...It does not take an expert to realize how much societies are marred with many social problems that distraught the lives of many individuals, especially the low income and poor majority who live in slums and gang-infested areas always in fear of what may come upon them whenever they go to sleep. Societies have greedy leaders who, despite having knowledge of the problems facing members of their constituencies, do very little in helping the very people who voted them into power. Some of the social problems facing societies include: crime, poverty, high number of illiterate people, poor sanitation, increase in slum dwellings, drug abuse and prostitution, just to name a few of the worst social problems. Law enforcers face a difficult task in trying to maintain peace and security in the society to no avail. Houses are being broken into, women and girls raped, while people get robbed with violence while in their homes. The police number is currently at one policeman per 2000 civilians, making it a daunting task helping all these people (McCollister, French, & Fang, 2010). The police have become corrupt due to their meager pay making them collude with criminals so as to have a share of lootings. On top of crime, one of the worst problems is poverty that has ravaged the society with people having very little to live on. Poverty is definitely one of the reasons why crime has increased as it has become very difficult to find formal employment in today’s corporate world (Chaudhary...
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...Social Problems in Societies Kamore Eric Essaybux Social Problems in Societies In the world today, the well-being of the society is undermined by problems that arise from differences in opinions regarding cultural practices, religion, political issues and other health concerns. Social issues are therefore regarded to as inevitable and various societies around the world experience them (Mulroy and Austin, 2004). Problems such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, discrimination, homelessness, violence, crime and environmental degradation occur when people come together in a social setting. Here, the most troubling social problems are addressed in a sociological perspective and how they affect the society in whole. Poverty is a state of having insufficient money to buy the most necessary things in life; it is a social problem when a significant portion of a population lives below the poverty line. According to (Michael, 2006), by individual behavioral characteristics and choices, social and political forces can cause poverty. Also, dysfunctional markets and economic underdevelopment can result in poverty. People who cannot get proper means of employment may opt to engage in illegal and destructive ways such as theft or burglary. Moreover, poverty is a primary cause of hunger and malnutrition which is responsible for a broad range of health issues such as diseases and increased...
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...Social Problems in Societies Caroline Muthoni Kagane Kenyatta University Social Problems in Societies. A social problem is an issue that has an impact on members of society. It either affects members directly or indirectly. These are problems that a community agrees to be acceptable or unacceptable. Things like abortion, poverty, drug abuse and domestic violence can be listed as examples of social problems (Linda, David , & Caroline , 2012). Drug abuse is excessive, irrational and self-damaging use of a substance resulting to continuous craving, psychological damage, illusion or death. Drug abuse is a societal problem mainly affecting the youth both in school and out. Most youths engage in drug abuse out of peer pressure from friends who recruit each other into cults. The use of drugs in societies is high where the level of literacy is low. Nana (2006) notes that learned youths who are struggling to find good job after they are through with their education, get frustrated and engage themselves in use of drugs. This is one of the major problems in many societies where people cannot find job that match their level of education hence find comfort in use of drugs. Easy availability of drugs in today’s society makes it effortless for many people to get access to drug resulting to even small children using drugs. There are so many outlets where people can get drugs at a cheaper price hence so many people engaging themselves in drug abuse (Bosco & Moses...
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...Social Problems in Societies It does not take an expert to realize how much societies are marred with many social problems that distraught the lives of many individuals, especially the low income and poor majority who live in slums and gang-infested areas always in fear of what may come upon them whenever they go to sleep. Societies have greedy leaders who, despite having knowledge of the problems facing members of their constituencies, do very little in helping the very people who voted them into power. Some of the social problems facing societies include: crime, poverty, high number of illiterate people, poor sanitation, increase in slum dwellings, drug abuse and prostitution, just to name a few of the worst social problems. Law enforcers face a difficult task in trying to maintain peace and security in the society to no avail. Houses are being broken into, women and girls raped, while people get robbed with violence while in their homes. The police number is currently at one policeman per 2000 civilians, making it a daunting task helping all these people (McCollister, French, & Fang, 2010). The police have become corrupt due to their meager pay making them collude with criminals so as to have a share of lootings. On top of crime, one of the worst problems is poverty that has ravaged the society with people having very little to live on. Poverty is definitely one of the reasons why crime has increased as it has become very difficult to find formal employment...
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...SOCIAL PROBLEMS IN SOCIETY Social problems, commonly dubbed as social issues; affects each and every type of community; whether rich or poor, great or small, virtually every contrasting idea or situation. This element in concern refers to “a kind of belief that a certain social situation/ condition negatively affect the society” (Mooney, Knox & Schacht, 2208, p. 2). Social problems refer to issues that negatively affect a certain group of people living in a certain society. Some of the problems are predominant in a majority of society, while others differ from one society to the other. The common social problems include: Poverty, gender discrimination and social tension. Other issues emerge within a society. These issues depend on the belief that people have in the subject in topic, for instance religion and abortion. Everybody has his or her opinion towards either religion or abortion. One may view abortion as a crime while another views it as a way to solve unwanted pregnancy, this end up causing society conflict, only if a common constitution is not available. Women and men are equally important for the growth and development of individual and social lives. Unfortunately this equality and prominence tells an incomplete fact. In many societies, women have been subjected to discrimination in learning, dowry deaths and exploitations of various kinds which are very common. This issue is believed to have existed since the ancient times. The incidence of early marriage, heavy...
