Compared to other peoples around the world, Americans tend to be very individualistic in their thought. Many of the social problems that we have in the United States stem, at least in part, from that American individualism. We tend to think that it is human nature to be so individualistic; a comparative approach will challenge readers to question that assumption. Moreover, it will introduce readers to solutions being tried in other countries around the world, thereby providing them with new perspectives and illustrating solutions that may be relevant to social problems in the United States. Containing thirty-seven articles pertaining to domestic and global social problems and social solutions, this book presents the underlying theme of inequality and conflict theory. Most of the problems discussed are either caused by inequality, or they affect different populations unequally. Each reading selection is preceded by an introduction highlighting the important themes of the article.

SOCIAL PROBLEMS: ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS provides a clear and concise description and analysis of major social problems in the United States. The text stimulates interest in understanding and doing something about resolving social problems by presenting and describing solutions for each problem discussed. Provides an understanding of sociological theories and research that explains the nature of social problems and possible resolutions.

"For the past thirty years, I have been teaching, studying, and researching social problems in the US. The topics have always been challenging and fascinating, while at the same time they have been frustrating and often disappointing. I always found examples of social programs that were effective at targeting a specific aspect of a complex problem, but too often these extraordinary ideas were applied beyond their capacity. Then, once the program failed to be a panacea, policymakers discounted the actual value of the program in its original design. I felt a similar frustration when enormous resources were dedicated to programs that, while politically popular, had little chance at succeeding because they were based on inaccurate assessments of the problem. It is easy to see why students might feel that a social problems course offers little encouragement to find solutions. When I had the opportunity to write a comprehensive social problems textbook for Oxford University Press, I was presented with a moment to frame the issues in an objective way: to explain clearly and effectively not only the nature and complexity of specific social problems, but how sociological theory is a useful lens through which these problems can be understood. I also had the chance to point out that there are, in fact, solutions that work. As I tell my students, the question is not really what caused the problem -- we know these are social problems and that means they have social causes. The interesting question is: what we are willing as a society to do about them?"--

The approach taken in this volume suggests that the science of behavior (often called behavior analysis and sometimes behaviorology) has much more to offer for reducing human problems than is widely recognized. In this volume, the editors and authors hope to show that the science of behavior has much to offer to contemporary society, beyond its usefulness in narrow niches like special education and developmental disabilities.

Updated with recent issues such as the national debate on health care reform, this Second Edition of How Can We Solve Our Social Problems? gives students a sense of hope by demonstrating specific, realistic steps we can take to solve some of the most pervasive social problems in America today. Author James Crone maintains a sense of sociological objectivity throughout and helps students realize that we can take steps to solve such key social problems as poverty, racial and ethnic inequality, unequal education, and environmental issues. The book's first two chapters define "social problem,," provide a theoretical background, discuss the daunting barriers we face in attempting to solve social problems, and demonstrate how sociology can help.

Social Problems and Inequality explores integrated and root-cause-based explanations of complex social problems. Written in clear and understandable language, allowing it to be used for classroom purposes, it addresses the most fundamental principles of how humans, acting through social units, create, and eventually can remedy, social problems. With a central focus on the problem of inequality and the manner in which this is manifested in crime, social class and stratification, this book examines the key theoretical perspectives relevant to the study and solution of social problems, whilst drawing upon rich illustrations and case studies from the US and Europe to offer a thorough examination of the nature, common root causes and social remedies of social problems. Providing discussions of both theoretical approaches and concrete applications, Social Problems and Inequality investigates the sources of various prejudices and attitudes that contribute to social problems and the associated issues of globalization, economic greed and imperialism. Accessible in style and comprehensive in its coverage, this book will appeal to students and scholars of social problems across the social sciences.

