What is a social problem?

 

Understanding Social Problems. Linda A. Mooney, David Knox, and Caroline Schacht. Thomas Learning, Inc. 2002. Page 2-4.

 

 

There is no universal, constant, or absolute definition of what constitutes a social problem. Rather, 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.

 

Objective and Subjective Elements of Social Problems:

 

Although social problems take many forms, they all share two important elements: an objective social condition and a subjective interpretation of that social condition. 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 experience, through the media, and through education. We see the homeless, hear gunfire in the streets, and see bartered women in hospital emergency rooms. We read about employees losing their jobs as businesses downsize and factories close. In television news reports we see the anguished faces of parents whose children have been killed by violent youths.

 

The subjective element of a social problem refers to the belief that a particular social condition is harmful to society, or to a segment of society, and that it should and can be changed. We know that crime, drug addition, poverty, racism, violence, and pollution exist. These social conditions are not considered social problems, however, unless at least a segment of society believes that these conditions diminish the quality of human life.

 

By combining these objective and subjective elements, we arrive at the following definition: A social problem is a social condition that a segment of society views as harmful to members of society and in need of remedy.

 

Variability in Definition of Social Problems:

 

Individuals and groups frequently disagree about what constitutes a social problem. 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 Americans view homosexuality as a social problem, while others view prejudice and discrimination against homosexuals as a social problem. Such variations in what is considered a social problem are due to differences in values, beliefs, and life experiences.

 

Definitions of social problems vary not only within societies, but across societies and historical time periods as well. For example, prior to the nineteenth century, it was a husband’s legal right and marital obligation to discipline and control his wife through the use of physical force. Today, the use of physical force is regarded as a social problem rather than a marital right.

Tea drinking is another example of how what is considered a social problem can change over time. In seventeenth- and eighteenth-century England, tea drinking was regarded as a “base Indian practice” that was “pernicious to health, obscuring industry, and impoverishing the nation” (Ukers 1935, cited in Troyer & Markle 1984). Today, the English are known for their tradition of drinking tea in the afternoon.

 

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Personal Beliefs about Various Social Problems

 

Understanding Social Problems. Linda A. Mooney, David Knox, and Caroline Schacht. Thomas Learning, Inc. 2002. Page 7.

 

Indicate whether you agree or disagree with each of the following statements:

 

Statement:

1. If two people really like each other, it’s alright for them to have sex even if they have known each other for only a very short time.
2. Colleges should prohibit racist/sexist speech on campus.
3. There is too much concern in the courts for the rights of criminals.
4. Abortion should be legal.
5. The death penalty should be abolished.
6. The activities of married women are best confined to the home and family.
7. Marijuana should be legalized.
8. It is important to have laws prohibiting homosexual relationships.
9. Employees should be allowed to require drug testing of employees or job applications.
10. The federal government should do more to control the sale of handguns.
11. Racial discrimination is no longer a major problem in America.
12. Realistically, an individual can do little to bring about changes in our society.
13. Wealthy people should pay a larger share of taxes than they do now.
14. Affirmative action in college admissions should be abolished.
15. Same-sex couples should have the right to legal marital status.

 

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Percentage* of First-Year College Students Agreeing with Belief Statements

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                                                                                    Percentage Agreeing in 2000

Statement Number                                        Total                Women           Men

 

1. Have sex                                                    42                    31                    55

2. Prohibit speech on campus                                 62                    66                    56

3. Too much concerns for criminals’ rights 67                    66                    68

4. Abortion rights                                           54                    54                    55

5. Abolishment of death penalty                  31                    34                    27

6. Women’s activities confined to home                22                    17                    29

7. Legalization of marijuana                         34                    29                    40

8. Laws prohibiting homosexual relations  27                    20                    36

9. Employers’ right to drug test                                77                    79                    73

10. Federal control of handgun sales                     82                    90                    73

11. Racial discrimination not a problem                 21                    17                    24

12. Individuals can’t influence social change         27                    24                    32

13. Wealthy should pay higher taxes                      52                    52                    53

14. Affirmative action abolished in college            50                    45                    56

15. Legal right of same-sex couples to marry        56                    63                    47

 

*Percentages are rounded.

Source: The American Freshman: National Norms for Fall 2000. Los Angeles: Higher Education Research Institute, UCLA. Copyright 2000 By the Regents of the University of California.