Social Problems

This eleventh edition ofSocial Problemsappears during an almost unprecedented time of uncertainty and danger in the world. Terrorism, military invasions, renewed regional arms races, economic downturn, shrinking public budgets, and rising fiscal deficits--all indicate an increase in social problems on many other fronts. After more than a decade of rather favorable trends for crime, health, employment, and the reduction of poverty, the United States faces the prospect of reverses in these and other vital areas of its national life. On the world stage, the growing problems of disease, poverty, and political instability are further indications that the next few years are likely to witness reverses in progress on major social problems. On the domestic front, huge budget deficits, brought on by what many see as a radical attack on public programs in such areas as health and welfare, make it likely that inequality and its attendant problems will only increase. Rollbacks on environmental protection, protection of workers' safety, and health care for the nation's neediest people add to the gloomy prospect. But there are some bright spots, as always. The Bush administration's move to become more active in the global fight against AIDS is encouraging and has been welcomed by leaders throughout Africa and other regions hit hard by the AIDS pandemic. For every major social problem confronting Americans and citizens of other nations, there are groups of people dedicated to seeking a solution. Some of them are experts on particular social problems, like the members of the medical profession who each day confront the tragedy of AIDS, or the law enforcement professionals who cope with crime and violence. Others are nonprofessionals, often citizens who have devoted themselves to doing something about a particular situation or problem. Among these activists are people who have experienced the condition they seek to improve--women who have suffered sexual abuse, people who know what it is to be homeless, drug and alcohol abusers who want to help themselves and others, and neighbors confronted with the dumping of toxic wastes. Such groups may also include elected officials and other political leaders who are expected to formulate sound social policies to address social problems. This book is written in an effort to make their work more effective and in the hope that some readers will be moved to take up their causes. We dedicate it to the citizens of the world who devote some of their precious time on earth to helping others. Organization of the Book The first few chapters of this book focus on relatively individual behaviors, such as drug use and crime. The social institutions and other factors that affect these behaviors are noted and described. The middle chapters focus on inequality and discrimination, discussing such topics as poverty, prejudice, sexism, and ageism. Every attempt has been made to indicate the effects of large-scale discrimination on individuals, as well as to deal with the concept of institutionalized inequalities. Later chapters discuss problems that are common to many societies, such as those related to family life and work. The final chapters--on the problems of cities, environmental pollution, and war and terrorism--focus on matters of global significance. It seems best to discuss each subject in a separate chapter in order to deal with it comprehensively and in depth. Throughout the book, however, an attempt has been made to indicate how the different problems overlap and are interrelated. Pedagogical Devices Social Problemshas been designed to be as helpful as possible to both students and teachers. Each problem is discussed in a well-organized and readable manner. As much as possible, unnecessary terminology has been avoided. The treatment of each problem is analytical as well as descriptive, and includes the most up-to-date findings avKornblum, William is the author of 'Social Problems', published 2003 under ISBN 9780131115620 and ISBN 0131115626.