The voices of famous and lesser known figures in America's quest to reduce poverty are collected for the first time in this comprehensive historical anthology. The book traces the most important ideas and contributions of citizens, activists, labour leaders, scholars, politicians, and governmental agencies to ensure American citizens the basics of food, housing, employment, education, and health care. The book follows the idea of poverty reduction from Thomas Paine's agrarian justice to Josiah Quincy's proposal for the construction of poorhouses; from the Freedmen's Bureau to Sitting Bull's demand for money and supplies; from Coxey's army of the unemployed to Jane Addams's Hull House; from the Civil Works Administration to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s call for an Economic Bill of Rights; and from William Julius Wilson's universal programme of reform to George W. Bush's armies of compassion.

“This book is a must read for anyone who cares about the well-being of humanity in our modern world.” —Jake B. Schrum, President Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX “The Social Innovation Imperative advances a best practice framework to solving the world’s most pressing social issues. This is a foundational guide to changing the world that will be referenced for years to come.” —Michael Reynolds, Vice President, Product Development and Management, Cigna Health Care “Advancing the works of Clayton Christensen, Tony Ulwick, and others, Bates gives us a systematic approach for addressing critical human needs and the ecosystems in which they persist. This book is a blueprint to help us solve the ‘right’ things—the ‘right’ way.” —Joe Grieshop, President, Chief Innovation Executive, netTrekker, Founding Partner, Knovation Lab “Bates lays out a comprehensive, needs-driven approach for creating a social innovation road map. The detailed templates she provides offer particular insight for large, complex challenges.” —Sarah Miller Caldicott, author of Innovate Like Edison and Inventing The Future, great-grandniece of Thomas Edison “Bates shows how to create comprehensive innovation strategies using a six-step framework, and she gives the reader detailed ‘how to’ instruction for each step.” —Ellen Domb, Ph.D., President, PQR Group, Founder of The TRIZ Journal About the Book: In recent years, business leaders have been investing unprecedented amounts of time and money pursuing innovation to drive profits and growth. Although far from perfected, the innovation best practices they follow are by now well established. But when your expected ROI isn’t measured in dollars but in social good, the game is played very differently—which is where The Social Innovation Imperative comes in. Sandra M. Bates has spent the last decade helping major corporations create new markets for technology, consumer goods, and services. Now, she turns her attention to the social sector. The Social Innovation Imperative begins by explaining why innovation in social sectors, such as health care, conservation, and education, is unique and then provides the framework and tools that create a best practice for driving innovative change that will impact our world. Bates organizes the process into action-oriented steps you can follow to meet your goals effectively and in the most efficient manner possible. Learn how to: Investigate the Needs—define the social challenge, determine unmet needs, and examine opportunities for achieving them Innovate the Solution—devise a workable solution and develop a powerful social business model Implement the Solution—ensure the solution creates shared value and discover techniques to make certain that it does not become an orphan innovation In The Social Innovation Imperative, Bates combines everything she has learned as a high-level business consultant to offer a refreshing new approach for developing breakthrough products, programs, and services to meet society’s needs. The Framework for Social Innovation outlined in this book removes the mystery from innovation success and provides a systematic approach anyone can adopt. The Social Innovation Imperative offers essential wisdom for innovators everywhere—whether nonprofits, NGOs, foundations, government agencies, or corporations—who wish to generate meaningful social value.

This brief reader examines a number of organized movements that have successfully brought about reform and change "from the bottom up."

Empower your students to become part of the solution. With a clear and upbeat voice, author Anna Leon-Guerrero’s thought-provoking overview of social problems challenges readers to understand and recognize social problems in their communities and inspires them to become part of the solution. The Fifth Edition of Social Problems: Community, Policy, and Social Action goes beyond the typical presentation of contemporary social problems and their consequences by emphasizing the importance and effectiveness of community involvement to achieve real solutions. With an overarching focus on social inequalities and policy, this proven text provides a platform for discussion that encourages critical thinking and inspires hope. “The extra emphasis on social action and movements is a real strength…I like that the three major perspectives are used in each chapter as I feel many texts just put that in the first chapter and then forget about it.” —Todd Michael Callais, University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash