Chapter 1 How Sociologists View Social Problems

Sociology Sociology: The systematic study of human societies Macro/Micro Society Culture

The Sociological Imagination Sociological Imagination (C. Wright Mills): Looking at people’s behavior and attitudes in the context of the social forces that shape them. Changes in society have a profound influence on people’s lives. Emphasis on how larger events have an impact on how we think, feel, act Connecting personal troubles and public issues/social world Personal Troubles – are really social issues that affect many people

Social Location The process of becoming aware of ourselves by evaluating our own identity in relation to other people; structures. Jobs Income Education Gender Age Race/Ethnicity

What is a Social Problem? Some aspect of society that people are concerned about and would like changed; socially constructed A condition that undermines the well being of some or all members of society; usually a matter of public controversy. Social Constructionist Approach Social problems arise as people define conditions: As undesirable In need of change Examples of Social Problems: Crime Poverty Sexual abuse Domestic violence War Racism

The Role of Sociology in Social Problems Tool for breaking through emotions and defenses Common sense is not enough: not adequate for addressing social problems. May be faulty Five ways sociology penetrates emotional convictions to yield objective understanding of social problems: Sociologists can measure objective conditions. Sociologists can measure subjective concerns. Sociologists can apply the sociological imagination. Sociologists can identify different ways to intervene in a social problem. Sociologists can evaluate likely consequences of social policies.

Elements of a Social Problem Social Problems have two essential components: Objective Condition Measured Experienced Subjective Concern Concern about the social problem Both sides of the issue Culturally influenced Change in societies will cause a change in opinions and concerns Characteristics: Social problems are dynamic: respond to changes in society Social problems are relative: social problems depend on values

The Natural History of Social Problems Four Stages (Social Movements): Defining the problem, the emergence of leaders, and beginning to organize Crafting an official response Reacting to the official response Developing alternative strategies

Methods for Studying Social Problems Four basic research designs and methods: Case Studies – specific situations/cases Documents – secondary resources Surveys – generalizability Interviews (Structured and Unstructured) Questionnaire – closed/open ended Experiments – experimental/control groups Field Studies – participant observation Observation - overt/covert

Principles Underlying Sociological Research Sociologists use scientific methods to provide objective, systematic research findings. Sociologists do not base their conclusions on emotions or personal values. Sociologists use the sociological imagination. Because sociology cannot dictate that one set of values is superior to another, it provides no basis for making value decisions.

Should Sociologists Take Sides? Problem of determining morality Research methods allow one to gather objective information on social problems, but do not reveal what attitude or social policy is “correct.” Sociology is not equipped to make judgments about values and morality. Should sociologists forget their own subjective concerns and strive to remain dispassionate, detached, and value-free or should they report the facts and not take sides on the social issues that affect our society?

The Debate Among Sociologists Those who champion neutrality stress the position that sociologists enjoy no superior vantage point from which to make moral judgments. Sociologists do have knowledge and skills to offer but not morality. Sociologists can indicate the potential consequences of different social policies, but should not promote any particular policy or solution. On the other side of this issue, some sociologists are convinced that they have a moral obligation to take a stand.

Taking Sides: Divisions and Agreement If sociologists want to take sides on any issue, they should do so as private citizens, not as sociologists. Debate keeps sociologists sensitive to the boundaries between objectivity and partisanship. Most sociologists attempt to resolve this dilemma by separating research evidence from their own values and opinions.