Social Problems

Front Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Brief Contents
Contents
What’s New in Social Problems,Eighth Edition
Boxes
Maps
Preface
About the Author
Part I Sociology’s Basic Approach
	1 Sociology: Studying Social Problems
		Constructing the Problem
		Seeing Patterns:The Sociological Imagination
		Social Problems:The Basics
			Social Problems over Time
			The Social-Constructionist Approach
			Claims Making
			Problems and Social Movements
			Social Problems: Eight Assertions
			Social Problems:A Global Perspective
		Analyzing Social Problems: Sociological Theory
			The Structural-Functional Approach
			The Social-Conflict Approach
			The Feminist Approach
			The Symbolic-Interaction Approach
		Finding the Facts: Sociological Research
			Research Methods
			Truth, Science, and Politics
			Truth and Statistics
		Responding to Social Problems: Social Policy
			Policy Evaluation
			Policy and Politics
			Policy and Culture
		Constructing Problems and Defining Solutions
			The Political Spectrum
			Conservatives, Liberals, and Radicals
			Social Issues
			Economic Issues
			Who Thinks What?
		Going on from Here
		A Defining Moment: a Call to Action: the Message of Martin Luther King Jr.
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
Part II Problems of Social Inequality
	2 Economic Inequality
		Constructing the Problem
		Economic Inequality in the United States
			Inequality of Income and Wealth
			The Trend Toward Increasing Economic Inequality
			Taxation
		The Rich and the Poor: A Social Profile
			The Rich
			The Poor
			Who Are the Poor? a Closer Look
			Working Families: Working Harder
			The Working Poor
			The Nonworking Poor
			The Underclass
		Problems Linked to Poverty
			Poor Health
			Substandard Housing
			Homelessness
			Limited Schooling
			Crime and Punishment
			Political Alienation
		Responding to Poverty: The Welfare System
			A Brief History of Welfare
		A Defining Moment: U.S. Society Discovers Poverty
			The 1996 Welfare Reform
		Theories of Poverty
			Structural-Functional Analysis: Some Poverty Is Inevitable
			Symbolic-Interaction Analysis: Defining the Problem
			Social-Conflict Analysis: Poverty Can Be Eliminated
			Feminist Analysis: Poverty and Patriarchy
		Politics and Economic Inequality: Constructing
Problems and Defining Solutions
			Conservatives: Personal Responsibility
			Liberals: Societal Responsibility
			The Radical Left: Change the System
		Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
	3
Racial and Ethnic Inequality
		Constructing the Problem
		Race and Ethnicity
			Race
			Ethnicity
			Minorities
			White Privilege
			Immigration
		Patterns of Majority–Minority Interaction
			Genocide
			Segregation
		A Defining Moment: Saying No to Segregation
			Assimilation
			Pluralism
		The Social Standing of U.S. Minorities
			Native Americans
			African Americans
			Asian Americans
			Hispanic Americans/Latinos
			Arab Americans
		Prejudice
			Stereotypes
			Racism
			Measuring Prejudice: The Social Distance Scale
			Institutional Racism: The Case of Racial Profiling
			Causes of Prejudice
			Multiculturalism
		Discrimination
			Institutional Discrimination
			Prejudice and Discrimination: A Vicious Circle
			Microaggression
			Affirmative Action: Reverse Discrimination or Cure for Prejudice?
		Theories of Racial and Ethnic Inequality
			Structural-Functional Analysis: The Importance of Culture
			Symbolic-Interaction Analysis: The Personal Meaning of Race
			Social-Conflict Analysis: The Structure of Inequality
		Politics, Race, and Ethnicity: Constructing
Problems and Defining Solutions
			The Far Right and Conservatives: Culture and Effort Matter
			Liberals: Society and Government Matter
			The Radical Left: Fundamental Changes Are Needed
			Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
	4 Gender Inequality
		Constructing the Problem
		What Is Gender?
			Patriarchy
			The Problem of Sexism
		Gender and Social Institutions
			Gender and the Family
			Gender and Education
			Gender and the Mass Media
			Gender and Politics
			Gender and Religion
			Gender and the Military
			Gender and Work
		Gender Stratification
			Income
			Housework
			Violence Against Women
			Sexual Harassment
			Sexuality, Beauty, and Reproduction
			Women: A Majority Minority?
