Social Problems

by Henslin, James M.

• ISBN13: 9780130960849
• ISBN10: 0130960845
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-12-01
• Publisher: Pearson College Div

Summary

This theoretically balanced text provides the latest research findings and a consistent structure to help&students analyze&major social problems facing the United States.& Henslin presents boths sides of an argument with a neutral voice and has a "down-to-earth" writing style. & When students complete this text, not only do they gain a sociological understanding of social problems, but also they are able to exploreand evaluatetheir own opinions about specific social problems.&They will gain a greater awareness of the social forces that shape their orientations to social problems and their perspectives on social life. The ideas in this book, then, can penetrate students' thinking and give shape to their views of the world.

Table of Contents

Boxes	xiv
Preface	xvii
PART I The Sociology of Social Problems
How Sociologists View Social Problems: The Abortion Dilemma	1	(24)
The Sociological Imagination	2	(1)
What Is a Social Problem?	3	(4)
The Essential Elements of a Social Problem	3	(2)
Social Problems Are Relative	5	(2)
The Natural History of Social Problems	7	(6)
The First Stage: Defining the Problem, the Emergence of Leaders, and Beginning to Organize	8	(1)
The Second Stage: Crafting the Official Response	8	(1)
The Third Stage: Reacting to the Official Response	9	(1)
The Fourth Stage: Developing Alternative Strategies	10	(3)
The Role of Sociology in Social Problems	13	(8)
Sociology as a Tool for Breaking Through Emotions and Defenses	13	(2)
Sociology and Common Sense	15	(1)
Methods for Studying Social Problems	16	(3)
Should Sociologists Take Sides?	19	(1)
Should Sociologists Define Social Problems?	20	(1)
The Working Consensus	21	(1)
Summary	21	(1)
Key Terms	22	(1)
Suggested Readings: The Abortion Controversy	23	(1)
Suggested Readings: The Sociological Approach	23	(1)
For Reference	24	(1)
Interpreting Social Problems: Aging	25	(25)
Sociological Theories and Social Problems	27	(1)
Symbolic Interactionism and Social Problems	28	(4)
The Development of Symbolic Interactionism	29	(2)
Applying Symbolic Interactionism	31	(1)
Symbolic Interactionism and Social Problems: A Summary	31	(1)
Functionalism and Social Problems	32	(5)
The Development of Functionalism	33	(1)
Applying Functionalism to Social Problems	34	(2)
Functionalism and Social Problems: A Summary	36	(1)
Conflict Theory and Social Problems	37	(3)
The Development of Conflict Theory	37	(1)
Applying Conflict Theory to Social Problems	38	(2)
Conflict Theory and Social Problems: A Summary	40	(1)
The Future of the Problem: The Pendulum Swings	40	(5)
Summary	45	(1)
Key Terms	46	(2)
Suggested Readings: Aging	48	(1)
Suggested Readings: Sociological Theory	49	(1)
PART II Norm Violations in Social Context
Prostitution, Homosexuality, and Pornography	50	(38)
Sexual Behaviors as Social Problems	51	(1)
Prostitution	52	(12)
Background: Getting the Larger Picture	52	(1)
Prostitution Viewed Theoretically: Applying Functionalism	53	(2)
Research on Prostitution	55	(9)
Homosexuality	64	(11)
Background: Getting the Larger Picture	64	(3)
Homosexuality Viewed Theoretically: Applying Conflict Theory	67	(2)
Research on Homosexuality	69	(5)
