Week 7 SOC

Subjectivism

The philosophical approach that meaning is constructed by individuals, emphasizing personal perspectives in interpreting objects or phenomena.

Constructing meaning

The process through which we label and give significance to objects or phenomena, shaping our understanding of them.

Claims makers

Individuals or groups who assert that particular conditions are social problems, influencing public perception and discourse.

Primary claims makers

Individuals with firsthand experience of a condition who advocate for it to be recognized as a social problem.

Secondary claims makers

Individuals who advocate for a condition as a social problem without having firsthand experience of it.

Salience

The quality of being particularly noticeable or important, often used by claims makers to draw attention to a problem.

Morality in claims making

The establishment of a moral imperative to act on a social problem, often framed in terms of good vs. evil.

Social problems industry

The network of organizations, coalitions, and groups that have a vested interest in promoting certain social issues as problems.

Media's role in claims making

The influence of media on shaping public perceptions of social problems through narrative, sensationalism, and newsworthiness.

Squeegee kids phenomenon

A social issue emerging from a narrative framing young individuals cleaning car windshields as a significant crime problem.

Obedience over public safety

The tendency for individuals, especially authority figures, to prioritize adherence to rules over the safety and welfare of the public.

Claims making hierarchy

The ranking of different claims makers based on their authority and credibility in defining social problems.

Human interest stories

Narratives that focus on individual experiences or emotional aspects of an issue, often used to make a problem relatable and urgent.

Infotainment

A blend of information and entertainment, often employed by media to engage audiences while discussing social issues.

Newsworthiness

The criteria determining whether a story will be covered by the media, impacting what social issues are recognized as problems.

Social construct of problems

The process by which society collectively defines certain conditions as problems, regardless of their objective reality.

Deven Guilford case

An incident highlighting how narrative framing influenced perceptions of a police encounter, illustrating the interplay of victim and villain roles.

Citizen journalists

Individuals who report on news and social issues outside traditional media structures, often acting as claim makers.

DUI and MADD

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, a group that advocates for policies and awareness about drunk driving as a social problem.