Jonah Patel
The definition of a social problem is not constant across time. Social problems are defined by a combination of objective and subjective criteria that vary across societies, individuals, groups within a society, and historical time periods. For example, abortion is considered a social problem by some, while others view restrictions on abortion as a social problem. Similarly, historical perspectives on women attending college, tea drinking, and a husband's right to physically discipline his wife have changed over time. Social constructionism emphasizes the perception of a condition or behavior, which may be considered a social problem even if there is little basis for this perception. Social issues are problems facing a society, but there is no uniform methodology to differentiate them from other problems. They are identified by their negative impact on individuals, communities, or larger groups and are subject to public disagreement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Social problems are defined by a combination of objective and subjective criteria | Social problems are defined by a combination of objective and subjective criteria that vary across societies, among individuals and groups within a society, and across historical time periods |
| Social problems are relative and vary across societies and historical time periods | Tea drinking was regarded as a "base Indian practice" in 17th- and 18th-century England, but today, the English are known for their tradition of drinking tea |
| Social problems are defined by the speaker's subjective perspective and purpose | An economist and a sociologist may both write about unemployment, but with different focuses: the economist on technical factors, and the sociologist on community consequences or regional disparities |
| Social problems are defined by the owner of the media outlet | The type, duration, and manner of presentation of social problems in the media are influenced by the owner's political leanings |
| Social problems are defined by the prevailing values and beliefs of a society | In the late 1800s, leading physicians and researchers in the US wrote that women should not go to college due to sexist beliefs about women's abilities and health |
| Social problems are defined by the collective perception that a condition or behavior needs to be addressed | Climate change is an example where almost all climate scientists agree on its reality and seriousness, but more than one-third of the American public does not |
| Social problems are defined by the nature of the affected group | Racial minorities in Canada face both unemployment and underemployment compared to their counterparts, and poverty is perpetuated by societal mechanisms that keep the poorest Canadians poor |
| Social problems are defined by the conflict in values and inequality experienced by groups | The contemporary women's movement in the 1970s brought attention to rape and sexual assault as serious crimes and manifestations of women's inequality |
| Social problems are defined by measurable changes in rates, patterns, and trends | Drug use, such as methamphetamine, can contribute to violent behavior, drunk driving, and crime to obtain more drugs, becoming a social problem |
| Social problems are defined by the interdependence of people and the need for collective solutions | COVID-19 and its health outcomes have impacted people differently due to race, class, and gender, requiring collective solutions beyond individual efforts |
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What You'll Learn
- Social problems are defined by a combination of objective and subjective criteria
- Social issues are relative to time, societies, individuals, and groups within a society
- Social problems are often a result of conflict in values and beliefs
- Social problems are not static; they are subject to change and reinterpretation
- Social problems are addressed through collective action, including political and community efforts
Social problems are defined by a combination of objective and subjective criteria
There is no universal, constant, or absolute definition of what constitutes a social problem. Social problems are instead defined by a combination of objective and subjective criteria that vary across societies, among individuals and groups within a society, and across historical time periods.
The objective element of a social problem refers to the existence of a social condition. We become aware of social conditions through our own life experiences, the media, and education. For instance, we see the homeless, hear about rising unemployment rates, and read about employees losing their jobs. The subjective element of a social problem refers to the interpretation of that social condition. For example, some Americans view the availability of abortion as a social problem, while others view restrictions on abortion as a social problem. Similarly, some may view homosexuality as a social problem, while others view prejudice and discrimination against homosexuals as the actual problem. Such variations in what is considered a social problem are due to differences in values, beliefs, and life experiences.
Social constructionism emphasizes that a social problem is any condition or behavior that has negative consequences for large numbers of people and is generally recognized as a condition or behavior that needs to be addressed. This perspective highlights the fluid and changeable nature of social problems, as something that is widely understood as a social problem in one context may not be in another. For instance, in the late 1800s, leading physicians and researchers in the United States wrote about how women should not go to college due to concerns about stress and exam performance during menstruation. These sexist beliefs helped reinforce restrictions on women's education, creating a social problem that we no longer recognize today.
The understanding of social problems also evolves over time. For example, tea drinking was once considered a "base Indian practice" in 17th- and 18th-century England, but today, the English are known for their tradition of drinking tea. Similarly, the use of physical force against one's wife was once considered a husband's legal right and marital obligation before the 19th century. Today, it is recognized as a social problem rather than a marital right.
