Social Problem Overview
Problems of Poverty and Work
Structural arrangements, such as official unemployment and the stipulation of a poverty line,have the effect of limiting opportunities and justifying social inequality.
Problems of Economic and Political Inequality
Imbalances in the distribution of power can lead to a lack of political representation in government for some groups, the creation of power elites, the loss of personal freedoms and civil liberties, and abuses of authority, of which genocide is an extreme example. Imbalances in the distribution of wealth can lead to the loss of economic opportunity and social mobility, the creation of a permanent underclass, and conditions of illiteracy, unemployment, homelessness, hunger, and disease. The social problems caused by economic and political inequality are a threat to global security.
Gender Inequality
included the workplace, occupations, wages, income, housing, banking, health care, toys, school,education, employment, consumer marketplace, military, media, religious organizations, and home.
Despite a century of social change stimulated by the feminist movement, gender inequality persists, for example, in problems of sexual violence and exploitation and in issues surrounding gender orientation and homosexuality.
Aging Society and Inequalities of Age
The so-called “ graying of America” has called attention to inequalities of age and the difficulties of caring for growing numbers of elderly in American society. Age is a source of social problems because the very young and the very old may be more vulnerable than other age groups in society.Problems of the elderly, for example, can include poverty, financial insecurity, dependency,isolation, social and political inequality, victimization, and lack of access to adequate housing and health care.
Problems of Racial and Ethnic Inequality
Social contexts for prejudice and discrimination include beliefs about racial purity or superiority,ethnocentric views, stereotyping and labeling, physical and social segregation, economic competition and exploitation in a split-labor market, and institutionalized inequality. Problems of racism persist despite a civil rights movement of more than 50 years and major social change.Other issues in pluralistic societies such as the U.S. relate to the question of giving greater emphasis to diversity or to the assimilation of diverse groups.
Crime, Violence, Drugs, and the Criminal Justice System
the availability of guns, alcohol, and drugs; poverty, unemployment, and lack of economic opportunity; racism; family instability and domestic violence; school failure; and the influence of mass media.
Problems of Families and Family Violence
Some of these issues include family instability, divorce and child custody,For example, economic conditions that force both parents to work full time outside the home without affordable child care can lead to child neglect and a host of subsequent social problems.
Problems of Health, Illness, and Health Care Delivery
The bioethics of transplants, genetic screening, gene therapies, reproductive technologies, physician-assisted suicide, and euthanasia are among the many issues of health and medicine today.
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