Defining Social Problems through Different Sociological Lenses

“Books on social problems typically state that no adequate definition of social

problems exists….” (Henley, 1986, p. 69)

Activity:

First sketch out your own definition for the term: “social problem”-

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Talk about your definition in a small group. What is similar and different about your
definitions? Rethink and revise your definition, and as a group come up with one
definition to put on the board.

Definition 1: Your group definition:

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Compare and contrast all the definitions, including each definition with your own.

Definition 2 ___________________

Social problems result from social pathology, disruption,or a social “sickness” or

social “instability” of persons, groups, or institutions, which then negatively affects
the societal organism as a whole. (Davis, n.d.)

Definition 3:_________________

[T]he source of social problems [is]…embedded in the exploitative behavior of the

dominant group, and results in inequality, racism, and sexism, etc. [I]f someone or
some group is suffering or placed in a disadvantageous position, there must be
some other group (that is more powerful) that benefits from the misery of the
disadvantaged group (Farley, 2000:77-78 cited in Long, 2007, August 17 ).
Definition 4: ________________

“Let us define social problems as conditions which affect sizable proportions of the
population, which are out of harmony with the values of a significant segment of the
population, and which people feel can be improved or eliminated. A first premise or
axiom, therefore, is that people make interpretations of, and value judgments on,
conditions that affect them. The conditions are not inherently good or bad, but
people define them as problems or not problems.” (Rose, 1957, p. 190)

Definition 5: _________________

Social problems are not the result of an intrinsic malfunction of society, but are a
result of a process of definition in which a given condition is picked out and
identified as a social problem. A social problem does not exist for a society unless it
is recognized by that society [usually by influential members] to exist.” (Blumer,
1971, p. 301) Problems may go through a process or a 5-step “life cycle.”

Definition 6______________

“Social problems are definitions constructed by members of a society, and… these

constructions are expressions of value judgments…The causes of the condition, or
variations in the condition, are entirely different from the causes of the definition or
variations in the definition.” (Spector & Kitsuse, cited in Henley, 1986, p. 72)

“[D]ifferent groups that are in contact hold different cherished values or interests
and engage in activities that defend or enhance these values, such as labeling
groups with different values from their own as social problems.” (Paraphrased from
Hastings, 1979 cited in Henley, 1986, p. 72)

Definition 7______________

Spector and Kitsuse in Constructing Social Problems (1977), “propose a definition of

social problems not as conditions, or definition of conditions, but as activities,
claims-making activities: the activities of individuals or groups making assertions of
grievances and claims with respect to some putative conditions.” (Henley, 1986, p.
75)
According to this definition, values are not to be studied as ‘causes’ of social
problems, but are simply one of the resources that members use in their efforts to
define conditions as social problems; they are part of the phenomenon to be
described and explained, along with such concepts as motives and
interests…”(Henley, 1986, p. 73)

Some conditions/claims become dominant while others go unheard and

unremedied. Discourse creates conditions as problems and “ ‘construct[s]’ the way
we think about issues.” (Davis, n.d.)

References

Davis, D. Social Problems Power Point. Retrieved May 13, 2009, from

www.daltonstate.edu/faculty/ddavis/SOCIAL%20PROBLEMS.ppt

Henley, N. (1986) Women as a Social Problem: Conceptual and practical issues in

defining social

Problems. In E. Seidman, & J. Rappaport, (Eds.). Redefining social problems

(pp. 65-79). New

York: Plenum Press.

Blumer, H. (1971). Social problems as collective behavior. Social problems, 18(3),

298-306.

Long, R. (2007, August 17). Chapter 4: Sociological Perspectives: The Order and
Conflict Model.

Retrieved May 15, 2009, from http://www.delmar.edu/socsci/rlong/race/far-

04.htm

Rose, A. M. (1957). Theory for the Study of Social Problems. Social problems, 4(3),
189-199.