Exam 2 Social Problems

What role does media play in defining social issues as social problems?

Media helps in shaping perceptions and framing issues as social problems.

What type of questions do sociologists ask regarding media influence?

Sociologists inquire about how media impacts the understanding and representation of social problems.

What are the two dimensions of social problems in the context of media?

Objective and subjective dimensions.

Who are moral entrepreneurs?

Individuals or groups who influence public perceptions of social problems through media and advocacy.

What does claims making entail?

The process by which individuals or groups generate support for social problems through media.

How does media influence perceptions of crime?

Media shapes and distorts public understanding of crime trends and statistics.

What is the difference between media reports of crime and actual trends?

Media reports often exaggerate or sensationalize crime compared to actual crime statistics.

What three journalistic practices influence reports of crime waves?

Sensationalism, focusing on high-profile cases, and selective reporting.

What are media frames?

Media frames are specific ways of presenting information that shape how audiences understand issues.

How do sponsor activities influence media?

Sponsorship can influence content and priorities in media reporting.

What are culturally resonant themes?

Themes that align with societal values and knowledge to engage audiences.

How does entertainment media influence social problems?

It shapes public perceptions and attitudes toward social issues through storytelling.

What is a moral panic?

A widespread fear or concern that emerges about a social problem, often exaggerated by media.

To whom are media more likely to focus attention when reporting crime?

Media often focus on marginalized groups or minority communities.

What kinds of media activism occur around social problems?

Efforts to raise awareness, advocate for change, and challenge media portrayals.

What are the nine media phobias?

Concerns relating to societal fears about media influence and its effects.

Were the media phobias warranted?

This is often debated, depending on empirical evidence and scholarly perspectives.

What were the Payne Fund Studies?

Research that examined the effects of movies on youth behavior and values.

What did Blumer find about movies and delinquency?

Blumer concluded that there is a significant relationship between exposure to movies and delinquent behavior.

Who was Fredric Wertham, and what was his influence?

A psychiatrist whose book criticized comic books and influenced public opinion on their dangers.

What is the relationship between violent television and aggression according to studies?

Many studies show a correlation between violent television content and increased aggression in viewers.

What other effects does violent television have according to research?

Research indicates it can lead to desensitization and distorted perceptions of reality.

What is mean world syndrome?

A phenomenon where heavy exposure to media violence leads people to perceive the world as dangerous.

How do media influence youth smoking?

Media often glamorizes smoking, making it more appealing to youth.

How do media influence obesity?

Media often promotes unhealthy food choices and sedentary lifestyles, contributing to obesity.

How do media influence eating disorders?

Media sets unrealistic body standards that can lead to the development of eating disorders.

What is the cult of thinness?

A cultural obsession with extreme thinness as the ideal body shape.

How do emerging social problems relate to new media technologies?

New media technologies can amplify and reshape discussions around emerging social issues.

How do Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism understand media in society?

Each perspective offers a different view: Functionalism sees media as a social stabilizer, Conflict Theory as a tool for power dynamics, and Symbolic Interactionism focuses on individual interpretation of media.

What contemporary theories exist about media in relation to social problems?

Contemporary theories explore various perspectives on media's influence, including critical media theories and social construction theories.

What is the main purpose of photosynthesis?

To convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

What are the two main stages of photosynthesis?

Light-dependent reactions and Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions).

During which part of photosynthesis is oxygen produced?

In the light-dependent reactions.

What is the primary pigment involved in photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll.

What are the reactants of photosynthesis?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

What is the main product of photosynthesis?

Glucose (C6H12O6).

What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?

6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2.

Where does the Calvin cycle occur?

In the stroma of chloroplasts.

What role do NADP+ and ATP play in photosynthesis?

They act as energy carriers.

What is the importance of the light-dependent reactions?

They capture energy from sunlight and produce ATP and NADPH.

What is the role of ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) in photosynthesis?

It acts as the carbon dioxide acceptor in the Calvin cycle.

How does carbon fixation occur in the Calvin cycle?

Through the reaction of CO2 with RuBP, catalyzed by the enzyme Rubisco.

What is photolysis in the context of photosynthesis?

The splitting of water molecules to release oxygen.

Which organisms are primarily responsible for photosynthesis on Earth?

Plants, algae, and some bacteria.

What environmental factors can affect the rate of photosynthesis?

Light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature.

What is the significance of photosynthesis to life on Earth?

It produces oxygen and organic compounds, forming the basis of the food chain.