Differences Between Male and Female Homosexuals	74	(1)
Pornography	75	(6)
Background: Getting the Larger Picture	75	(2)
Pornography Viewed Theoretically: Applying Symbolic Interactionism	77	(1)
Controversy and Research on Pornography	78	(3)
Social Policy	81	(2)
Criminalization of Consensual Acts	81	(1)
Alternatives to Criminalization	81	(2)
The Future of the Problem	83	(3)
Prostitution and the Future	84	(1)
Homosexuality and the Future	84	(1)
Pornography and the Future	85	(1)
Summary	86	(1)
Key Terms	86	(1)
Suggested Readings	87	(1)
Alcohol and Other Drugs	88	(44)
The Problem in Social Perspective	89	(2)
The Scope of the Problem	91	(3)
Looking at the Problem Theoretically	94	(7)
Symbolic Interactionism	94	(2)
Functionalism	96	(1)
Conflict Theory	97	(4)
Research Findings	101	(21)
The Medicalization of Human Problems	101	(3)
The Effects of Drugs	104	(1)
The Recreational Mood Elevators	104	(12)
The Hallucinogens	116	(2)
The Amphetamines and Barbiturates	118	(1)
The Narcotics	119	(3)
Social Policy	122	(6)
The Future of the Problem	128	(1)
Summary	129	(1)
Key Terms	130	(1)
Suggested Readings	131	(1)
Violence in Society: Rape and Murder	132	(36)
The Problem in Sociological Perspective	133	(1)
The Scope of the Problem	134	(4)
Looking at the Problem theoretically	138	(5)
Nonsociological Theories	138	(1)
Symbolic Interactionism	139	(2)
Functionalism	141	(1)
Conflict Theory	142	(1)
Research Findings	143	(1)
Rape	144	(9)
The Natural History of Rape as a Social Problem	144	(1)
The Social Patterns of Rape	145	(2)
Profiling the Rapist	147	(3)
Unreported Rapes	150	(1)
Reactions to Rape	151	(2)
Murder	153	(9)
The Social Patterns of Murder	154	(2)
Social Bases of the Social Patterns	156	(6)
Social Policy	162	(3)
Dealing with Offenders	162	(1)
Dealing with Victims	163	(1)
Preventing Violence	164	(1)
The Future of the Problem	165	(1)
Summary	166	(1)
Key Terms	166	(1)
Suggested Readings	167	(1)
Crime and Criminal Justice	168	(45)
The Problem in Sociological Perspective	169	(1)
The Scope of the Problem	170	(4)
Crime as a Social Problem	170	(1)
The Criminal Justice System as a Social Problem	171	(3)
Looking at the Problem Theoretically	174	(6)
Symbolic Interactionism	175	(1)
Functionalism	176	(3)
Conflict Theory	179	(1)
Research Findings	180	(21)
Juvenile Delinquency	180	(6)
White-Collar Crime	186	(3)
Professional Crime	189	(1)
Organized Crime	190	(3)
Political Crime	193	(1)
The Criminal Justice System	194	(7)
Social Policy	201	(8)
The Future of the Problem	209	(1)
Summary	210	(1)
Key Terms	211	(1)
Suggested Readings	211	(2)
PART III Problems of Social Inequality
Economic Problems: Wealth and Poverty	213	(37)
The Problem in Sociological Perspective	214	(4)
Economic Systems and Changes	214	(2)
Four Economic Problems Facing the United States	216	(2)
The Nature of Poverty	218	(1)
The Scope of the Problem	218	(6)
Social Inequality	219	(1)
Distribution of Income and Wealth	219	(3)
The Extent and Impact of Poverty	222	(2)
Looking at the Problem Theoretically	224	(4)
Symbolic Interactionism	224	(1)
Functionalism	225	(2)
Conflict Theory	227	(1)
In Sum	228	(1)
Research Findings	228	(11)
Who Are the Poor?	228	(3)
Is There a Culture of Poverty?	231	(2)
Who Rules America?	233	(5)
Inequality and Global Poverty	238	(1)
Social Policy	239	(7)
Historical Changes in Social Policy	239	(2)
