In-Depth Notes on Social Problems: Gender and Sexual Orientation Inequality

Conflict Theory

• Definition: Conflict theory is a social philosophy emphasizing society as a battleground of competition and change.
• Core Idea: Social problems arise from unequal resource distribution.
• Struggle: Ongoing conflict between the "haves" (those with resources) and the "have nots" (those without resources) leads to societal issues.

Symbolic Interactionism

• Definition: A sociological theory focusing on how people and groups use symbols to convey meaning.
• Core Idea: Society is created through daily social interactions; these interactions can enhance social connections but also result in social problems.

Poverty

• Definition: A state of deprivation due to insufficient economic means and material possessions.
• Causes: Major factors include unemployment, poor education, and adverse social conditions.
• Consequences: Poverty increases the risk of homelessness and limits access to essential services like health care.
• Health Impact: There is a significant correlation between social problems and health outcomes, including both physical and mental health issues.

Health Issues Related to Social Problems

• Mooney et al. Argument: Social problems also represent health issues; thus, they affect personal and community health significantly.
• Preventive Medicine: The US government invests less in preventive medicine and social welfare compared to peer nations, affecting chronic disease risk.

Barriers to Education

• Current Issues: Barriers include school violence, teacher preparedness, low salaries, safety challenges, and high dropout rates.
• Educational Outcomes: Only about 33.3% of adults hold a college degree, with dropout rates remaining disturbingly high despite rising enrollments.

Gender Disparity

• Definition: Gender disparity involves unfair treatment based on gender.
• Current Trends: The 2010s saw minimal progress toward gender equality, with distinct discrimination in workplaces and limited opportunities for women.
• Violence Impact: Women are disproportionately affected by violence, notably within younger demographics.

Sexual Orientation and Equality

• Definition: Discrimination based on sexual orientation significantly affects LGBTQ+ individuals in sectors like housing and employment.
• Consequences: Members of the LGBTQ+ community face violence and hate crimes impacting their overall well-being.

Mental Health and Social Issues

• Interdependency: There is a vital relationship between mental and physical health, with one affecting the other.
• Impact of Loneliness: Loneliness can have severe health implications, likened to the risks of smoking 15 cigarettes daily.
• Social Isolation: It can lead to unhealthy behavior transitions, making it challenging to maintain health.

Rising Inequality and Health Effects

• Life Expectancy Trends: US life expectancy peaked in 2014, then began a downward trend, especially exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Inequality Effects: Premature deaths are increasingly viewed as indicators of rising inequality, impacting nearly all health aspects negatively.

Conclusion

• Overview: We explored various social problems through a sociological lens, acknowledging their effects on individuals and society at large.
• Call to Action: Addressing root causes requires understanding the complex nature of social issues, necessitating reflective thinking and decisive action.