Identify any social problem and analyze it using the objective and subjective criteria in the first chapter of your textbook. Why does it qualify as a "social problem" as defined within sociology?
You should discuss the following points:
What is the shared undesirable condition faced by people who have this problem? What must they face that other people don't have to?
Who are the people (the social group) who have this problem?
By whom is the problem recognized as a problem? Are there others who deny that it is a problem?
Full Answer Section
- Limited educational opportunities
- High rates of crime and violence
- Social isolation and exclusion
These consequences are well-documented by research, and they have a significant impact on the lives of millions of people around the world.
Subjective Criteria
The subjective criteria for a social problem are the perception that the problem is harmful and needs to be addressed. In the case of poverty, there is a widespread belief that it is a serious problem that needs to be solved. This belief is shared by individuals, organizations, and governments around the world.
However, there are also some people who deny that poverty is a problem. They argue that poverty is simply a natural part of life, and that it is up to individuals to overcome it. These views are often based on misconceptions about poverty, and they can contribute to the neglect of this important social problem.
Who Has the Problem?
Poverty is a global problem, but it affects different people in different ways. In developing countries, poverty is often associated with hunger, homelessness, and lack of access to basic necessities. In developed countries, poverty is more likely to be associated with low income, limited educational opportunities, and social exclusion.
The social group that is most affected by poverty is the working class. This group includes people who work full-time but still cannot afford to meet their basic needs. The working class is also disproportionately represented among people of color, immigrants, and people with disabilities.
Is the Problem Recognized?
The problem of poverty is recognized by most people as a serious social problem. However, there is disagreement about the best way to address it. Some people believe that the government should provide more assistance to the poor, while others believe that the private sector should play a greater role.
There are also disagreements about the causes of poverty. Some people believe that poverty is caused by individual choices, while others believe that it is caused by structural factors such as discrimination and lack of opportunity.
Conclusion
Poverty is a complex social problem with no easy solutions. However, it is a problem that we cannot afford to ignore. By understanding the objective and subjective criteria of poverty, we can better understand the challenges that it poses and work towards finding solutions.
In addition to the points I have mentioned, here are some other things to consider when analyzing the social problem of poverty:
- The history of poverty: Poverty has been a problem throughout human history, but its causes and manifestations have changed over time.
- The cultural context of poverty: The meaning of poverty and the ways in which it is experienced vary from culture to culture.
- The political economy of poverty: Poverty is often rooted in political and economic systems that benefit some people at the expense of others.
- The solutions to poverty: There is no single solution to poverty, but there are a number of things that can be done to address it, such as providing education and job training, increasing the minimum wage, and investing in social programs.