexington Books, Toronto, 1982. 9.

[10] Kendall, Diana, et al. Sociology in Our Times. ITP Nelson and Co. Toronto, 1997. 126.

[11] Best, Joel. Rhetoric in Claims about Missing Children. 1990, 31.

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