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...Introduction Introduction to Social Problem Certain adverse situations that may have harmful consequences may affect societies. They may hinder the normal functioning of the society. Such harmful situations are known as social problems. These problems arise because every society has certain norms and values. When these norms and values are violated, they result in social problems. They are problems because such deviation of norms and values are dysfunctional in the society. Some of the examples of social problems are drug addiction, terrorism, youth unrest, juvenile delinquency, corruption, offences against women, environmental degradation, etc. However, not all violations of social norms and values result in social problems. For example, when a person sports an unusual hairstyle it does not become a social problem. Similarly, social problem may vary with time and over space. Smoking was not considered a social problem earlier. At present with the rising health consciousness, smoking is considered a major social problem. Similarly, sati was not considered as a problem in the medieval India. However, in modern India it is seen as a social problem. A society may consider a certain practice as a social problem where as it may not be a problem in another society. This is because the norms and values are not the same in all the societies. Divorce may be seen as a serious problem in some societies, but it may not be so in other societies. However, there are certain practices that...
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...Social Problems in the Society Name of Author Institutional Affiliation Social Problems in the Society Social problems are issues which according to the beliefs of a society are not generally acceptable by a large number of people. They affect quality of life in the society and often defined by history and culture in the society. They include factors like corruption, unemployment, abortion, overpopulation, pollution, social discrimination, economic factors, and life threatening crimes, inequality, political and cultural issues. In the society today, so many people are affected by the impacts of the social vices. People have lost their lives; there has also been erosion of morals, a lot of suffering like diseases, poverty and insecurity. Therefore, social problems are not an issue to be overlooked in any societal setting. Overpopulation is currently becoming a challenge in the society. This has created a lot of pressure on existing social amenities. This is caused by factors such as improved medical services, lower mortality rates, technological advancement in health issues, birth planning techniques, migrations and lower poverty levels. This has led to a lot of competition and governments spending a lot of funds to sustain the economy. It has also led to upcoming of slums in various cities like Kibera, Kawangware in Kenya. Challenges faced by people in such overpopulated societies intrigues creativity which at times is negative like crime...
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...Matter Of Social Justice Social Justice Issues are happening everywhere in the world. These problems are a result of unfair wealth and resource distribution of people with diverse cultures. The term social justice issues were first used around 1840 by the Catholics, this was published by (Michael Novak). Consequently, nobody deserves to battle for education, poverty or access to health care “medical assistance”, it should be the same opportunities for everyone. However, this is not the case which is a reason we should fight for social justice and deal with one of many issues “social inequality”. “Social inequality creates a disadvantage against...
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...Main sociological perspective *Structural Functionalism - the creation of the institutions in society that function to keep society going. Analogy to the human body.(Emile Durkheim) *Conflict Theory- groups with power in society will take care of their needs at the expense of others groups who struggle to get their fair share of societies resources.(Karl Marx/ Max Weber) *Symbolic Interactionism -The study of how information is transferred through human interactions. The issue for researchers studying social problems concerns how groups make their issues known. sociological cannon- the foundational works of a discipline. *Important to the study of social change during the transition from tradition to modernity. Karl Marx- class struggle Max Weber - bureaucracy, ideas causing social change Emile Durkheim- The function of institutions in society. Tradition=Modernity Rural= Urban Farm= Factory Monarchy= Democracy Religion= Science *The works of Marx, Weber and Durkheim replaced the early sociological works that focused on social control had been developed during time of european colonization. U.S Sociology - Social Problems Research Chicago School of Sociology 1900-1940 Examined the problems of cities that were caused by rapid industrialization, immigration, crime. -While social conditions were seen as contributions to problems, ultimately individuals were blamed for their failure to adapt. Structural Functionalism 1950’s- -Seen as a...
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...what a social problem is and the different approaches to studying social problems? Social problem means that problems which occurred in society. It may affect or damage the society. When individual or a group of people violate the norms and values found in society it becomes a social problem. Also we can find out it as a condition that at least some people in a community view as being undesirable. In early days sociologist thought behaviors of the bad people create the social problems. They thought lack of education, incomplete socialization, and mental disorders made people bad. They identify mainly murder and suicide as social problem. There are 2 sociological definitions for social problems; - A social problem is created by here being a gap between the objectives of society and the actual condition prevailing in that society - A social problem is a situation in society that a majority of people living in that society consider to be a problem Different societies have different social problems. Sometimes, a behavior which normal in one society may be a significant social problem in another society. Now think everyone believe murders, suicides are social problems. In other hand school gang sing in the back seat of the bus may be consider as an undesirable social condition by some other people. But that school gang never considers it as an undesirable act. Taking alcohol in Galle face, non drinkers consider it is a social problem...
