Social Problems

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Sociological imagination

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The ability to see the connections between our personal lives and the social world in which we live

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Social problem

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A social condition that a segment of society views as harmful to members of society and in need of remedy

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Structural-functionalist theory on social problems

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Society is a system of interconnected parts that work together in harmony to maintain a state of balance and social equilibrium for the whole

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Conflict theory of social problems

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Views society as composed of different groups and interests competing for power and resources

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Labeling theory of social problems

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A major symbolic interactionist theory of social problems, suggests that a social condition or group is viewed as problematic if it is labeled as such

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Variable

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Any measurable event, characteristic, or property that varies or is subject to change

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Dependant variable

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The variable that a researcher wants to explain, the variable of interest

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Independent variable

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The variable that is expected to explain change in the dependent variable

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Hypothesis

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A reaction or educated guess about how one variable is related to another variable

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Anomie

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A state or normlessness in which norms and values are weak or unclear

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Drugs

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Any substance other than food that alters the structure or functioning of a living organism when it enters the bloodstream

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Drug abuse

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The violation of social standards of acceptable drug use, resulting in adverse physiological, psychology, and/or social consequences

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Structural-functionalist theory of drugs and alcohol

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Argue that drug use is a response to weakening societal norms. As society becomes more complex and as rapid social changes occurs, norms and values become unclear and ambiguous, resulting in an anomie

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Conflict theory of drugs and alcohol

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Emphasizes the importance of power differentials in influencing drug use behavior and societal values concerning drug use. Drug use occurs as a response to the inequality perpetuated by a capitalist system

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Symbolic theorist view on drugs and alcohol

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Emphasizes the importance of definitions and labeling and also concentrates on the social meanings associated with drug use. If the initial drug use experience is defined as pleasurable, it is likely to recur, and the individual may earn the label of "drug user" over time

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Crack drug abuse

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One of the most dangerous drugs to surface. Very addictive. An addiction to crack can take 6 to 10 weeks.

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Crime

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An act, or the omission of an act, that is a violation of a federal, state, or local criminal law for which the state can apply sanctions

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Theft

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Accounts for more than 2 thirds of all property arrests and is the most common index offense. Vehicle theft is one of the most highly reported index crimes

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Assault

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Attacking a person with the intent to cause serious bodily injury. Occurs most between members of the same race and more likely to occur in warm weather

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Rape

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Usually from same racial group. Has 3 elements: sexual penetration, force or threat of force, and nonconsent.. Occurs more in warm months

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Homicide

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Willful or nonnegligent killing of one human being by another individual or group of individuals. Most serious crime but less common. Usually male killing male, young and minority

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Gun control

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For: 50% think it's more important to control gun ownership than protecting the rights of gun owners
Against: citizens have a constitutional right to own a gun

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Brady bill

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Initially required a 5 day waiting period on handgun purchases so sellers can screen buyers. Amended in 1998, it includes an instant check of buyers and their suitability for gun ownership. Today, it requires background checks of all guns

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Structural-functionalist theory of crime and control

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Crime is functional for society. It strengthens group cohesion. Crime can lead to social change.

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Conflict theory of crime and control

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Suggest that deviance is inevitable whenever 2 groups have differing degrees of power. Also, the more inequality, the greater the crime rate. Those in power define what is criminal and what is not and these definitions reflect the interests of the ruling class.

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Strain theory

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Uses Durkheims concept of anomie. Argued that, when the structure of society limits legitimate means of acquiring culturally defined goals, the resulting strain may lead to crime

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Deterrence

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The use of harm or threat of harm to prevent unwanted behaviors.

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Criminal justice system

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Assumed that people rationally choose to commit crime, weighing the rewards and consequences of their actions. "get-tough" measures hold that maximizing punishment will increase deterrence and cause crime rate to go down.

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Control theory of crime and control

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Polyandry

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The concurrent marriage of one woman to 2 or more men

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Polygyny

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A form of marriage in which one husband has more than one wife

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Polygamy

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A form of marriage in which one person may have 2 or more spouses.

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Monogamy

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Marriage between 2 partners; the only legal form of marriage in the US

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Structural-functionalist theory of family

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Views the family as a social institution that performs important functions for society, including producing and socializing new members. When the family does not perform these functions adequately, social problems such as crime, I'll health, and drug abuse may occur. Divorce is called a breakdown of the family institution. Also, traditional gender roles contribute to family functioning.

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Conflict theory of family

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Focuses on how capitalism, social class, and power influence marriages and families. They emphasize that powerful and wealthy segments of society largely shape social programs and policies that affect families

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Feminist theory of family

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Concerned with how gender inequalities influence and are influenced by marriages and families.

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Symbolic interactionist theory of family

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Concerned with how labels affect meaning and behavior. They also point to the effects of interaction on one's self-concept, especially the self-concept of children

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Second shift

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The household work and child care that employed parents (usually women) do when they return home from their jobs

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Elder abuse

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The physical or psychological abuse, financial exploitation, or medical abuse or neglect of the elderly

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Child abuse

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The physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child younger than age 18 by a person who is responsible for the child's welfare

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Patriarchy

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A male-dominated family system that is reflected in the tradition of wives taking their husbands name and children taking their fathers name