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Description Contents Features Author Description
This theoretically balanced text provides the latest research findings and a consistent structure to help students analyze major social problems facing the United States. The authors present both sides of an argument with a neutral voice and use a "down-to-earth" writing style. When students complete this text, not only do they gain a sociological understanding of social problems, but also they are able to explore–and evaluate–their own opinions about specific social problems. They will gain a greater awareness of the social forces that shape their orientations to social problems and their perspectives on social life. The ideas in this book, then, can penetrate students’ thinking and give shape to their views of the world. topContents
IN THIS SECTION: 1.) BRIEF 2.) COMPREHENSIVE BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Chapter 1: How Sociologists View Social Problems: The Abortion Dilemma Chapter 2: Interpreting Social Problems: Aging Chapter 3: Sexual Social Problems Chapter 4: Alcohol and Other Drugs Chapter 5: Violence in Society: Rape and Murder Chapter 6: Crime and Criminal Justice Chapter 7: Economic Problems: Wealth and Poverty Chapter 8: Racial-Ethnic Relations Chapter 9: Inequalities of Gender and Sexual Orientation Chapter 10: Medical Care: Physical and Mental Illness Chapter 11: The Changing Family Chapter 12: Urbanization and Population Issues Chapter 13: The Environmental Crisis Chapter 14: War, Terrorism, and the Balance of Power COMPREHENSIVE TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Chapter 1: How Sociologists View Social Problems: The Abortion Dilemma The Sociological Imagination What Is the Sociological Imagination? What Is a Social Problem? The Characteristics of Social Problems The Natural History of Social Problems: Four Stages The First Stage: Defining the Problem, the Emergence of Leaders, and Beginning to Organize The Second Stage: Crafting an Official Response The Third Stage: Reacting to the Official Response The Fourth Stage: Developing Alternative Strategies The Role of Sociology in Social Problems Sociology as a Tool for Breaking Through Emotions and Defenses Sociology and Common Sense Methods for Studying Social Problems Should Sociologists Take Sides SUMMARY AND REVIEW Chapter 2: Interpreting Social Problems: Aging Sociological Theories and Social Problems Functionalism and Social Problems Introducing Functionalism The Development of Functionalism Applying Functionalism to Social Problems Functionalism and Social Problems: A Summary Conflict Theory and Social Problems Introducing Conflict Theory The Development of Conflict Theory Applying Conflict Theory to Social Problems Conflict Theory and Social Problems: A Summary Introducing Feminist Theory The Development of Feminist Theory Applying Feminist Theory to Social Problems Symbolic Interactionism and Social Problems Introducing Symbolic Interactionism The Development of Symbolic Interactionism Applying Symbolic Interactionism to Social Problems Symbolic Interactionism and Social Problems: A Summary The Future of the Problem: The Pendulum Swings Changing Objective Conditions and Subjective Concerns The Emerging Struggle SUMMARY AND REVIEW Key Terms Thinking Critically About Chapter 2 By the Numbers Chapter 3: Social Problems Related to Sexual Behavior Objective Conditions and Subjective Concerns Prostitution Background: Getting the Larger Picture Prostitution Viewed Theoretically: Applying Functionalism Research on Prostitution Pornography Background: Getting the Larger Picture Pornography Viewed Theoretically: Applying Symbolic Interactionism Controversy and Research on Pornography Social Policy The Question of Making Consensual Behavior Illegal Alternatives to Making Consensual Behavior Illegal The Future of the Problem Prostitution and the Future Pornography and the Future SUMMARY AND REVIEW Chapter 4: Alcohol and Other Drugs The Problem in Sociological Perspective Background of the Problem Attempts to Deal with the Problem The Scope of the Problem The Social Problem and the Pro-Drug Orientation of U.S. Society Drug Abuse as Personal or Social Problem Addiction and Dependence Looking at the Problem Theoretically Symbolic Interactionism Functionalism Conflict Theory Research Findings: The Use and Abuse of Drugs Medicalizing Human Problems Illegal Drug Use