This classic text uses current social problems to teach basic sociological principles as well as concepts specific
to the different social topics. Well-balanced in approach, it uses three major sociological perspectives to analyze
a wide variety of contemporary American social problems and research data -- explaining the origin and existence
of each social problem and indicating courses of action for changing social conditions and the personal sacrifices
necessary to implement social change .
Provides a balanced presentation of three contrasting theoretical sociological perspectives used in the analysis
of social problems:
Social Disorganization.
Value Conflict.
Personal Deviation.
Presents a centrist approach to sociology, but considers the positions of extremist groups in various social
problems.
Offers a multidisciplinary perspective -- e.g., how history and economics impact social issues.
Draws heavily on government documents and on popular news material when appropriate to illustrate current social
problems -- e.g., Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, and The Wall Street Journal.
Discusses the use of statistics, data, and information for assessing social problems.
Explores -- and analyzes -- a wide range of social problems.
Links each problem to specific theories that help explain the origin and existence of the social problem and
that indicate courses of action for changing social conditions and the sacrifices necessary to implement social
change.
Explores the nature, role, and function of vested interest groups in preserving a social condition as part of the
reason for the continuing nature of social problems.
Considers civil liberties of minority groups and the American society -- describing the rights and civil liberties
of sub- populations.
Provides additional information on mini-topics in boxes throughout.
Contains chapter summaries that "put sociology into action" by describing both the institutional components
and the societal and governmental constraints that operate to prevent action on a social problem.
NEW--Updates all journal citations and statistical data to reflect current information and to portray the changing
nature of social problems:
Reflects recent shifts in crime rates, patterns of deviance, health care costs, and environmental diversity.
NEW--Updates major sections on:
Crime.
Minority Groups.
Deviance.
Family.
NEW--Adds short topics and vignettes throughout to illustrate sociological concepts.
Table of Contents
I. ORIENTATION TO THE STUDY OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS.
1. Why Study Social Problems?
2. Approaches to the Study of Social Problems.
3. The Interpretation of Data.
II. MAJOR SOCIAL PROBLEMS IN THE UNITED STATES.
4. Vested Interest and Pressure Groups.
5. Crime.
6. Social Deviance.
7. Family and Generational Problems.
8. Religious Problems and Conflicts.
9. Education in an Age of Change.
10. Health and Medical Care.
11. Population Problems: Nation and World.
12. Urban and Rural Problems.
13. Racial Discrimination in the United States.
14. Ethnic and Other Minorities.
15. Poverty.
16. Civil Liberties in an Age of Turmoil.
17. Environmental and Social Policy.