		Theories of Gender Inequality
			Structural-Functional Analysis: Gender and Complementarity
			Symbolic-Interaction Analysis: Gender in Everyday Life
			Social-Conflict Analysis: Gender and Inequality
			Intersection Theory: The Case of
Minority Women
		Feminism
			Feminist Foundations
			Types of Feminism
		A Defining Moment: Elizabeth Cady Stanton:
Claiming Women’s Right to Equality
		Politics and Gender: Constructing Problems
and Defining Solutions
			Conservatives:The Value of Families
			Liberals:The Pursuit of Equality
			The Radical Left:Change the System
			Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
	5 Sexuality and Inequality
		Constructing the Problem
		What Is Sex?
			Sex: A Cultural Issue
			Sex: A Biological Issue
		Sexual Attitudes in the United States
		A Defining Moment: Alfred Kinsey:
Talking Openly About Sex
			The Sexual Revolution
			The Sexual Counterrevolution
			The Continuing Sexual Revolution: Older People
		Sexual Orientation
			Homosexuality
			What Determines Sexual Orientation?
			Homosexuality, Inequality, and Public Policy
			Same-Sex Marriage
			The Gay Rights Movement
			The Transgender Movement
		Sexuality, Inequality, and Controversy
			Pornography
			Sexual Harassment
			Prostitution
			Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood
			Abortion
			Sexually Transmitted Infections
		Theories of Sexuality
			Structural-Functional Analysis: Controlling Sexuality
			Symbolic-Interaction Analysis: Defining Sexuality
			Social-Conflict Analysis: Feminist Theory and Queer Theory
		Politics and Gender: Constructing Problems
and Defining Solutions
			Conservatives and the Far Right: the Value of Traditional Morality
			Liberals: Sex and Individual Choice
			The Radical Left:Go to the Root of the Problem
			Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
	6 Aging and Inequality
		Constructing the Problem
		Growing Old
			Industrialization and Aging
			Life Expectancy
		The Graying of the United States
			Elders: A Diverse Population
		Problems of Aging
			Social Isolation
			Retirement
			Ageism
			Victimization of the Elderly
			The Growing Need for Caregiving
			Poverty
			Age Stratification
			Housing
			Medical Care
			Death and Dying
		A Defining Moment: A Good Death:
Cicely Saunders and the Birth of Hospice
		Theories of Aging and Inequality
			Structural-Functional Theory: The Need to Disengage
			Symbolic-Interaction Theory: Staying Active
			Social-Conflict Theory: Age and Economic Inequality
			Feminist Theory: Aging and Gender
			Intersection Theory: Multiple Disadvantages
			Liberals: More Government Assistance
		Politics and Aging: Constructing Problems
and Defining Solutions
			Conservatives: More Family Responsibility
			Liberals: More Government Assistance
			The Radical Left:Capitalism and the Elderly
			Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
Part III Problems of Deviance, Conformity, and Well-Being
	7 Crime, Violence, and Criminal Justice
		Constructing the Problem
		Understanding Crime
			Norms, Law, and Crime
			Crime Statistics
			Violent Crime:Patterns and Trends
			Property Crime:Patterns and Trends
			“Street Crime”:Who Are the Criminals?
		Other Dimensions of the Crime Problem
			Juvenile Delinquency
			Hate Crimes
			White-Collar Crime
			Corporate Crime
			Organized Crime
			Victimless Crime
		Violence
			Is Violence a Social Problem?
			Serious Violence: Mass Murder and Serial Killings
		A Defining Moment: U.S. Society Discovers
Child Abuse
			The Mass Media and Violence
			Poverty and Violence
			Youth Gangs and Violence
			Drugs and Violence
			Guns and Violence
		The Criminal Justice System
			Due Process
			Police
			Courts
			Punishment
			Community-Based Corrections
		Explaining Crime: Biological and Psychological Theories
			Biological Causes
			Psychological Causes
		Explaining Crime: Sociological Theories
			Structural-Functional Analysis: Why Society Creates Crime
			Symbolic-Interaction Analysis: Socially Constructing Reality
			Social-Conflict Analysis: Crime and Inequality
			Feminist Analysis: Crime and Gender
		Politics and Crime: Constructing Problems and
Defining Solutions
			The Far Right: Crime and National Decline
			Conservatives: Crime, Violence, and Morality
			Liberals: Crime, Violence, and Jobs
			The Radical Left: Crime and Inequality
			Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
	8 Alcohol and Other Drugs
		Constructing the Problem
		What Is a Drug?
