Part A
Social problems refer to general issues that negatively affect society. It is a term often used to explain issues affecting a particular group of people or certain region in the world. Also, they often affect the real world and how people react to such issues. There are two main types of social problems: micro and macro. Micro social problems often affect an individual and other people in the society, but most people often blame the individual because of their personal and moral failings. However, some micro issues are beyond the individual's impact is caused by other individuals. Some micro issues include sexual assault, addictions, tenant issues, and mental illness. On the other hand, macro social problems are social issues that affect many people or individuals such as terrorism, racism, global warming, poverty, sexism, and crime. Some of the causes of social problems include lack of moral and behavioral guidance to young people, unemployment, caste discrimination, poverty, lack of education, gender discrimination, lack of education, rapid population growth, superstitious beliefs, and urbanization.
The sociological perspective is essential when studying social problems. Sociology is the study of social issues affecting the society and focuses on the functioning, development, and structure of the human society. On the other hand, the sociological perspective explains the connection between human behavior and the society. Also, sociologists evaluate social issues according to different perspectives and levels. The interpretations range from sweeping generalizations to concrete interpretations of social behavior and the society. The perspectives analyze issues from the micro level or specific social patterns to the bigger picture or macro level. Sociologists mainly use three primary perspectives: conflict perspective, functionalist perspective, and symbolic internationalists’ perspective. The three perspectives are critical when evaluating social problems and how the society affects people and vice versa. The perspectives have a unique conceptualization of human behavior, society, and social forces.
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Part B
There are five main stages in the lifecycle of a social problem.
Defining the Problem
The earliest stage is when a group of people determines that a behavior or situation has a negative impact on their society, beliefs, or ideas (Line, 2003). The group of people identifies particular issues that may pose immediate or future threats to the society.
Public Awareness
The next stage of the lifecycle is turning the group of people’s knowledge about the social problem into public knowledge. The group of people can use the media to explain the social problem while mentioning how the issue can be solved (Line, 2003). The media plays a critical role in publicizing social issues because of their ability to access a large audience. People opposed to various solutions may also use the media to oppose the proposed solutions.
Debate Cause
When a social problem is publicized, it is highly likely to spark a public debate. It is the most essential stages of a social problem’s life cycle because it affects what and how solutions will be considered. During the public debate, it is highly likely that there will be different causal interpretations. One of the key issues is systematic attribution. However, systematic attribution may cause serious challenges to the individual or group of people because they have to explain or prove how the issue is a problem in the society (Line, 2003). On the other hand, personal attribution is mainly used by public officials and dominant groups. Some public officials and dominant groups use personal attributions because it is easier to blame the group or person that publicized the social problem instead of solving the issue.
Bargaining
During bargaining, all sides critically analyze the solutions. All parties attempt to negotiate the terms and conditions of the process while proposing solutions that would best address the social problem (Line, 2003). Different recommendations or solutions compete for attention. During the process, some individuals or groups build alliances with other influential groups or individuals so that they can gain a wider appeal during a public debate.
Solution
After evaluating the proposals, the society or decision makers adopt a formal response or approach to the social problem. It may involve adopting a plan for action or policy focus where legislators create a favorable environment for a particular approach (Line, 2003). Also, it may involve adoptions of rules and regulation or executive order. Individual and collective power plays a critical role in influencing solutions.
Part C
Functionalist Perspective
According to functionalism, the society comprises a system of interconnected parts that often work together to create social equilibrium and a state of balance. Each social institution contributes to essential functions in the society. It has a macro level of analysis.
Conflict Perspective
On the contrary, the conflict perspective views the society as a system made up of different interests and groups competing for resources and power. It analyzes the society at the macro level. For instance, it is believed that the wealthy elite takes advantage of the poor in the society.
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
It states that individual behave according to their interpretations of particular aspects in the world. People often attach meaning to particular symbols and then behave according to their individual or subjective interpretation of the symbol (Mooney, Knox, & Schacht, 2007). It evaluates the society at a micro level.
Part D
Conservatives, liberals, and radicals have different perspectives regarding social problems. Conservatives believe that change is not desirable, traditional families are best, and that people are selfish and need to be controlled. Also, it focuses on personal attribution. On the other hand, liberals affirm that moderate change is good, diverse families are necessary and require government support, and that the society requires regulation to achieve fairness (Presentation, 2018). Also, it focuses on systemic attribution and then personal attribution. Moreover, radicals insist that change is necessary and that people are good but corrupted by various social institutions. Additionally, radicals believe that traditional families are oppressive and that society is unfair because those with resources and power abuse those without resources and power.
References
Line, L. (2003). The lifecycle of a social issue. Retrieved from https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/reports/2003/08/01/considering-the-context-lifecycle-of-a-social-issue
Presentation. (2018). SOC113. What is a social problem?