Media's role in social problems

Media plays a crucial role in defining and framing social issues as problems.

Questions sociologists ask about media influence

Sociologists analyze how media shapes perceptions and attitudes towards social problems.

Objective dimensions of social problems

The measurable, factual aspects of social issues.

Subjective dimensions of social problems

The perceptions and interpretations of social issues by individuals and groups.

Moral entrepreneurs

Individuals or groups that seek to influence social norms and values, often through media.

Claims making

The process by which individuals or groups assert that a social issue is a problem.

Perceptions of crime

Media influences the public's perceptions and understanding of crime.

Media reports vs. actual crime trends

Media representations of crime may not accurately reflect true crime rates.

Journalistic practices influencing crime reports

Three practices include sensationalism, framing, and selective coverage.

Media frames

The perspective or angle through which news is presented, influencing interpretation.

Sponsor activities in media

The influence of advertisers and sponsors on media content.

Culturally resonant themes

Themes that align with existing cultural understandings, shaping news reporting.

Entertainment media and social problems

Entertainment media can shape perceptions and attitudes towards social issues.

Moral panic

A widespread feeling of fear or concern that a particular social problem is threatening societal norms.

Media focus in crime reports

Media is more likely to focus on certain demographics, particularly victims and threats.

Media activism

Efforts by individuals or groups to influence media coverage of social problems.

Media phobias

Nine common fears related to media content; whether they are warranted is debated.

Payne Fund Studies

A series of studies on the effects of film on children's behavior and attitudes.

Blumer's findings on movies and delinquency

Blumer suggested a connection between movie watching and juvenile delinquency.

Fredric Wertham

A psychologist whose book critiqued comic books and influenced public policy.

Violent television and aggression

Research indicates a correlation between violent TV content and aggressive behavior.

Effects of violent television

Violent television can also impact desensitization and fear of victimization.

Mean world syndrome

The belief that the world is more dangerous than it actually is, influenced by media.

Media influence on youth smoking

Media portrayals can glamorize smoking, leading to higher rates among youth.

Media influence on obesity

Advertisements and portrayals in media can contribute to obesity trends.

Media influence on eating disorders

Media representations can exacerbate body image issues and eating disorders.

Cult of thinness

A societal obsession with thinness as an ideal body type, often promoted by media.

Social problems and new media technologies

Emerging social problems are often connected to the influences of new media technologies.

Functionalism and media

Sees media as a tool for social stability and integration.

Conflict Theory and media

Views media as a means for reinforcing power imbalances and social inequality.

Symbolic Interactionism and media

Focuses on the meanings individuals attach to media messages.

Contemporary media theories

Explore the evolving role of media and its impact on society and social issues.

What is the process of aging described as?

A complex process resulting in various outcomes.

How is age more than just a chronological number?

It encompasses social, economic, and personal factors.

How is aging discussed as a socially constructed problem?

It reflects societal norms and values influencing perceptions of aging.

What significant changes occurred in societal norms for the elderly in the late 18th and early 19th centuries?

Shift from familial care to institutional care for the elderly.

What are welfare state policies?

Government programs designed to support citizens' well-being.

Can you name some examples of welfare state policies?

Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid.

What is the 'political vortex' regarding social policy affecting the elderly?

A complex interaction of interests influencing policies for the elderly.

What is ageism?

Discrimination against individuals based on their age.

How do media stereotypes contribute to ageism?

They often perpetuate negative views and misconceptions about the elderly.

How does ageism portray aging as a socially constructed problem?

It reinforces stereotypes that create societal misconceptions about elderly individuals.

What are some inaccurate myths about the elderly?

Elderly are not capable, unproductive, or always in poor health.

What is fertility rate?

The average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime.

What is life expectancy?

The average period a person is expected to live.

What is sex ratio?

The ratio of males to females in a population.

What is child dependency ratio?

The ratio of dependents (children) to the working-age population.

What is old-age dependency?

The ratio of elderly dependents to the working-age population.

What is total dependency ratio?

The ratio of all dependents (children and elderly) to the working-age population.

What are some consequences of declining fertility rates?

A smaller younger population and increased pressure on social support systems.

How do demographic changes within families affect adult children?

Increased caregiving responsibilities and financial pressures.

How do economics factor into aging being defined as a social problem?

Aging increases healthcare costs and affects social support funding.

What is the poverty rate?

The percentage of the population living below the poverty line.

How is likelihood of poverty related to aging?

Older individuals often face higher poverty rates due to fixed incomes.