			Drugs and Culture
			Drugs, Race, and Ethnicity
			Changing Views of Alcohol
		The Extent of Drug Use
			Why Do People Use Drugs?
			Use and Abuse
			Addiction and Dependency
		Types of Drugs
			Stimulants
			Depressants
			Hallucinogens
			Cannabis
			Steroids
			Prescription Drugs
		Drugs and Other Social Problems
			Problems of Family Life
			Homelessness
			Health Problems
			Crime
			Global Poverty
			Terrorism
		Social Policy: Responding to the Drug Problem
			Strategies to Control Drugs
		A Defining Moment: Bill Wilson:
Alcoholics Can Learn to Be Sober
			The War on Drugs
			A New Initiative: Decriminalization
		Theories of Drug-Related Social Problems
			Structural-Functional Analysis: Regulating Drug Use
			Symbolic-Interaction Analysis:The Meaning of Drug Use
			Social-Conflict Analysis: Power and Drug Use
		Politics and Gender: Constructing Problems
and Defining Solutions
			Conservatives: Just Say No
			Liberals: Reform Society
			Radicals: Understanding Drugs from the Margins of Society
			Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
	9 Physical and Mental Health
		Constructing the Problem
		Health and Illness: A Global Perspective
			High-Income Nations
			Low-Income Nations
			Rich and Poor Compared:The Aids Epidemic
		Health Policy: Paying for Care
			Socialist Systems
			Capitalist Systems
		Health Care in the United States: A System in Crisis?
			The Cost Problem
			Who Pays?
			The Coverage Problem
			The 2010 Health Care Law
			Health:Class, Ethnicity, and Race
			Health:Rural and Urban Places
			Health:The Importance of Gender
			People with Disabilities
			The Nursing Shortage
		Mental Health and Illness
			Types of Mental Disorders
			Mental Illness: A Myth?
			Mental Illness: Class, Race, and Gender
			Treatment Strategies
		A Defining Moment: Dorothea Dix:
Mentally Ill People Deserve Our Help
			Mental Illness on Campus
		Theories of Health and Illness
			Structural-Functional Analysis: Health and Social Roles
			Symbolic-Interaction Analysis:The Meaning of Health
			Social-Conflict Analysis: Health and Inequality
			Feminist Analysis: Health and Gender
		Politics and Health: Constructing Problems
and Defining Solutions
			Conservatives and the Far Right: Free Markets Provide the Best Care
			Liberals: Government Must Ensure Universal Care
			The Radical Left: Capitalism Is Unhealthy
			Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
Part IV Problems of Social Institutions
	10 Social Media
		Constructing the Problem
		What Is the Media?
			Mass Media
			Social Media
			Apps
		A Defining Moment: The Birth of the Internet
		Issues and Controversies Involving Media
			Media and the Message
			Media Shaping Reality
			Media Bias
			Media Literacy
			The Digital Divide
		Social Media: Problems for Individuals
			Social Media and the Presentation of Self
			Social Media and Empathy
			Social Media and Conformity
			Social Media, Multitasking, and Attention Span
			Cyberbullying
			Social Media and Depression
			Social Media and Addiction
		Social Media: Problems for Relationships
			Social Media and the Changing Importance of Physical Location
			Social Media and Parenting
			Social Media and Predators
			Social Media and Dating
		Social Media: Problems for Society
			Social Media and Culture
			Social Media and Work
			Social Media and Politics
			Social Media and Problems Involving Information
		Theories of Social Media
			Structural-Functional Theory: The Functions of Social Media
			Symbolic-Interaction Theory: Social Media and Reality Construction
			Social-Conflict Theory: Social Media and Inequality
			Feminist Theory: Social Media and Gender
		Politics and the Media: Constructing
Problems and Defining Solutions
			Conservatives: Honoring Tradition
			Liberals: Supporting a Progressive Agenda
			The Radical Left: Media as Big Business
			Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
	11 Economy and Politics
		Constructing the Problem
		Economic Systems: Defining Justice, Defining Problems
			The Capitalist Model
			The Socialist Model
			Mixed Systems
		The Economy and Politics
			Democracy
		A Defining Moment: Store Wars:
Is Walmart the Problem or the Solution?