The Feminization of Poverty	241	(1)
Progressive Taxation	241	(1)
Four Types of Public Assistance Programs	242	(1)
Private Agencies and Volunteer Organizations	243	(1)
Regulating the Poor	244	(1)
Giving the Poor More Money	245	(1)
Education Accounts	245	(1)
Providing Jobs	246	(1)
The Future of the Problem	246	(1)
Summary	247	(1)
Key Terms	247	(1)
Suggested Readings	248	(2)
Race and Ethnic Relations	250	(40)
The Problem in Sociological Perspective	251	(5)
The Scope of the Problem	256	(8)
Looking at the Problem Theoretically	264	(5)
Symbolic Interactionism	264	(2)
Functionalism	266	(2)
Conflict Theory	268	(1)
In Sum	269	(1)
Research Findings	269	(13)
Native Americans	270	(3)
Latinos (Hispanics)	273	(3)
African Americans	276	(4)
Asian Americans	280	(2)
Social Policy	282	(3)
Encouraging Cultural Pluralism	282	(1)
Preventing Ethnic Discrimination	283	(1)
The Dilemma of Affirmative Action	283	(1)
Principles for Improving Ethnic Relations	284	(1)
The Future of the Problem	285	(1)
Summary	286	(1)
Key Terms	287	(1)
Suggested Readings	288	(2)
Sex Discrimination	290	(35)
The Problem in Sociological Perspective	291	(1)
The Scope of the Problem	292	(1)
Looking at the Problem Theoretically	293	(7)
Symbolic Interactionism	293	(3)
Functionalism	296	(3)
Conflict Theory	299	(1)
Research Findings	300	(17)
The Question of Natural Differences Between the Sexes	300	(3)
Discrimination in Everyday Life	303	(1)
Discrimination in Education	304	(2)
The Mass Media	306	(2)
The World of Politics	308	(1)
The World of Work	309	(4)
Why Is Our Work Force Segregated by Sex?	313	(1)
Sexual Harassment	313	(4)
Violence Against Women	317	(1)
Social Policy	317	(3)
An Area of Irreconcilable Ideologies	317	(2)
The Battle Lines	319	(1)
Ideology and Social Policy	320	(1)
The Future of the Problem	320	(2)
Summary	322	(1)
Key Terms	322	(1)
Suggested Readings	323	(2)
Medical Care: Problems of Physical and Mental Illness	325	(42)
The Problem in Sociological Perspective	326	(5)
The Social Nature of Health and Illness	327	(1)
The Social Organization of Medicine as a Source of Problems	328	(3)
The Scope of the Problem	331	(7)
Illness as a Social Problem	331	(7)
Looking at the Problem Theoretically	338	(5)
Symbolic Interactionism	338	(2)
Functionalism	340	(2)
Conflict Theory	342	(1)
Research Findings	343	(10)
An Overview of Health Problems	344	(1)
How Disease Is Related to Behavior and Environment: The Case of AIDS	344	(4)
Social Inequalities in Physical Illness	348	(1)
Social Inequalities in Mental Illness	349	(4)
Social Policy	353	(9)
Being Paid to Stay Healthy	353	(1)
Prepaid Medical Care	354	(1)
Physician Extenders	355	(1)
Training Physicians	355	(1)
Outreach Services	356	(1)
Practicing Preventive Medicine	357	(4)
Humanizing Health Care	361	(1)
Self-Care Groups	361	(1)
The Future of the Problem	362	(3)
Technology	362	(1)
Redirecting Medicine	363	(2)
Summary	365	(1)
Key Terms	365	(1)
Suggested Readings	366	(1)
PART IV Social Change and Megaproblems
The Changing Family	367	(38)
The Problem in Sociological Perspective	368	(3)
The Scope of the Problem	371	(7)
Looking at the Problem Theoretically	378	(7)
Symbolic Interactionism	379	(2)
Functionalism	381	(2)
Conflict Theory	383	(2)
Research Findings	385	(10)
Cohabitation and the Changing Age at First Marriage	385	(1)
Childlessness	386	(1)
