Table of Contents
Introduction
Social problems are conditions that damage society. To understand problems affecting individuals, sociologists advocate for looking at the problems from an outsider perspective rather than from the inside. According to Barkan, many problems appear personal, yet they are influenced by social factors (2). Therefore, it is important for individuals to investigate the external factors that lead to internal struggles. Social change is essential to reduce social inequalities, and in the creation of a society that is based on the principles of equality.
Objective and Subjective Social Problems
The initial task of defining social problems makes it a difficult topic. The subjective elements are often unacceptable to people and are, therefore, considered problems. A problem is reflected as objective if a large segment of the public perceives it as undesirable and presents evidence that it affects people considerably (Barretti 135). People who understand the subjective component of a social problem hold the belief that a particular behavior or social condition is harmful. As for the objective elements, people acknowledge that the problem exists even when it has not affected them. A resolution of the imbalance between objective and subjective perceptions of a social problem is essential for correct analysis and problem-solving.
Stages of a Social Problem
Apart from tackling the difficulties in the definition, it is important to understand that social problems occur in 4 stages. In the first stage, different groups agree that a particular problem exists in society. Once different groups acknowledge that a social problem exists, they regroup to create joint efforts for the recognition of the problem by the government. In the third phase, the claims re-emerge as people realize that government action is limited. Therefore, they make new demands with the support of big organizations. At the final stage, people recognize that despite all the efforts, the government will not make suitable changes (Barkan 4). They finally understand that the social problem requires their input. The 4 stages are applicable in situations where sociologists want to understand the course of an emerging collective action.
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A close observation of the daily lives of members of the society reveals how challenges affect individuals. The sociological imagination distinguishes the challenges into personal struggles and public troubles. Personal troubles affect individual biography. Therefore, society members are biased against the moral and personal failure of that individual (Marvasti 120). Public issues are perceived as problems that affect a larger group. Thus, the power of exact imagination enables them to understand the problem and how to situate themselves within it.
Theoretical Perspectives
The application of different theoretical perspectives guides people to understand social problems such as poverty. A functionalist believes that poverty can be solved when all systems work together to maintain a balance. The existence of poverty can also be understood using the concept of conflict theory. Conflict theory states that a few powerful people use their status to exploit people who have less money and power. Their solution to this problem also involves changing societal structures. The symbolic interactionism understands poverty as a social process (Barkan 18). It means that how one interacts with people around him affects their thoughts and lives. Understanding the theories that analyze poverty enables leaders of community development programs to embrace strategies that eliminate poverty.
Conclusion
As the years pass, the world faces different social problems. Most of these issues become relevant when they receive the attention of society. Thanks to this focus, many societal problems have received public and government awareness and some of have been solved, which indicates that the solution to different social problems lies on the efforts of the affected people.
