Sociology 2140 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Bourgeoisie, Symbolic Interactionism, The Sociological Imagination
Document Summary
Although social problems take many forms, all share two important elements: objective social condition: awareness of social conditions through one" own life experience and through reports in the media. Homelessness, financial crises, and joblessness: subjective interpretation: the belief that a particular social condition is harmful to society, or to a segment of society and that it should and can be changed. Crime, drug addiction, poverty, racism, violence, and pollution. These social conditions are not considered social problems until a segment of society believes that these conditions diminish the quality of human life. Social problem: a social condition that a segment of society views as harmful to members of society and in need of remedy. Both sides are distinct however they are inseparable from each other. The structure of society refers to the organization of society into different parts: institutions, social groups, statuses, and roles.