Social Problems: Causes and Solutions - Essay Sample

Introduction

A condition or a situation is defined as a social problem if most members of the society acknowledge its existence, agree that it threatens their treasured values, and something should be done to rectify that problem. For instance, poverty, unemployment, alcoholism, and discrimination based on sexual orientation are current social problems. Social problems should not be confused with personal issues; the causes and solution to social problems lie outside an individual, and the immediate environment, while the opposite is exact for personal problems. A problematic situation cannot be classified as a social problem if the society does not recognize it, or the need to put measures against it (Blummer, 1971: 299). This indicates that sociologists lack an effective way of detecting social problems unless society identifies them. Various sociological theories can be used to determine society's perception of social problems and approaches to respond to problematic conditions.

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The functionalism theory assumes that adequate socialization and social integration are essential for social stability, which is necessary for a healthy society. Therefore, social problems weak stability in society. Also, the theory assumes that gradual social changes are desirable, but rapid changes lead to the disruption of social order. Consequently, solutions to the problems should follow a progressive approach instead of having timely, far-reaching remedies. Once a social problem emerges, society should discuss it to validate its legitimacy before taking any other action - a social problem is legitimate only if the members recognize and endorse it in social discussions. Afterward, members of society can plan a response action to the problem and its implementation (Blummer, 1971: 301). However, the steps are commonly ignored by sociology students (Blummer, 1971: 305). Instead, the students use research findings on the makeup of social problems to provide the society with remedial treatment to the problem (Blummer 1971: 301).

Sociologists use the concepts of deviance, dysfunction, and structural strain to explain the emergence of social problems. However, Blummer noted that not all instances of deviance, dysfunction, and structural strain become significant social problems (300). Deviance creates norms telling members of the society how to behave, following a pattern acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Traits that can lead to the disruption of social stability are often stigmatized; nevertheless, deviance can create solidarity within a community where members take pride in their stigmatized identity. Consequently, society gradually accepts and incorporates the traits that were formerly stigmatized. For example, following continuous criticism and discrimination from the general public, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people formed the LGBT movement to unify themselves against external threats, and to advocate for their rights. Gradually, the movement gained respect from people - although not all - and made its way to modern literature, showing a sign of acceptance. Therefore, deviance might not translate to social disruption because society adjusts itself to promote social stability.

The conventional sociological theory assumes that a social problem exists in the form of an objective condition that can be identified (Blummer, 1971: 300). Sociologists identify incidence rates, the kind, and number of people involved, and their social characteristics as the primary elements of social problems. However, social problems are only identified and defined based on how society perceives them. The society notes a condition, decides whether it is a threat to stability, and outlines approaches to counter the problem. Therefore, a sociologist might note a malevolent condition that threatens stability, but the society might ignore it, making it irrelevant as a social problem (Blummer, 1971: 300). For instance, sociologists might view divorce as a social problem, but to the public, it is a way of settling marital conflicts, to engage in more healthy relationships. The society embraces divorce in cases of infidelity, drug abuse, mental illness, incompatibility, and unhappiness. Therefore, people view the causes of divorce as social problems, and not divorce itself. Conclusively, if sociological theory is to be used to identify and address social issues, it should respect the society's perception of the problems.

Since society itself defines social problems, ethnic culture is a significant determinant of what the conditions viewed to be problematic. Blummer stated that a study conducted by Kahl and Georing revealed that black people peopled tend to view racial discrimination in the work environment, unlike their white colleagues. Therefore, it is arguably true that people are more inclined to see a condition as a social problem if it affected them before, and they understand its potential effects. For the case of black workers, they must have been sensitive to discrimination because black people were subject to the problem in recent decades.

Sociological theories can be used to understand how society perceives and responds to social problems. Following the functionalism theory, society implements gradual (instead of rapid) changes to offer solutions to social problems. Deviance cannot be used to explain the emergence of social issues because when deviant behavior is stigmatized, the society adjusts itself to promote social stability. Effective use of sociological theory to identify and address social issues should incorporate society's perception of the problem. Since society itself defines social problems, ethnic culture can determine the conditions viewed to be problematic.