			Authoritarianism and Monarchy
		Problems of the U.S. Political Economy
			The Power of Corporations
			Monopoly and Oligopoly
			Conglomerates and Other Linkages
			The Power of Money
			Campaign Financing
			Voter Apathy
			Who Votes? Class, Age, Race, Ethnicity, and Gender
			The Gender Gap:Seeing Problems Differently
			Voting Laws for Persons Convicted of Serious Crimes
			Social Movements: How Much Change?
		Theories of Economic and Political Problems
			Structural-Functional Analysis: Rule by the Many
			Social-Conflict Analysis: Rule by the Few
		Politics and the Economy: Constructing Problems and
Defining Solutions
			The Far Right: Make America Great Again
			Conservatives: The System Is Working
			Liberals: The Need for Reform
			The Radical Left: Call for Basic Change
			Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
	12 Work and the Workplace
		Constructing the Problem
		Structural Changes in the U.S.Economy
			The Industrial Revolution
			The Information Revolution
			Deindustrialization
			Globalization
		Other Problems of the U.S.Workplace
			The Dual Labor Market
			Danger to Workers
			Workplace Alienation
			McDonaldization and “McJobs”
			The Temping of the Workplace
			The Gig Economy
			Unemployment
			The Problem of “Missing Workers”
			The “Low-Wage Recovery”
			Race, Ethnicity, and Gender
			Workplace Segregation
			Labor Unions
		A Defining Moment: Eugene Debs: Standing
Up for the Union
		New Information Technology: the Brave New Workplace
			The Home as Workplace
			Workplace Isolation
			Workplace Supervision
			The “Deskilling” of Workers
		Theories of Work and Work-Related Problems
			Structural-Functional Analysis: Finding a New Equilibrium
			Social-Conflict Analysis: Work and Inequality
			Symbolic-Interaction Analysis: The Meaning of Work
			Feminist Analysis: Work and Gender
		Politics and the Workplace:Constructing Problems and Defining Solutions
			Conservatives: Look to the Market
			Liberals: Look to Government
			The Radical Left: Basic Change Is Needed
			Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
	13 Family Life
		Constructing the Problem
		What Is a Family?
			Debate over Definitions
			A Sociological Approach to Family Problems
		Family Life: Changes and Controversies
			Living Together: Do We Need to Marry?
			Postponing Marriage
			Parenting: Is One Parent Enough?
			Families, Race, and Poverty
			Conflict Between Work and Family Life
			Child Care
			Divorce
			Child Support
			Remarriage: Problems of Blended Families
			Gay and Lesbian Families
		A Defining Moment: Same-Sex Marriage:
The Massachusetts Decision
			Brave New Families: High-tech Reproduction
		Theories of Families and Family Problems
			Structural-Functional Analysis: Family as Foundation
			Symbolic-Interaction Analysis: Family and Learning
			Social-Conflict Analysis: Family and Social Class
			Feminist Analysis: Family and Gender
		Politics and Family Life:Constructing Problems and Defining Solutions
			Conservatives: Traditional “Family Values”
			Liberals: Many Types of Families
			The Radical Left: Replace the Family
			Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
	14 Education
		Constructing the Problem
		Problems of Education: a Global Perspective
			Low-Income Countries: Too Little Schooling
			High-Income Countries: Unequal Schooling
			Education in U.S. History
		Problems with U.S. Education
			The Academic Performance of U.S. Schools
			Academic Performance: Race, Class, and Gender
			The Effects of Home and School
			Dropping Out
			Functional Illiteracy
			School Segregation and Busing
		A Defining Moment: Linda Brown:
Fighting to Desegregate the Schools
			School Funding
			Tracking
			Gender Inequality
			Immigration: Increasing Diversity
			Schooling People with Disabilities
			Finding Enough Teachers
			School Violence
		Theories of Education and Education-Related Problems
			Structural-Functional Analysis:The Functions of Schooling
			Social-Conflict Analysis: Schooling and Inequality
			Symbolic-Interaction Analysis: Labels in the Schools
			Feminist Analysis: Schooling and Gender
		Politics and Education: Constructing Problems and
Defining Solutions
			Conservatives: Increase Competition
			Liberals: Increase the Investment
			The Radical Left: Attack Structural Inequality
			Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
	15 Urban Life
		Constructing the Problem
		Cities: Then and Now
			Colonial Villages: 1565–1800
			Westward Expansion: 1800–1860
			The Industrial Metropolis: 1860–1950
			Postindustrial Cities and Suburbs: 1950–present
		Problems of Today’s Cities
			Fiscal Problems of the 1970s
			The Postindustrial Revival
			The Recent Recession and New Fiscal Problems
			Urban Sprawl
			Edge Cities
			Poverty
			Housing Problems
		A Defining Moment: Jacob Riis: Revealing
the Misery of the Tenements
			Racial Segregation
			Homelessness
			Snowbelt and Sunbelt Cities
			Cities in Poor Countries
		Theories of Urbanization and Urban Problems
			Structural-Functional Analysis: A Theory of Urbanism
			Symbolic-Interaction Analysis: Experiencing the City
			Social-Conflict Analysis: Cities and Inequality
		Politics and Urban Life: Constructing
Problems and Defining Solutions
			Conservatives:The Market and Morality
			Liberals:Government Reform
			The Radical Left: The Need for Basic Change
			Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
Part V Global Problems
	16 Population and Global Inequality
		Constructing the Problem
		Global Population Increase
			Population by the Numbers
			Causes of Population Increase
			Measuring Population Increase
			The Low-Growth North
			The High-Growth South
			The Social Standing of Women
			Explaining the Population Problem: Malthusian Theory
		A Defining Moment: Thomas Robert Malthus:
Claiming Population Is a Problem
			A More Recent Approach: Demographic Transition Theory
		Global Inequality
			High-Income Nations
			Middle-Income Nations
			Low-Income Nations
			The World’s Poverty Problem
			Poverty and Children
			Poverty and Women
			Slavery
		Theories of Global Inequality
			Structural-Functional Analysis:The Process of Modernization
			Social-Conflict Analysis:The Global Economic System
		Politics and Global Inequality:Constructing Problems and Defining Solutions
			Conservatives: The Power of the Market
			Liberals: Governments Must Act
			The Radical Left: End Global Capitalism
			Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
	17 Technology and the Environment
		Constructing the Problem
		Ecology: Studying the Natural Environment
			The Role of Sociology
			The Global Dimension
			Population Increase
			Poverty and Affluence
			Technology
			Cultural Patterns: Growth and Limits
		Environmental Problems
		A Defining Moment: Rachel Carson:
Sounding an Environmental Wake-Up Call
			Solid Waste: The Disposable Society
			Preserving Clean Water
			Air Pollution
			Acid Rain
			The Disappearing Rain Forests
			Climate Change
			Declining Biodiversity
		Theories of the Environment and Environmental Problems
			Structural-Functional Analysis: Highlighting Connections
			Social-Conflict Analysis: Highlighting Inequality
		Politics and the Environment:Constructing Problems and Defining Solutions
			Conservatives: Grounds for Optimism
			Liberals: Grounds for Concern
			The Radical Left: Grounds for Fundamental Change
			Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
	18 War and Terrorism
		Constructing the Problem
		War and Peace: Basic Definitions
			The Increasing Destruction of War
			The Causes of War
			The Economic Costs of Militarism
			The Economic Costs of War
			The Human Costs of War
			Social Class and the Military
			Mass Media and War
			War in the Nuclear Age
			Strategies for Peace
		Terrorism
		A Defining Moment: Mohandas Gandhi:
Sending a Message of Peace
		The Extent of Terrorism
			The Costs of Terrorism
			Terrorism as a Type of War
			Strategies for Dealing with Terrorism
		Theories of War and Terrorism
			Biological Theories of Conflict
			Structural-Functional Analysis: The Functions of Conflict
			Symbolic-Interaction Analysis: The Meanings of Conflict
			Social-Conflict Analysis: Inequality and Conflict
		Politics and War:Constructing Problems and Defining Solutions
			The Far Right and Conservatives: Peace Through Strength
			Liberals:The Dangers of Militarism
			The Radical Left:Peace Through Equality
			Going on from Here
		Defining Solutions
			Getting Involved: Applications and Exercises
		Making the Grade: Chapter Summary
Glossary
References
Name Index
Subject Index