Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Social Problems is simple for students to understand; however, it is also a thorough introduction to social problems and to studying inequality. It includes great examples of social problems that students can relate to and provides both an interesting and informative read to anyone picking up the book."--Leslie-Dawn Quick, Old Dominion University "Instead of giving students the standard survey of various theories, Social Problems allows them to attain a firm grasp of critical constructionism and its application toward studying the social world."--Sean Currie, University of South Florida "From the opening words, I found the book to be exciting, vibrant, and engaging. As I was reading, I found that I could not put the book down. I have NEVER had that experience with any other textbook. I have previously used 'standard' social problems texts for the course, and would characterize Heiner's book as different from (and superior to) those so-called standard texts. He has managed to skillfully and successfully integrate a variety of material into the current configuration of chapters. I will absolutely adopt this new edition."--Kathy Zawicki, St. Bonaventure University
Table of ContentsPreface 1. An Introduction to the Sociology of Social Problems The Sociological Perspective Critical Constructionism Nonsociological Philosophies The Cross-Cultural and Global Perspectives Corporate America The Media The Homogenization of Culture Summary The Plan of this Book 2. Inequality and Capitalism An Introduction to Critical Economics The Gap between the Rich and the Rest Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Social Mobility Cross-Cultural Perspectives - The United States versus Other Industralized Countries Poverty Global Inequalities Application: The Gross Domestic Product Summary 3. Inequality of Life Chances in the United States Inequality and Race Inequality and Gender Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Addressing Gender Discrimination Inequality and Education Inequality and Health Care Application: Immigration Summary 4. Problems of the Family The Family in Historical Perspective The Current State of the Family Children: Our Most Precious Resource? Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Child Care Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Family Friendly Policies Capitalism versus the Family Same-Sex Marriage Application: Children Having Children Summary 5. Crime and Deviance Universality and Relativity The Cultural Production of Knowledge about Crime Crime Scares Street Crime The American Punishment Frenzy The War on Drugs Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Responding to the Drug Problem The Medicalization of Deviance Street Violence vs. Corporate Violence Application: Terrorism Summary 6. Problems of the Environment Technology and the Environment Scientific Uncertainty Corporate Suasion Consumerism Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Responding to Traffic Congestion Inequality and the Environment Application: "Overpopulation" Summary 7 Conclusions Glossary Notes Index
