SOC Lecture 2 - Social Problems

Social Problems

an argument that the condition is harmful and something should be done about it

Social Conditions

a situation, pattern, or practice in society that people may talk about as a problem (Best)

Social Constructionism

asserts that reality, knowledge, and social phenomena do not exist independently in nature, but are created, maintained, and given meaning through human interaction, shared language, and cultural consensus.

Claims

Every social problems process always begins with a claim

Claimsmaking

the activity of arguing that a condition is harmful, unjust, or urgent and that something should be done about it.

Claimsmakers

the people who made those claims (Best)

Grounds

The grounds for claims identify the nature of the problem; reflect social context from which they emerge

Warrants

explain why that condition should be considered a problem; invoke values and emotions

Conclusions

suggest a course of action

Typifying Examples

vivid, emotionally powerful cases that make an issue recognizable

Social Problems Marketplace

claimsmaking occurs in a social problems marketplace, wherein many claims compete for public attention

Domain Expansion

broadening what counts as part of an established problem

Counterclaims

arguments that deny, minimize, redefine, or oppose a claim

Social Problems Work

Involving day-to-day application of social problems constructions

Social Construction of Reality 

examine how phenomena were socially constructed, that is to explore the processes by which people assigned meaning to their worlds