Understanding Social Problems

Art made by Francesca Scatena of many people holding signs of contributing issues in social problems.

1. In the first chapter of Social Problems: Continuity and Change by Minnesota Library Publishing, it briefly describes different parts of social problems.  To begin with, social problems can be defined as: "any condition or behavior that has negative consequences for large numbers of people and that is generally recognized as a condition or behavior that needs to be addressed." We learn that there are two aspects of social problems- objective component and subjective component. In objective component, it is a negative thing that affects a large amount of people but still can be debated on its severity. On the other hand, subjective component is a negative issue that would have to be addressed in order for it to be considered a social problem.

The stages in emergence of social problems: emergence and claim making, legitimacy, renewed claim making, and lastly development of alternative strategies. We are introduced to Wright Mills, who created the term: sociological imagination. Sociological  imagination is "the ability to appreciate the structural basis for  individual problems." There are three theoretical perspectives on social problems: functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interaction theory.

Lastly, the chapter details the various methods of research and collecting data on social problems. There is the survey method, which is commonly used by sociologists. Typically, it is random and can be used as a generalization for a population. Large surveys can be time consuming and detailed. Psychologists use experiments. Experiments are not done with a random sample of individuals, thus not using the data to generalize a population.

2. Between the three theoretical perspectives on social problems, I would choose functionalism first. Functionalism in short says that society depends on each other and contributing factors in order to maintain a stable society.  The changes in functionalism is gradual, where a rapid change could be disruptive. I personally agree with the idea of society depending on each other and the importance of gradual changes. Conflict theory views society filled with inequality which causes conflict and competition over little resources. Symbolic interaction theory is how people create symbols from their interactions with one another.

3. https://news.gallup.com/poll/1576/Abortion.aspx

Throughout the years, the acceptance of abortion or "pro-choice" individuals, have steadily increased. There are three main categories of people who know what they want: legal in all instances, legal in certain circumstances, and illegal in all instances. As of may 2025, people who believe that abortion should be legal in all instances gradually increased to a percentage of 30%. Individuals who believe that abortion should be legal in certain circumstances also gradually increased remains at a percentage of 55%. Those who chose illegal in all instances are at a percentage of 13%. Abortion would be a great example of subjective component of social problems. This conflict of ideologies is between an individual's choice over their body versus the life of the baby. 

4. https://www.agapewomenscenter.org/our-mission
 

Agape Women's Center is a Christian non-for-profit organization that aims to serve and provide women in need. Such resources offered are ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, mental health services, learning life skills, and many other resources. Agape Women's Center is located in 300 Magnolia Avenue Merritt Island, FL 32952. You can contact them by their office phone number: (321) 454-9853 or schedule an appointment online.