Global & Comparative Social Problems



Intro to Social Problems

Sociology

Study Human Social behavior -- Society – Nation -- Institutions, Organizations, & Groups [Note: My definition of Institutions and Organizations is different than Dolgon and Bakers’, Ch. 1.]

Social Problems (My definition & differences with Dolgon and Baker “Introduction” re: necessity for widespread agreement something is problem,)

Role of Values and Norms (Dolgon and Baker Ch. 1)

Importance of Social Structure (i.e., instns, orgzns., & groups) not just the Individual (Dolgon and Baker Ch. 1;)

Origins of Sociology, had Social Problems Orientation-- early sociologists interest in studying society in order to improve it, to address and help resolve social problems. Sociology often takes sides in this. [E.G., see Jane Addams & Hull House, WEB Dubois and NAACP, and many others…] (Dolgon and Baker “Introduction”)

Social Problems Socially Constructed & “Socially Defined” … “Contest for meaning”…

(Dolgon and Baker “Introduction,” + my lecture)

Role of Vaules & Norms as important to how people see something as Soc. Prob., or not (D&B, Ch. 1)

Role of Role of Power & Vested Interests in defining / framing of something as social problem or not… Examples (such as Football head injuries, & a few others)

The importance of Social Movements in Social Problems (& solving them) (Dolgon and Baker “Introduction”)

3 Approaches to Solutions for Social Problems (Top-Down, Bottom-Up, Negotiation)

Sociological Imagination (Mills Web Reading)

Personal Troubles vs. Public Issues

Examples of…(Person lack Health insurance VS. 16% of US pop lack H Ins., etc.)

“Perspective Taking” (empathy), as tool for increasing understanding & research

E.g., Rios text strives to have readers do this…

Research Methods / how do we get Info. in Sociology

3 Main Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology – (Dolgon and Baker Ch.1 & some my stuff) --Define each briefly, how they see the world, and know where each sees Cause for Social Problems

1. Conflict Theory—Basic ideas & View of Social Probs. … Example: Case Study of Students Against Sweatshops (in D&B ch.1)

2. Functionalism-- Basic ideas & View of Social Probs. … Ex: Case Study of Policy Research Action Group (in D&B ch.1)

3 Symbolic Interactionism (S-I) -- Basic ideas& View of Social Probs. … Ex: Case Study of Class observation & writing assignment at Food Pantry/ Meals for Poor program.

Human Agency relationship to Social Structure (Dolgon and Baker Ch.1) – key part of social problems concepts and theories above, esp. conflict theory.

Bureaucracy -- Powerful Organizations (They play key part in many Soc. Probs.)

Group Discussion exercise—List examples of Social Problems in Rios text/ autobiography, chs. 1-9. Analyze it using 3 main sociological theories (what does each theory say is cause of social problems and how does that fit or not in example from Rios text?)

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