Why study social problems?

Social inequality almost seems like a “natural” consequence of the way people and societies organize themselves. However, it varies greatly from place to place and time to time. People create and constantly redefine norms, values, cultural expectations, racial characteristics, gender roles, deviant behaviors, stereotypes for different reasons. Those reasons represent the start of our inquiries about social problems, and of our understanding as to why certain social conditions are deemed to become social problems. However, sociologists and others disagree on the reasons why certain groups are more impacted than others.  Most sociologists would agree that biological explanations are inadequate if not fallacious. Therefore, should we focus more on the individual, (his/her role in society and his/her responsibilities towards the rest of society), his/her agency or on the structure of society (its structured political, economic and social organizations) to explain issues of class inequality (i.e. poverty and extreme wealth), racism, sexism, homophobia and so on? Who benefits from the current arrangements and from those social problems? How do we go about solving them?

The study of social problems concerns all of us. We need to develop a global sociological imagination to better understand our place in society and in the global political economy. We will then be better equipped to engage in praxis. Action speaks louder than words but words lead people to act. A deep analysis of our society, a critical examination of our place, roles, responsibilities and privileges in that society will help us imagine a better future for all human beings around the world and will force us to push for the eradication of classism, racism, sexism, homophobia and etc...

Reports:

1. • The Return to Separate and Unequal: Metropolitan Milwaukee School Funding through a Racial Lens by Rethinking Schools (2001)
   

2. • A Dream Denied: The Criminalization of Homelessness in U.S. Cities by The National Coalition for the Homeless and The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (January 2006)
   

3. • Can Separate be Equal? The Overlooked Flaw of the No Child Left Behind  by The Century Foundation (2004)
   

4. • Stop the Dumping! How EU Agricultural Subsidies are Damaging Livelihoods in the Developing World  by OXFAM (2005)
   

5. • Fairness in the Fields: a Vision for the 2007 Farm Bill  by OXFAM (2007)
   

6. • Wal-Mart and Beyond: the Battle for Good Jobs and Strong Communities in Urban America by Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy and Partnership for Working Families (January 2007)
   

7. • California Educational Opportunity Report 2006 - Roadblocks to College by UC/ACCORD and UCLA IDEAS (2006)
   

8. • The State of the World’s Children 2008: Child Survival by UNICEF (2008)
   

9. • The State of Africa’s Children 2008: Child Survival by UNICEF (2008)
   

10. • The State of Asia-Pacific’s Children 2008: Child Survival by UNICEF (2008)
    

11. • The State of Latin American and Caribbean Children 2008: Child Survival by UNICEF (2008)
    

12. • The State of the World’s Children 2008: Statistical Tables by UNICEF (2008)
    

For any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at tsjuge@pasadena.edu

Webmaster: Tony S. Jugé, Ph.D.                                                                                                                         Last revised: 09/05/10