Learning Activities
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
About the Contributors
Part I: Inequalities As Social Problems
Kathleen Odell Korgen
Chapter 1: Understanding and Solving Social Problems
What Is a Social Problem?
Sociology And the Study of Social Problems
Why Are Some, But Not Other, Social Conditions Considered Social Problems?
How Can Professional Sociologists—And You—Help Solve Social Problems?
How To Conduct Social Scientific Research
Dawn R. Norris
Chapter 2: Analyzing Economic Inequalities
Economic Inequality and Social Problems
Explaining Economic Inequality
Wealth and Income Gaps: How Much Inequality Exists?
Social Problems That Cause Economic Inequality
Social Problems Caused by Economic Inequality
Solving The Social Problem of Economic Inequality: Policies, Movements, And Action
Meghan Burke
Chapter 3: Recognizing Racism and Racial Inequalities
Why Does Racial Inequality Exist?
Why Do Racial Inequality and Racism Persist?
What Social Problems Relate to Racism and Racial Inequalities?
How Can We Challenge and Address Racism and Racial Inequality?
Kris Macomber
Chapter 4: Examining Gender Inequalities
How Does the Social Constructionist Perspective Help Us Understand Gender Inequality?
The Roots of Contemporary Gender Inequality: Identifying Patriarchal Culture
Contemporary Gender Inequality in the Workplace
Men’s Violence Against Women
How Do Today’s Gender Expectations Impact Boys and Men?
Other Gendered Social Problems
Gender-Based Movements and Social Change
Jason Crockett
Chapter 5: Focusing on Sex and Sexualities
Social Responses to Sex and Sexualities
Enforcing Sexual Norms at The Micro Level
Why Attitudes Toward Sex and Sexualities Change
Part II: Global Population Problems
Deborah Lowry
Chapter 6: Preparing for Aging Societies
What Is Population Aging?
What Social Problems Accompany Aging Societies?
What Are Governments Doing to Prepare for Aging Populations?
What Can Local Communities Do to Improve Conditions of Aging?
Daniel Herda
Chapter 7: Making Sense of Migration and Immigration
The Social Construction of Immigrants as a Problem
Social Problems Causing Migration
Social Problems Affecting Immigrants
Social Problems Caused by Immigration
Lillian MacNell
Chapter 8: Researching Environmental Problems
The Link Between Environmental and Social Problems
The Environmental Costs of Powering Our Lives
Recognizing And Curbing Climate Change
Confronting Environmental Injustice
Chapter 9: Contesting Crime
The Social Construction of Crime
Mistakes In Claim Construction
Class, Race, Gender, and Critical Criminology
Social Problems That Cause Crime
Amy Sodaro
Chapter 10: Understanding War and Terrorism
Understanding War as a Social Problem
Seeing War as a Social Problem
Understanding Terrorism as a Social Problem
Consequences of Terrorism
Confronting War and Terrorism
Part III: Institutional Problems
Rena C. Zito
Chapter 11: Identifying Problems in the Criminal Justice System
The U.S. Criminal Justice System
Rena C. Zito
Chapter 12: Discovering Problems in the Family
Social Construction Of Families As Problems
Family Problems As Social Problems
Social Problems Affecting Families
Erinn Brooks
Chapter 13: Pursuing Equity in Education
Social Problems in Education and Schools
Reforms That Can Improve Education Systems
Gregory T. Kordsmeier
Chapter 14: Prioritizing Health and Health Care Inequalities
Understanding Health And Health-Related Social Problems
How Social Problems Affect Health
Social Problems And Inequalities In The Health Care System
Facing Health Challenges Collectively
Kathleen Odell Korgen and Maxine P. Atkinson
Chapter 15: Realizing the Power—and Vulnerability—of Institutions
Why Does A Society Need Social Institutions?
Why Do Institutions Fail?
The Rise of Authoritarian Governments
Declining Confidence In Institutions In The United States
How Can Social Problems Weaken Institutions?
How Can We Save Our Social Institutions?
Appendix: Addressing Social Problems Through Service-Learning
Glossary
References
Index