The identification of social problems is influenced by the media, with outlets presenting certain social problems in specific ways to maintain viewership and align with their political leanings. Additionally, the solutions to social problems must be collectively created and implemented, as they impact groups of people and communities rather than just individuals.
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Social issues are relative to time, societies, individuals, and groups within a society
Social issues are not defined by a universal, constant, or absolute standard. Instead, they are shaped by a combination of objective and subjective factors that vary across time periods, societies, and individuals or groups within a society. This subjectivity in defining social issues can lead to disagreements among individuals and groups. For instance, some Americans view abortion as a social problem, while others see restrictions on abortion as the issue. Similarly, while some see homosexuality as a social problem, others perceive prejudice and discrimination against homosexuals as the actual issue. These contrasting perspectives arise from differences in values, beliefs, and life experiences.
The perception of social issues can also change over time as societal values and conditions evolve. For example, in the past, a husband's use of physical force to discipline his wife was considered a marital right and obligation. Today, however, it is widely recognised as a social problem. Similarly, tea drinking was once frowned upon in 17th- and 18th-century England, but it has now become a beloved tradition. The evolution of social issues over time highlights the dynamic nature of societal values and norms.
Media outlets play a significant role in shaping the public's perception of social issues. The ownership of media outlets often influences the types of social problems presented, the duration of their coverage, and the level of drama injected into their portrayal. The American media, for instance, has been criticised for leaning too far to the conservative or liberal side of the political spectrum. This bias can impact how social issues are framed and presented to the public.
Social issues are also relative to different societies and cultures. For instance, poverty in Canada disproportionately affects racialised communities, including White, Aboriginal, Black, and racial minority groups. On reserves, poverty is exacerbated by the deterioration of economic, social, and health conditions. In contrast, poverty in other parts of the world may manifest differently due to unique cultural, historical, and structural factors. Understanding the specific context of each society is crucial to grasp the nuances of social issues.
While the basic definition of a social issue revolves around a problem facing a society, the interpretation and response to these issues can vary. For example, both an economist and a sociologist might address unemployment. However, their focus and underlying motivations may differ. The economist might primarily analyse the technical factors contributing to unemployment, while the sociologist might delve into the consequences of high unemployment in specific communities or explore why certain communities experience higher unemployment rates.
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Social problems are often a result of conflict in values and beliefs
There is no universal, constant, or absolute definition of what constitutes a social problem. Social problems are defined by a combination of objective and subjective criteria that vary across societies, among individuals and groups within a society, and across historical time periods. Social issues are problems facing a society, but there is no uniform methodology to differentiate social issues from other problems that may less directly impact a community's well-being, such as economic, environmental, ethical, legal, or political problems.
The term "social issue" has a broad meaning in the United States, referring not only to ills to be solved but also to any topic of widespread debate, involving deeply held values and beliefs. Social issues gain a particularly high profile when a new president is elected, and elections are often impacted by several social issues, with many discussed during debates, such as abortion rights, LGBT rights, and gun control.
Social constructionism emphasizes perception, highlighting that a condition or behavior may be considered a social problem even if there is little or no basis for this perception. For example, in the late 1800s, leading physicians and medical researchers in the United States wrote articles and textbooks warning women against attending college due to perceived negative effects on their health. While we now know better, the sexist beliefs of these writers helped turn the idea of women pursuing higher education into a social problem.
Social problems are not static and can change over time as values and beliefs evolve. For instance, tea drinking was once considered a "base Indian practice" in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century England, but today, tea drinking is a beloved tradition in English culture. Similarly, social issues that were prominent in the past may wane over time as conditions and values change.
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Social problems are not static; they are subject to change and reinterpretation
Social problems are not static concepts that remain constant across time. Rather, they are subject to change and reinterpretation as societies evolve, and individuals' values, beliefs, and life experiences differ. While the basic definition of a social issue as a problem facing a society is widely accepted, the specific criteria that constitute a social problem can vary across societies and historical time periods.
The perception of what constitutes a social problem is influenced by a combination of objective and subjective factors. The objective element refers to the existence of a social condition, such as homelessness, unemployment, or discrimination, that has negative consequences for a large number of people. However, the subjective interpretation of these social conditions can vary among individuals and groups within a society and across different societies and time periods. For example, abortion has been a divisive social issue, with some individuals viewing it as a social problem itself, while others view restrictions on abortion as the actual problem. Similarly, homosexuality may be considered a social problem by some, while others view prejudice and discrimination against homosexuals as the social problem.
