A social problem is an issue or behavior with an undesirable or adverse impact on many people and is acknowledged as a thing that should be addressed (Gatillon Galliton Chapter 1 p.7). In sociology, social problems be explained and solved based on three main perspectives including functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interaction theory. From a functionalist point of view, a social problem can incapacitate the stability of the society although they do not reveal important errors in a society’s structure. Although social problems have negative impacts, they also play essential roles in the society by ensuring that there are poor people to provide labor (Galliton Chapter 2 p. 26). Solving social problems from a functionalism perspective involves implementing gradual social changes instead of sudden and comprehensive reforms. A conflict theory perspective sees social problems as an outcome of fundamental errors in a society’s structure. Social problems show and strengthen inequalities founded on social classes, race, and gender, among others.
According to the conflict theory, solution to these problems entails extensive reforms in the society’s structure. They are caused by capitalism (Galliton Chapter 2 p.29). Interactionism proposes that social problems are caused by interactions between people. In most cases, individuals involved with problematic behaviors learn them from others. Also, they learn how they perceive different social problems from the individuals they interact with. Conflict theory makes more sense because it is applicable to the current societal social problems. The dominant continue to gain more power while those in lower social classes continue to dive deeper into poverty. Besides, inequalities affect people based on their social classes, race, and gender. The only solution is major reforms in the structure of the society.
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The term sociological imagination was developed by C. Wright Mills. It refers to an individual’s ability to view things socially as well as how they relate and control each other (Gatillon Galliton Chapter 1 p.2). Through sociological imagination, a person understands the connection between biography and history. It helps people understand their lives by looking at history because a person cannot understand his/her present life or history without understanding the two. It helps people connect their personal problems with the wider social problems.
Works Cited
Professor Gatillon. "Chapter 1: Understanding Social Problems." 2021, Lecture.
Professor Gatillon. "Chapter 2: Poverty and Wealth." 2021, Lecture.
