Social Problems Causes, Consequences, Interventions

by Levin, Jack; Mac Innis, Kim; Carroll, Walter F.; Bourne, Richard

• ISBN13: 9780195329759
• ISBN10: 0195329759
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-08-20
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

This compact and affordable text serves as an introduction to a wide range of social problems. Social Problems, Second Edition, is unique in that all chapters are organized in a consistent format, beginning with the definition and prevalence of the social problem covered, followed by levels ofcausation, consequences, and interventions. Each chapter includes a discussion of the future of each social problem covered and a summary of its substantive issues. All chapters conclude with discussion questions, references, and a list of relevant websites. This lively, readable volume introduces students to a variety of sociological viewpoints on social problems. Every topic is analyzed from individual, cultural, and structural perspectives. This diversity allows instructors to compare explanations that incorporate such structural factors as socialclass and economic structure to explanations that focus on cultural factors or on biological and psychological characteristics of the individual. Social Problems, Second Edition, emphasizes the importance of gender, race, and class for understanding social problems. The text focuses on the U.S., butincorporates comparative, cross-cultural material when appropriate. Unique features of this book include the following: * A consistent approach that offers solutions to social problems, not just explanations * Full chapters on the topics of cities and urban decline, and on food and population * Coverage of such issues as the criminalization of pregnancy, domestic violence as a health issue, and aging and homosexuality To stimulate student interest, each chapter begins with an "In the News" section that consists of several newspaper articles on current issues. Every chapter also includes "A Closer Look" inserts to heighten student interest by describing ongoing efforts to resolve current social issues. Someinserts highlight the impact of social policy, while others summarize research or challenge "common sense" assumptions. A comprehensive Instructor's Resource Guide/Testing Program and a Website accompany the text.

Table of Contents

All chapters conclude with Discussion Questions, References, and a list of Relevant Websites

Chapters 2-16 also include Summaries

Understanding Social ProblemsIn the News: An End to Social Problems?

Definition and Prevalence

Levels of Causation

Individual: Cultural: Structural: Consequences

Interventions

About the Book

Inequality and Poverty

In the News: Children and Poverty

Definition and Prevalence

Levels of Causation

Individual: Cultural: Structural: Consequences

Interventions

The Future of Inequality and Poverty

Racial Inequality

In the News: Who Are We? Census Racial Categories

Definition and Prevalence

Levels of Causation

Individual: Cultural: Structural: Consequences

Interventions

The Future of Racial Inequality

Gender Inequality

In the News: Title IX and Women's Sports

Definition and Prevalence

Levels of Causation

Individual: Cultural: Structural: Consequences

Interventions

The Future of Gender Inequality

Age Discrimination

In the News: Children Caring for Their Elderly Parents

Definition and Prevalence

Levels of Causation

Individual: Cultural: Structural: Consequences

Interventions

The Future of Age Discrimination

Sexual Orientation and Homophobia

In the News: Coming Out on Television: Ellen

Definition and Prevalence

Levels of Causation

Individual: Cultural: Structural: Consequences

Interventions

The Future of Homophobia

Crime and Violence

In the News: Why Is the Crime Rate Falling?

Definition and Prevalence

Levels of Causation

Individual: Cultural: Structural: Consequences

Interventions

The Future of Inequality and Poverty

Substance Abuse

In the News: Switzerland's Heroin Distribution Program

Definition and Prevalence

Levels of Causation

Individual: Cultural: Structural: Consequences

Interventions

The Future of Drug Abuse

Child AbuseIn the News: Taking Children Out of Abusive Families

Definition and Prevalence

Levels of Causation

Individual: Cultural: Structural: Consequences

Interventions

The Future of Child Abuse

Battered Women

In the News: Battered Women and the Courts

Definition and Prevalence

Levels of Causation

Individual: Cultural: Structural: Consequences

Interventions

The Future of Battered Women

Divorce

In the News: Tightening the Bonds of Marriage in Louisiana

Definition and Prevalence

Levels of Causation

Individual: Cultural: Structural: Consequences

Interventions

The Future of Divorce

Health and Health Care Issues

In the News: Surviving in America Without Health Insurance

Definition and Prevalence

Levels of Causation

Individual: Cultural: Structural: Consequences

Interventions

The Future of Health Care

Cities and Urban Decline

In the News: The Fall and Rise of a Neighborhood

Definition and Prevalence

Levels of Causation

Individual: Cultural: Structural: Consequences

Interventions

The Future of Urban Life

Population and FoodIn the News: Going Hungry in American Cities

Definition and Prevalence

Levels of Causation

Individual: Cultural: Structural: Consequences

Interventions

The Future of Population and Food

Environmental Problems

In the News: The Summit on the Environment

Definition and Prevalence

Levels of Causation

Individual: Cultural: Structural: Consequences

Interventions

The Future of the Environment

Mass Media and Society

In the News: Free Speech on the Internet

Definition and Prevalence

Levels of Causation

Individual: Cultural: Structural: Consequences

Interventions

The Future of Mass Media and Society

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