Social Problems An Introduction to Critical Constructionism

by Heiner, Robert

• ISBN13: 9780195380231
• ISBN10: 0195380231
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-03-27
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Now in a new edition, Social Problems: An Introduction to Critical Constructionism synthesizes conflict theory and social constructionism to help students think critically about social problems. A concise, student-friendly alternative to all-encompassing standard textbooks, this book examines a single theoretical paradigm in depth, demonstrating how theory can be used to understand a breadth of real world structures. Robert Heiner focuses on the four problems most often encountered in social problems courses: inequality, family, crime and deviance, and overpopulation and the environment. Heiner's critical approach helps students conceive of societal problems as socially constructed phenomena whose importance varies according to media attention and the agendas of particular interest groups. Furthermore, his critical point of view leads students to reevaluate their own preconceived notions and beliefs, in turn generating lively classroom discussions. Revised and updated in this third edition, Social Problems now includes a glossary of key terms and reinforcing end-of-chapter questions, as well as new discussions of such issues as immigration. Additional graphics help visually illustrate key concepts and ideas. Social Problems: An Introduction to Critical Constructionism, Third Edition, is ideal for social problems courses. Given its readability and consistent application of theory, this book could also be used in introductory sociology courses and social theory courses.

Author Biography

Robert Heiner is Professor and Assistant Department Chair of Sociology at Plymouth State College. He is editor of Deviance Across Cultures (OUP, 2007), Social Problems and Social Solutions: A Cross-Cultural Perspective (1998), and Criminology: A Cross-Cultural Perspective (1995).

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
An Introduction to the Sociology of Social Problems	p. 3
The Sociological Perspective	p. 3
Critical Constructionism	p. 9
Nonsociological Philosophies	p. 13
The Cross-Cultural and Global Perspectives	p. 14
Corporate America	p. 16
The Media	p. 17
The Homogenization of Culture	p. 21
Summary	p. 22
The Plan of This Book	p. 23
Inequality	p. 25
An Introduction to Critical Economics	p. 25
The Gap Between the Rich and the Rest	p. 29
The Plight of the American Worker	p. 36
Poverty	p. 50
Race and Inequality	p. 61
Global Inequalities	p. 68
Immigration	p. 73
Application: The Gross Domestic Product	p. 76
Summary	p. 77
Problems of the Family	p. 82
The Family In Historical Perspective	p. 82
The Current State of the Family	p. 89
Children, Our Most Precious Resource?	p. 94
Capitalism Versus the Family	p. 104
Application: Children Having Children	p. 106
Summary	p. 111
Crime and Deviance	p. 114
University and Relativity	p. 114
Examples of the Relativity of Crime and Deviance	p. 115
The Cultural Production of Knowledge About Crime	p. 121
Crime Scares	p. 125
Street Crime	p. 133
The American Punishment Frenzy	p. 141
Application: Terrorism	p. 153
Summary	p. 156
Problems of the Environment	p. 159
Technology and the Environment	p. 159
Scientific Uncertainty	p. 160
Corporate Suasion	p. 163
SLAPPs	p. 169
Consumerism	p. 173
Inequality and the Environment	p. 181
Global Inequality	p. 184
Application: Overpopulation	p. 188
Summary	p. 192
Conclusions	p. 196
Glossary	p. 204
Notes	p. 208
Index	p. 229
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