UNIT-1 SOCIAL PROBLEMS - Utkal University

UNIT-1 SOCIAL PROBLEMS

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UNIT-1 Social Problems

Structure

1. Objectives

2. Introduciton of Social Problem, Types of Social Problems.

3. The problems of poverty

4. Nature of poverty

5. Extent of poverty in India

6. Casteism

7. Communalism

8. Regionalism

9. Minorities

10.

Minorities in India and welfare programmes

11.

Untouchability

12.

The Problem of population

13.

Social Deviance

14.

Juvenile Delinquency

15.

Prostitution

16.

Aloholism

17.

Drug Addiction

18.

Family disorganisation

19.

Crime

20.

Beggary

21.

Old age problem

22.

Destitution

23.

Summary

24.

Key words

25.

Self Assessment Questions

26.

Further Readings and references.

UNIT -1

SOCIAL PROBLEMS 1. OBJECTIVES : i. Conceptual analysis of Social Problem. ii. Findings of the pattern of social problems, causes and extents. iii. Social deviance ? Features, causes of social deviance, types of social deviance in the process of Social Anomies and Maladjustment i.e. Juvenile delinquency, prostitution alcoholism, drug addiction, crime, family disorganisation etc. iv. Diagnosis of the patterns of the extent of deviance. 2. Introduction of Social Problem : When a particular social phenomenon or condition disturbs the social order

and hinders smooth working of social institutions, that comes to be identified as a social problem. At the initial phase such conditions are neglected since they do not have any serious adverse effects on the social system. But gradually, they get accumulated and begin to affect normal social life. Then such condition is

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recognised as a social problem. Once social problem takes roots and develops beyond the bounds of tolerance, there arises resentment against it and there is a demand for remedy in the interest of social harmony. 2.1 : Definition of Social Problem :

A more precise, though broad, definition is given by E. Raab and G.J.Selznick. According to them, a social problem is "a problem in human relationship which seriously threatens society itself or impedes the important aspirations of many people." In regard to the first aspect they say, "A social problem exists when organized society's ability to order relationship among people seems to be failing; when its institutions are faltering, its laws are being flouted, the transmission of its values from one generation to the next is breaking down, the framework of expectations is being shaken". A social problem being thus defined, juvenile delinquency is to be seen "as a breakdown in society itself".

The distinguished characteristic of social problems, according to Nisbet and Merton, is that "by their close connection with moral values and social institutions they from a type by themselves. They are social in the sense that they pertain to human relationship and to the normative contexts to which all human relationships exist. They are problems in the sense that they represent interruptions in the expected or desired scheme of things; violation of the right or the proper, as a society defines these qualities; dislocation in the social patterns and relationships that a society cherishes."

On the other hand, Bardara Wootton defines more narrowly what she calls "social pathology". Social pathology, she says, includes "as those actions on the prevention of which public money is spent, or the doers of which are punished or otherwise dealt with at the public expense." This definition, as says Bottomore, puts an undue restriction on the field, for "it refers only to actions as attract the attention of the State at a particular time". Wootton's definition consequently does not take into consideration many important situations and kinds of behaviour which are generally regarded as constituting social problems (e.g. poverty, some forms of industrial conflict, etc.) Bottomore considers the definition proposed by Raab and Selznick more useful. 2.2 : NATURE OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS :

The social problem is connected to majority of the members of society. According to Bernad, the repressive and tense condition consequent of social problems may be involving three types of elements " (i) Tension factors which challange some values of society, (ii) Social values which are being challenged and (iii) intense reaction of individuals and groups to challenge.

The following characteristics exhibit the nature of social problems : i. Disintegrative :

Social problems, directly or indirectly disintegrate social system. Social problem causes dissatification, suffering and misery. It seriously affects the

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values of the society. It is always disintegrating and disorganizing. It is

pathological. It is harmful for the society.

ii. Multiple Causes :

The social problems have no single or simple cause. Each problem has a

complex history and is usually not due to one but to many causes. War,

poverty, unemployment or crimes do not offer single or simple explanation of

their occurance. Sometimes one problem is so interwoven with other

problems that it cannot be solved apart from them.

iii.