The evolution of social problems over time can be influenced by various factors, including changes in values, beliefs, and social constructions. For instance, in the past, tea drinking was frowned upon in England, but it is now a beloved tradition. The women's movement in the 1970s brought attention to rape and sexual assault as serious crimes and manifestations of women's inequality, shifting the perception of these issues from personal troubles to social problems. Additionally, the media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing the social problems that gain prominence.
The interpretation of social problems is also influenced by the specific social and historical context. For example, the discourse on poverty often focuses on the attitudes, character, and behaviour of the poor, reflecting the anxieties and assumptions of the time. Social problems are often addressed through collective action, involving groups, governments, or systems working together to implement solutions.
While some social problems may persist over time, such as poverty and unemployment, the understanding and approaches to addressing these issues can evolve. Social constructionism highlights the dynamic nature of social problems, suggesting that conditions or behaviours may be perceived as social problems even if there is little basis for this perception, and vice versa. This perspective implies that social problems are subject to ongoing definition and redefinition, reflecting the fluid and changeable nature of society.
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Social problems are addressed through collective action, including political and community efforts
While there is a basic understanding of social issues as problems facing a society, there is no universal, constant, or absolute definition of what constitutes a social problem. Social problems are defined by a combination of objective and subjective criteria that vary across societies, individuals, groups within a society, and historical time periods.
The objective component of a social problem refers to the existence of a social condition with negative consequences for large numbers of people. These consequences must be perceived as needing to be addressed for a condition or behaviour to be considered a social problem. For example, in the late 1800s, leading physicians and medical researchers in the United States actively discouraged women from attending college, citing concerns about the impact on women's menstrual cycles and exam performance. While these claims were unfounded, sexist beliefs helped to reinforce restrictions on women's education and contributed to the perception of women in college as a social problem.
The subjective component of a social problem relates to the interpretation of a social condition, which can vary among individuals and groups within a society. For instance, some Americans view the availability of abortion as a social problem, while others see restrictions on abortion as the issue. Similarly, while some may perceive homosexuality as a social problem, others focus on prejudice and discrimination against homosexuals. These differences in perspective arise from variations in values, beliefs, and life experiences.
Social problems are dynamic and evolve over time as conditions and values change. For example, tea drinking was once considered a "base Indian practice" in 17th- and 18th-century England, but today, tea is closely associated with English culture. Historical context also influences the perception of social problems, such as the evolution of a husband's legal right to physically discipline his wife to the modern understanding of physical force as a social problem.
Addressing social problems requires collective action, involving political processes, community efforts, and individual contributions. Political processes play a crucial role, as individuals may vote for leaders who align with their ideals and advocate for social change. Outside of the political arena, people can donate their time, money, or resources to nonprofit organizations dedicated to tackling specific social issues. Community organizing brings people together for a common purpose, fostering collective action and a unified voice.
Additionally, the media plays a significant role in shaping public perception and attention to social problems. The ownership and political leanings of media outlets influence the presentation and impact of social problems. For example, biased media coverage can maintain viewer attention and promote particular political agendas.
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Frequently asked questions
A social problem is a state of affairs that negatively affects the personal or social lives of individuals or the well-being of communities or larger groups within a society. Social problems are defined by a combination of objective and subjective criteria that vary across societies, among individuals and groups within a society, and across historical time periods.
Social problems can vary across different societies and time periods. Some examples include abortion, homosexuality, climate change, poverty, unemployment, and academic cheating.
The perception of social problems can evolve as societal values and conditions change. For example, tea drinking was once considered a negative practice in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century England, but it is now a beloved tradition. Similarly, the idea of women attending college was once considered a social problem due to sexist beliefs, but this perception has changed with time.
The identification of a social problem often involves a complex process of social construction, where certain issues are widely understood as social problems while others are not. Social problems are often identified when there is a perception that a condition or behavior needs to be addressed, and they are typically addressed through collective action involving groups, governments, or systems.
Individual problems, also known as personal troubles, are issues that happen within or to an individual, such as debt or health concerns. Social problems, on the other hand, are public issues that transcend the experience of a single individual and impact larger groups of people over time.