by Students The Effects of Drugs Research Findings: The Recreational Mood Elevators Alcohol Nicotine Research Findings: The Hallucinogens LSD Peyote and Mescaline Psilocybin PCP Ecstasy Research Findings: The Amphetamines, Barbiturates, and Heroin Amphetamines Barbiturates Heroin Research Findings: Narcotics, Crime, and the Law Social Policy The Dilemmas of Social Policy The Future of the Problem SUMMARY AND REVIEW Chapter 5: Violence in Society: Rape and Murder The Problem in Sociological Perspective The Sociological Perspective on Violence The Scope of the Problem What Makes Violence a Social Problem? Looking at the Problem Theoretically Nonsociological Theories Symbolic Interactionism Functionalism Conflict Theory Research Findings Rape The Natural History of Rape as a Social Problem The Social Patterns of Rape Profiling the Rapist Reactions to Rape Murder The Social Patterns of Murder Explaining Social Patterns Social Policy Global Concerns: Preventing Violence The Future of the Problem SUMMARY AND REVIEW Chapter 6: Crime and Criminal Justice The Problem in Sociological Perspective The Scope of the Problem Crime as a Social Problem Looking at the Problem Theoretically Symbolic Interactionism Functionalism Conflict Theory Types of Crime Juvenile Delinquency White-Collar Crime Professional and Organized Crime Political Crime The Criminal Justice System The Criminal Justice System as a Social Problem The Sting of Justice Bias in the Criminal Justice System The Death Penalty The Prison Experience Social Policy The Future of the Problem SUMMARY AND REVIEW Chapter 7: Economic Problems: Wealth and Poverty The Problem in Sociological Perspective Economic Systems and Changes Economic Problems Facing the United States The Nature of Poverty The Scope of the Problem Subjective Concerns and Objective Conditions The Situation Today Social Inequality Distribution of Income and Wealth The Impact of Poverty Looking at the Problem Theoretically Symbolic Interactionism Changing Meanings of Poverty Functionalism Conflict Theory Summary of Theoretical Approaches Research Findings Who Are the Poor? Is There a Culture of Poverty? Who Rules America? Inequality and Global Power Social Policy Historical Changes in Social Policy Progressive Taxation Public Assistance Programs The Feminization of Poverty Private Agencies and Volunteer Organizations The Purpose of Helping the Poor Providing Jobs Education Accounts Giving the Poor More Money The Future of the Problem SUMMARY AND REVIEW Chapter 8: Racial-Ethnic Relations The Problem in Sociological Perspective The Scope of the Problem What Is the Problem? Looking at the Problem Theoretically Symbolic Interactionism Functionalism Conflict Theory Summary of Theoretical Approaches Research Findings Native Americans Latinos (Hispanics) African Americans Asian Americans Social Policy Encouraging Cultural Pluralism Preventing Discrimination The Dilemma of Affirmative Action Principles for Improving Relations The Future of the Problem SUMMARY AND REVIEW Chapter 9: Inequalities of Gender and Sexual Orientation The Problem in Sociological Perspective The Scope of the Problem Looking at the Problem Theoretically Symbolic Interactionism Functionalism Conflict Theory Research Findings Are There Natural Differences Between the Sexes? Everyday Life Education The Mass Media The World of Politics The World of Work Why Is Our Workforce Segregated by Sex? Sexual Harassment Homosexuality Background: Getting the Larger Picture Homosexuality Viewed Theoretically: Applying Conflict Theory Research on Homosexuality Homosexuality and the Future Violence Against Women Social Policy Irreconcilable Ideologies The Future of the Problem SUMMARY AND REVIEW Chapter 10: Medical Care: Physical and Mental Illness The Problem in Sociological Perspective The Social Nature of Health and Illness The Social Organization of Medicine as a Source of Problems The Scope of the Problem Physical Illness as a Social Problem Mental Illness as a Social Problem Looking at the Problem Theoretically Symbolic Interactionism Functionalism Conflict Theory Research Findings An Overview of Physical Health Problems How Disease is Related to Behavior and Environment: The Case of HIV/AIDS Social Inequalities in Physical Illness Social Inequalities in Mental Illness Social Policy Being Paid to Stay Healthy Prepaid Medical Care: The Example of Managed Care Physician Assistants Training Physicians Domiciliary Care Preventive Medicine Humanizing Health Care Self-Care Groups The Future of the Problem Technology Redirecting Medicine The Potential SUMMARY AND REVIEW Chapter 11: The Changing Family The Problem in Sociological Perspective Effects of the Industrial Revolution on the Family The Scope of the Problem Divorce One-Parent Families Other Problems Looking at the Problem Theoretically: Why is Divorce Common? Symbolic Interactionism Functionalism Conflict and Feminist Theory Research Findings Cohabitation and the Marrying at a Later Age Child-Free Couples The Mythical Child Family Violence Sexual Abuse in the Family Old Age and Widowhood The Death of the Family? Social Policy The Future of the Problem SUMMARY AND REVIEW Chapter 12: Urbanization and Population Issues Urbanization Sociological Perspective The Scope of the Problem Looking at the Problem Theoretically Symbolic Interactionism Functionalism Conflict Theory Research Findings Alienation in the City Community in the City The Decline of the Central City Youth Gangs Schools Riots The City in Change The Megalopolis Social Policy Specific Programs Educating the Poor The Future of the Problem Population in Sociological Perspective The Scope of the Problem Looking at the Problem Theoretically Symbolic Interactionism Functionalism Conflict Theory Research Findings The New Malthusians The Anti-Malthusians Has the Population Explosion Peaked? Problems in Forecasting Population Growth Does the United States Have a Population Problem? Social Policy Exporting Western Agriculture Policy Implications of the Anti-Malthusians Policy Implications of the New Malthusians Restructuring Global Markets Illegal Immigration The Future of the Problem The New Malthusian Viewpoint The Anti-Malthusian Viewpoint The Long-Term Anti-Malthusian Viewpoint SUMMARY AND REVIEW Chapter 13: The Environmental Crisis The Problem in Sociological Perspective Environmental Destruction in the Past: The Myth of the Noble Savage The Tragedy of the Commons The Scope of the Problem “Everything is Connected to Everything Else” Looking at the Problem Theoretically Symbolic Interactionism Functionalism Conflict Theory Research Findings Air Pollution Land Pollution Water Pollution Chemical Pollution Nuclear Pollution Food Pollution Pollution in the Industrializing Nations Getting the Other Side Of Special Concern: The Tropical Rain Forests Energy and Resources Reconciling the Positions Social Policy Oppositional Viewpoints and Overarching Solutions Pollution Energy Moral Issues in a Global Age The Future of the Problem Energy Pollution SUMMARY AND REVIEW Chapter 14: War, Terrorism, and the Balance of Power The Problem in Sociological Perspective Why is War Common? Why Do Some Groups Choose War? The Scope of the Problem War in the History of the West Measuring War in Terms of Deaths Looking at the Problem Theoretically Symbolic Interactionism Functionalism Conflict Theory The Military Machine Today Research Findings What Reduces War? The Costs of War The Military-Industrial Complex The Possibility of Accidental War Biological and Chemical Warfare Terrorism Social Policy Political Terrorism Nuclear Warfare and the Elusive Path to Peace The Future of the Problem SUMMARY AND REVIEW topFeatures
Introduces students to the study of social problems: - An emphasis on theory and research consistently demonstrates how to apply sociological theories to social problems:
- Analyzes the latest research and social trends to give direction to social problem.
- Spotlight on Research boxes - major researchers in social problems share an insider's perspective of how they became interested in a social problem and how they did their research
- The three basic theories–symbolic interaction theory, functional theory, and conflict theory– are introduced early in the text; giving students the opportunity t immediately grasp the differences of these theories.
- Through out the text, these theories are applied to each social problem, providing a cohesive understanding of what otherwise might appear to be a disparate collection of problematic events and issues.
Pedagogical Features After the first three chapters, Social Problems uses the following framework to analyze each social problem: - Opening Vignette Intended to arouse student interest in the social problem and to stimulate the desire to read more, this brief opening story presents essential elements of the social problem.