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...“Examine the relationship between sociology and social policy” Social policies are the actions of governments, such as legal laws. They have a direct impact on citizens, for e.g. may provide them with services or income. Social policies are created after Sociological research identifies social problems of society, for e.g. policies put in place to help vulnerable children (adopted/abused), as they are highly likely to end up in gangs, as drug addicts or prostitutes. According to Worsley (1977) a social problem is some piece of social behaviour that calls for collective action to solve it. In turn, policies help tackle social problems e.g. increasing payment for foster/ adoptive careers to reduce vulnerable children getting involved with crime. The founding fathers of sociology believed that sociology had a central part to play in society – in reforming social institutions, solving social problems and improving human condition. Comte (1798-1857) saw sociology as a practical subject, not confined solely to universities, but being applied to wider society to gain social progress. Emile Durkheim believed sociology contributing to social policy can solve question of order in society. Sociologists such as Giddens place a great emphasis on the practicality of studying sociology. The most significant outcome of sociology is that it allows us to understand the world around us, providing us with knowledge and insights. This understanding can take the form of factual knowledge which...
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...Q1. What is a social problem? What are the characteristics of social problems? A social problem (which is also called social conflict, or social illness) can be explained as an issue that influences a considerable number of individuals within a society. A social problem in other words, is a condition that at least some people in a community view as being undesirable. It is made up of general factors that affect and damage society. A social problem is normally a term used to describe problems with a particular area or group of people in the world. It also affects how people react to certain situations. The first characteristic of a social problem is that it changes the situation in such a way that a problem is created to the point where existing social order has to be changed. It can also be identified by the fact that it has injurious consequences for society. All social problems are deviations from the “ideal” situation, this being a general feeling among the masses involved. All social problems have some common basis of origin. Other characteristics will point out that social problems are social and political in origin, and that social problems are caused by pathological social conditions. All social problems are usually interconnected and are social in their results. Social problems call for united responsibility and they require a collective approach for their solution. That being said, as long as people are not aware of the problem, even though it exists, there is no...
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...Assess the relationship between Social Policy and Sociology. (33 Marks) Sociology is a subject that wants to study and understand society. Social policy or otherwise known as the law comes from research completed by sociologists, which is then proposed to the government. Social policy can be seen to change social problems such as the economy. Peter Worsley describes a social problem as “some piece of social behaviour that causes public friction”. For example poverty, educational under-achievement, and divorce can be seen as social problems that the government may be forced to tackle with social policies. Worsley thinks that a sociological problem is “ any pattern of relationships that calls for explanation”, meaning any piece of behaviour that we want to make sense of. For example why some families are richer than others? , Why people commit crime? Or why couples remain happily married? George Simmel was intrigued about the characteristics present in all social relationships and their different settings, be it in an office, in the family home or on a busy street. However many sociologists are interested in solving social problems through their research. They will conduct their research so it is aimed at the social problem they are most interested about. Government departments such as home office employ many sociologists. They will often have a direct input into making social policies. However sometimes sociological research does not effect social polices, and there are a number...
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...1. INTRODUCTION The society has begun to recognize serious concerns with issues that the youth have to deal with today. Some issues have always been a problem but are now coming to the eyes of the public to find solutions. In my essay I am going to discuss fully the meaning of sociological imagination, the difference between personal problems and the public issue that the youth of South Africa faces. I will also discuss about the measures that needs to be done in order reduce the challenges and problems that affect different individuals. 2. THE MEANING OF SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION. ‘‘Sociological Imagination is the capacity to see how sociological situations play out due to how people differ in terms of their places in given social and historical circumstances. It is a way of thinking about things in the society that have led to some sort of outcome, and understanding what causes to that outcome” (Mills, 1959:2). The things we do are shaped by the situation we are in, the values we have and the way we act around people. Sociological Imagination can be considered as a quality of mind around that understands the interplay of the individual and society. By developing a sociological imagination we are able to see that we are socialized, and we are able to view how social environment has an effect on decisions that we make. Social environment differ across many boundaries but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender and class. Social change happens all time it is debatable and...
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...century ago. During this period the country has been engaged in efforts to attain development and growth in various areas such as building infrastructure, production of food grains, science and technology and spread of education. The life expectancy has increased and many diseases have been controlled. However, there are many areas in which Indian society is experiencing a variety of problems. Some of these problems have their roots in our colonial past while others are related to demographic changes, socio-political conditions and cultural processes. This lesson tries to acquaint you with some of the problems and the psychological factors involved in them. You will learn about some of the possible ways in which psychological interventions can help in dealing with the problems. 19.2 Objectives After reading this lesson you will be able to: explain social problems such as poverty, gender discrimination and social tension; state the causes of these problems; suggest some interventions for dealing with these problems. 19.3 Poverty A large section of the Indian society is suffering from poverty. Poverty is a phenomenon Social Problem :: 201 which is objective as well a subjective. Objectively poverty implies a dehumanizing condition in which people are unable to look after the basic needs. Subjectively poverty stands for perceived deprivation. As such it is relative and any body can feel poor by comparing himself as herself with a rich person. Poor people lack the necessary...
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