The topics covered in this book are directly related to much of the misunderstanding of what sociology is about. It is usual nowadays to label as sociological any discussion concerned, however loosely, with ‘Society’. But a careful reading of Mr Timms’ treatment of the problem areas he has chosen should make clear the difference between this use of the adjective in everyday speech, and its more vigorous technical use. In dealing with his subject Mr Timms makes use of the concepts of sociology such as ‘role’, ‘norms’, ‘social control’, ‘class’, and ‘family’.

This book is an economical introduction to social problems with a built-in study guide, emphasizing an applied approach that looks at the interplay between research and policy in finding solutions. This book explores the nature and extent of social problems, documents the advances and setbacks that we as a society have made, and analyzes what works and what doesn't work regarding solutions to todays problems. This straightforward book helps readers study this constantly changing field by applying social science research to the solutions of some of the most difficult and controversial problems confronting the United States and the world today. Designed for those interested in social problems, sociology or social sciences.

“Given the complexity of the issues, the study of social problems requires, indeed demands, specialized focus by experts.” -A. Javier Treviño Welcome to a new way of Investigating Social Problems. In this groundbreaking new text, general editor A. Javier Treviño, working with a panel of experts, thoroughly examines all aspects of social problems, providing a contemporary and authoritative introduction to the field. Each chapter is written by a specialist on that particular topic. This unique, contributed format ensures that the research and examples provided are the most current and relevant in the field. The chapters carefully follow a model framework to ensure consistency across the entire text and provide continuity for the reader. The text is framed around three major themes: intersectionality (the interplay of race, ethnicity, class, and gender), the global scope of many problems, and how researchers take an evidence-based approach to studying problems.

Preface. 1. THE SOCIOLOGY OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS. The Sociological Approach. Social Movements and Social Problems. Consequences of Actions Taken on Social Problems. Perspectives on Social Problems and Social Programs. Sociological Perspectives on Social Problems. Research on Social Problems. PART ONE: DEVIANCE AND SOCIAL VARIATIONS. 2. CRIME AND DELINQUENCY. The Nature and Extent of Crime. Crime Causation Theories. Types of Crimes. The Criminal Justice System. How to Reduce Crime and Delinquency. 3. EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS. The Nature and Extent of Emotional and Behavioral Problems. Mental Health Issues. Social Structure and Mental Illness. Treatment. 4. DRUG ABUSE. Drugs and Society. Facts about and Effects of Commonly Used Drugs. Rehabilitation Programs. Suggestions for Curbing Drug Abuse in the Future. 5. VARIATIONS IN HUMAN SEXUALITY. Sex in History and in other Cultures. Sex Variances Rather Than Sex Problems. Tolerated Sex Variance. Asocial Sex Variance. Structural Sex Variance. Personal Sexual Concerns. PART TWO: INEQUALITY PROBLEMS. 6. RACISM AND ETHNOCENTRISM. Ethnic Groups and Ethnocentrism. Prejudice, Discrimination, and Oppression. Background of Racial Groups. Strategies for Advancing Social and Economic Justice. The Future of American Race and Ethnic Relations. 7. SEXISM. The History of Sexism. Sexual Harassment. Sex Roles and Sexism: Biology or Socialization? Consequences of Sexism. Recent Developments and the Future. 8. AGEISM. An Overview. Problems Faced by the Elderly. Current Services. The Future. 9. POVERTY. Poverty in the United States. Programs to Combat Poverty. PART THREE: TROUBLED INSTITUTIONS. 10. FAMILY. The American Family: Past and Present. Problems in the Family. Social Change and the Future of the American Family. 11. HEALTH CARE. Physical Illnesses and the Health Care System. Problems in Health Care. AIDS. Proposed Programs to Combat Health Care. 12. EDUCATION. Problem Areas in Education. Improving Education. Toward Equal Educational Opportunity. 13. BIG BUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY, AND WORK. Big Business. Technology. Work. Problems with Work. Regulating Big Business and Technological Development. Current and Proposed "Solutions" to Work Problems. PART FOUR: PROBLEMS OF A CHANGING WORLD. 14. VIOLENCE, TERRORISM, AND WAR. Types of Violence. Causes of Violence. Approaches to Reducing Violence. 15. URBAN PROBLEMS. History of Cities. Urban and Rural Areas Defined. An Urbanizing World. Theories on the Effects of Urbanism. Problems Confronting Central Cities. Strategies to Improve Urban Areas. 16. POPULATION. Rapid Population Growth and Overpopulation. 17. ENVIRONMENT. Environmental Problems. General Pollutants. Confronting Environmental Problems. EPILOGUE. GLOSSARY. NOTES. PHOTO CREDITS. NAME INDEX. SUBJECT INDEX.

Social Problems explores the consequences of symbolic interactionism in society, a theory which contends that people attach meanings to symbols such as language or gestures and base their behaviors on their interpretations of these meanings. Norman A. Dolch, Linda Deutschmann, and Helen Powell compile a number of critical and innovative essays that explore different aspects of society including mental illness, race relations, terrorism, and family life.

In this book, Frank McVeigh and Loreen Wolfer take an historical approach to examine the causes and conflicts behind ten major social problems that have existed for nearly 230 years. Using a critical thinking perspective of the history, sociology, politics, and economics of the period, the authors analyze social problems as a series of conflicts between those with power and those who were at one time virtually powerless. Embedded in this analysis is a discussion of how the shift from a Gemeinschaft to Gesellschaft society has influenced how we address these problems. Using these themes, McVeigh and Wolfer provide thought-provoking insight into the ways individuals, groups, and social institutions change over time, gaining or losing power. The book contains a preface by Arthur Shostak, Drexel University.