Inter-Connected :

Social problems are inter connected due to which these become serious. For

example, unemployment, proverty and crime are inter connected.

iv.

Many Remedies :

Hence the solution of the complex social problem requires various multisided

remedies.

v. Relative Concept :

Social problem is relative concept. What we call a social problem in our

society may not be a problem in other society. Similarly, a social problem

today may not be a problem tomorrow.

vi. Functional Value :

Social problem, though disintegrative, has functional value since its cure

leads to social problem and social development.

Two Viewpoints :

Social problem may be interpreted from two different viewpoints. From the

community viewpoint it may be harmful or disintegrative of the community. Hence

social problem should be tackled both on individual and community level.

2.3 : The social problem is psychic in nature, since relationships are physical. It is

pathological as it is not the normal or healthy symptom of social relationships.

The tensions in social stratification, the imbalances among social classes lead

to classism, casteism, untouchability, etc. Besides, some economic maladies,

imbalances, tensions and malpractices problems such as beggary, unemployment,

poverty, problems of industrialization and urbanization and finally, labour

problems. Then, there are problems due to group tensions. These groups may be

racial, regional, geographical or national etc. Tensions among them lead to social

problems of regionalism, linguism, communalism, racialism etc.

2.4 : Social problems in India :

The major social problems in India are : Population problems, casteism,

untouchability, regionalism, linguism and communalism, beggary, unemployment,

poverty, labour problems, rural problems, problems of industrialization and

urbanization, prostitution, crime, suicide, juvenile delinquency, youth tensions

and student unrest and finally the problems of democracy.

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3. THE PROBLEMS OF POVERTY POVERTY AS A MAJOR PROBLEM OF INDIA

Poverty is one of the most widespread socio-economic problems of India. It is, indeed, a common problem which is being faced with most of the underdeveloped and the developing countries of the world. It is not only socio-economic but even emotional, cultural and political in nature. The developments that have been taking place in this land for the past six decades have not been able to wipe out poverty. Poverty has been the root cause of many of the problems. 3.1 : Definition of Poverty :

i. Gillin and Gillin : "Poverty is that condition in which a person either because of inadequate income or unwise expenditures, does not maintain a scale of living high enough to provide for his physical and mental efficiency and to enable him and his natural dependents to function usefully according to the standards of the society of which he is a member."

ii. Adam Smith : "A person ... is rich or poor according to the degree in which he can afford to enjoy the necessaries, the conveniences and the amusements of life"... [Adam Smith in his "Wealth of Nations"].

iii. Goddard : "Poverty is insufficient supply of those things which are requisite for an individual to maintain himself and those dependent upon him in his health and vigour".

3.2 : ABOSOLUTE POVERTY AND RELATIVE POVERTY The two expressions, absolute poverty and relative poverty, are quite common in

any indepth study of poverty. What do we mean by them ? 3.2 (i) Absolute Poverty :

Right from the 19th century, some researchers are trying to fix some yardstick for measuring poverty in precise terms. Ideally speaking such a yardstick would help us establish a fixed level of poverty, known as "poverty line" below which poverty begins and above which it ends. Such a yardstick is believed to be universal in character and would be applicable to all the societies. This concept of poverty is known as "Absolute poverty"

Absolute poverty is often known as "subsistence poverty" for it is based on assessments of minimum subsistence requirements of basic "physical needs" such as food, clothing, shelter, health requirements etc. Some concepts of absolute poverty would even include the idea of "basic cultural needs". This broadens the idea of basic human needs beyond the level of physical survival. Drewnowski and Scott include education, security, leisure and recreation in their category of "basic cultural needs". Criticisms : The concept of absolute poverty has been widely criticised. It is based on the assumption that there are minimum basic needs for all people in all societies. This is a difficult argument to defend even in regard to subsistence poverty measured in terms of food, clothing and shelter. Such needs vary both between and within societies. It becomes still more difficult to defend the concept of absolute poverty when it is extended to include the idea of "basic cultural needs". Such "needs" vary from time to time and place to place and any attempt to establish absolute fixed standards is bound to fail.

3.2 (ii). : Relative Poverty The difficulties involved in the application of the concent of "absolute poverty",

made some researchers to abandon the concept altogether. In place of absolute 5

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