Social Problems

Social An Introduction to Critical Constructionism synthesizes conflict theory and social constructionism to help students think critically about social problem construction. A concise alternative to the all-encompassing standard textbooks currently available, this book examines a single theoretical paradigm in depth and demonstrates how theory can be used to understand a breadth of real world phenomena. In six succinct chapters, it focuses on the four problems most often found in social problems courses-inequality, family problems, crime/deviance, and population/environment-analyzing each from a critical constructionist perspective. This approach, popular among many sociologists, helps students conceive of social problems not as objective situations that are "out there," but as socially constructed phenomena whose importance varies according to media attention and the needs of particular interest groups. The author makes the important connection between the power of certain interest groups and their ability to draw the public's attention toward certain problems and away from others. He recognizes the critical role that the media plays in problem construction and provides a systematic critique of media interests. A much-needed cross-cultural emphasis illustrates the range of possibilities in which social problems and their solutions can be conceived; alternative problem construction commonly used outside the United States is examined as well. Special attention is given to the effects of globalization and to the role of corporate interests in problem construction. Offering students a solid theoretical background, Social An Introduction to Critical Constructionism is intended primarily for social problems courses. Given its readability and consistent application of theory, this book can also be used in introductory sociology courses and social theory courses.