1. What is a social problem? Using a social problem as an example, define and explain the four parts of the definition. (You will find a discussion of this in the week one lecture).
a. A social problem is a condition that at least some people in a community view as being undesirable. For example, murders and DWI’s mean most people would agree that these are a social problem. Such as another example when you see teenagers play loud music in a public part. Most adults will find it rather annoying vs. a teen who is enjoying the music.
i. The four parts of a social problem is Emergence, Coalescence, Bureaucratization, and decline.

Stage one emergence within this stage, social movements are preliminary and there is little to no organization. An example of this, is the Civil Rights Movement in 1950’s.

Stage two Coalescence, which considers itself more as an obstacle with many, can’t overcome. Often though, these social problems usually pass without and actual problems or organizing of any kind. An example of this would be people in a community can complain to each other about other people’s injustice but they don’t ever come together and actually solve the problem. We can also call this Gossip.

Stage three is Bureaucratization which is characterized by way higher levels of organizations. In this situation, some movements usually have success and raise awareness to a problem to such a degree that it can be strategized and handled properly.

The final stage is decline; or now, when hearing this word it does not mean declined and fail through the stages or any kind of social movement. 2. Is it in everyone’s best interest that social problems are solved? Does everyone want all social problems removed or do some benefit by their presence? If so, give an example.
a. I don’t think social problems will ever go away. Quite frankly, I don’t think they need to go