Family Violence	387	(3)
Sexual Abuse in the Family	390	(2)
Old Age and Widowhood	392	(2)
The Death of the Family?	394	(1)
Social Policy	395	(5)
The Future of the Problem	400	(2)
Summary	402	(1)
Key Terms	403	(1)
Suggested Readings	403	(2)
Urban Problems	405	(37)
The Problem in Sociological Perspective	406	(4)
The Scope of the Problem	410	(1)
Looking at the Problem Theoretically	410	(5)
Symbolic Interactionism	411	(2)
Functionalism	413	(1)
Conflict Theory	414	(1)
Research Findings	415	(17)
Is the City Inherently Alienating?	415	(5)
The Decline of the Central City	420	(2)
Urban Violence	422	(5)
The City in Change	427	(3)
The Emerging Megalopolis	430	(2)
Social Policy	432	(4)
Specific Programs	433	(2)
Educating the Poor	435	(1)
The Future of the Problem	436	(3)
Summary	439	(1)
Key Terms	439	(1)
Suggested Readings	440	(2)
Population and Food	442	(33)
The Problem in Sociological Perspective	443	(5)
The Scope of the Problem	448	(2)
Looking at the Problem Theoretically	450	(6)
Symbolic Interactionism	450	(2)
Functionalism	452	(3)
Conflict Theory	455	(1)
Research Findings	456	(9)
The New Malthusians	456	(2)
The Anti-Malthusians	458	(2)
Has the Population Explosion Peaked?	460	(1)
Problems in Forecasting Population Growth	461	(1)
Does the United States Have a Population Problem?	462	(3)
Social Policy	465	(4)
Exporting Western Agriculture	465	(1)
Policy Implications of the Anti-Malthusians	466	(1)
Policy Implications of the New Malthusians	466	(3)
Restructuring International Markets	469	(1)
The Future of the Problem	469	(4)
The New Malthusian Viewpoint	469	(1)
The Anti-Malthusian Viewpoint	470	(1)
The Long-Term Anti-Malthusian Viewpoint	471	(1)
Which Will It Be?	471	(2)
Summary	473	(1)
Key Terms	473	(1)
Suggested Readings	474	(1)
The Environmental Crisis	475	(42)
The Problem in Sociological Perspective	476	(2)
The Scope of the Problem	478	(2)
Looking at the Problem Theoretically	480	(5)
Symbolic Interactionism	480	(2)
Functionalism	482	(1)
Conflict Theory	483	(2)
Research Findings	485	(21)
Air Pollution	485	(2)
Land Pollution	487	(2)
Water Pollution	489	(2)
Toxic Chemicals	491	(1)
Nuclear Pollution	492	(2)
Food Pollution	494	(3)
Pollution in the Industrializing Nations	497	(2)
Getting the Other Side	499	(1)
In Sum	500	(1)
Energy and Resources	501	(3)
The Coming Resolution	504	(2)
Social Policy	506	(6)
The Steady State Society	506	(1)
Pollution	506	(4)
Energy	510	(1)
Determining National Priorities	511	(1)
The Future of the Problem	512	(2)
Summary	514	(1)
Key Terms	515	(1)
Suggested Readings	515	(2)
War. Terrorism, and the Balance of Power	517	(38)
The Problem in Sociological Perspective	518	(3)
The Scope of the Problem	521	(2)
Looking at the Problem Theoretically	523	(4)
Symbolic Interactionism	523	(1)
Functionalism	524	(2)
Conflict Theory	526	(1)
Research Findings	527	(19)
What Reduces War? An Overview of Findings	527	(1)
The Costs of War	528	(5)
The Military-Industrial Complex	533	(3)
The Possibility of Accidental War	536	(4)
Biological and Chemical Warfare	540	(1)
Political Terrorism	541	(5)
Social Policy	546	(4)
Political Terrorism	546	(2)
Nuclear Warfare and the Elusive Path to Peace	548	(2)
The Future of the Problem	550	(2)
Summary	552	(1)
Key Terms	553	(1)
Suggested Readings	553	(2)
Bibliography	555	(34)
Photo Credits	589	(2)
Name Index	591	(10)
Subject Index	601