Notion of Social Problems

By: Sharon White
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:25:20
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We hear and face social problems of different nature everyday in our modern world. It is a very popular topic and one of the most discussed and important issues as it is not the problem of a particular individual but of a society as a whole all over the world. That is why the following article will discuss the notion of a social problem and different approaches to defining this phenomenon, as well as two examples will be given to illustrate this notion for better understanding.

For this question to be adequately answered, a definition of the term ‘social problem’ is required, with discussion clarifying how social problems are identified, and why these particular problems are sociological, affecting a large amount of people, rather than singularly disturbing the individual experiencing it.

From this, many types of social problems can be identified and two of such, namely the problems of drug abuse and homelessness will be discussed in further detail. Both will be addressed, illustrating why and how each fit into the term ‘social problem’, which groups or individuals are aiming to provide solutions and what is proposed to help reduce or eradicate the problem.

The term ‘Social Problem’ appears to be an extremely difficult one to define, with no universal, constant or absolute definition. Indeed, the Penguin Dictionary of Sociology mentions that ‘the definition of a social problem is fraught with difficulty for a variety of reasons. Cultural relativism means that what is a social problem for one group may be nothing of the sort for the other. Historically, the nature of social problems has changed over time. There is a political dimension, that the identification of a problem may involve one group in the exercise of social control over another.’

However, contrary to this many attempts are made at defining the term. One such attempt defines a social problem as ‘a social condition that a segment of society views as harmful to members of society and in need of remedy.’

Another such attempt at explaining the phrase states much more simply that a social problem is ‘a condition of society that has a negative effect on a large number of people’ It may be said that although these agreed definitions appear somewhat vague, they indicate the meaning of the term ‘social problem’ as a condition which is not a private, individual problem, but one affecting if not a whole, then certainly a large proportion of society. Indeed, the Social Policy Association, quote C. Wright Mills, who observed ‘one person suffering from unemployment may be in acute need, but it is only when unemployment becomes a more widely shared experience in a community that there may be said to be a social problem.’

It can be argued that whilst it is difficult to define the term, it is almost as difficult to identify what a social problem is. ‘Scientists argue that our view of the world is subjective…interests in a problem vary over time and respond to competing interests. For instance, during a war interests lie more heavily on security and survival. Issues in inequality of health, poverty, discrimination and drug abuse are ignored far more than would have been at other times.’ This subjective view may be observed in beliefs of physical punishment in children. In Britain, it may be considered acceptable for a mother to discipline her child by smacking, whereas in other countries, smacking children is totally unacceptable and an offence. Hence a difference not only in a society’s attitudes, but also in social policies and legislation.

It may be stated that there are two main perspectives in defining a social problem; the subjective view discussed, falls into the ’Constructionist’ perspective. Scourfield describes this outlook as a notion that ‘our ‘world’… doesn’t come directly to us but is shaped or ‘mediated’ by language and discourse. Much of the focus of this approach is about understanding how social problems become adopted and accepted as social problems.’

Article source: Expert Articles