- The Problem in Sociological Perspective - By presenting a broad sociological background, the authors sets the stage for understanding the social problem.
- The Scope of the Problem - This section presents basic data on the extent or severity of the problem. It allows students to grasp the problem’s wider ramifications.
- Looking at the Problem Theoretically - The authors presents a theoretical analysis of the problem or some major aspect of it. The authors usually begin on a more personal level, with symbolic interaction theory, and then moves from there to functional theory, and conclude with the perspective of conflict theory.
- Research Findings - Both current and classic sociological studies are discussed —and, where relevant, studies from other academic disciplines as well. To allow students to become more familiar with primary research, the authors present many sociological studies in detail.
- In addition, a feature written by researchers themselves, Spotlight on Research boxes, helps students understand how the researcher’s personal background leads to interest in a social problem and how research on social problems is actually done.
- Social Policy - This section focuses on actions that have been taken or could be taken to try to solve the social problem. The authors often spells out the assumptions on which these policies are based and the dilemmas that they create.
- The Future of the Problem - Because students want to know what lies ahead of them in life, the authors conclude with an overview of the direction that the problem is likely to take, given what we now know about the problem’s dimensions and trends.
- Summary and Review To reinforce what the students are learning, the authors provide a succinct point-by-point summary of the main ideas in the chapter. Students also find this summary helpful for review purposes, especially in preparing for tests. Some students also find it useful as a preview of the chapter, reading the summary before they read the chapter.
- Key Terms When a term first appears in the text, it is set in bold type and is defined in context. Key terms are also listed and defined at the end of each chapter.
- Thinking Critically About the Chapter At the end of each chapter are several questions designed to help students evaluate what they have read. These questions also lend themselves well for stimulating class discussions.
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James M. Henslin, who was born in Minnesota, graduated from high school and junior college in California and from college in Indiana. Awarded scholarships, he earned his Master’s and doctorate degrees in sociology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. After this, he was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from the National Institute of Mental Health, and spent a year studying how people adjust to the suicide of a family member. His primary interests in sociology are the sociology of everyday life, deviance, and international relations. Among his numerous books are Sociology: A-Down-to-Earth Approach (Allyn & Bacon, available in three versions); Social Problems (Allyn & Bacon); and Down-to-Earth Sociology: Introductory Readings (Free Press). He has also published widely in sociology journals, including Social Problems and American Journal of Sociology. While a graduate student, Jim Henslin taught at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. After completing his doctorate, he joined the faculty at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, where he is Professor Emeritus of Sociology. His two favorite activities are writing and traveling. He especially enjoys visiting and living in other cultures, for this brings him face to face with behaviors and ways of thinking that he cannot take for granted, experiences that “make sociological principles come alive.” Lori Ann Fowler is a tenured, Full Professor of Sociology at Tarrant County College. She received her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of North Texas in 2008, and an MA and BA in Sociology from California State University, Fullerton. In addition to TCC, Dr. Fowler has taught at Texas Christian University and the University of Texas at Arlington. Lori began teaching Sociology courses in the fall of 1995. She has published numerous academic works, and has served more than 500 volunteer service hours among numerous non-profit organizations: the Alliance for Children, the Samaritan House, the Union Gospel Mission, Open Arms, the Battered Women’s Shelter, the Northeast Emergency Distribution Center, Women for Women, Christmas Providers, and the American Red Cross. Lori has been very active in administration and leadership development as a member of the Consortium Leadership and Renewal Academy, the Service Learning Inter-Institute Collaborative, the Leadership Institute and the Speakers Bureau. She is a member of the American Sociological Association, the Pacific Sociological Association, the Alliance Education and Consulting Institute, TCCTA, Phi Theta Kappa, and North Texas Exes. Her research areas include cosmetic surgery and homelessness. She has been nominated a Piper Professor three times, received the NISOD Excellence Award, received Outstanding Teacher of the Year, won Best Lecturer, and has been nominated Who’s Who among America’s Teachers eight years in a row. top
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