A social problem is a condition that may result
in negative effects and consequences on the lives of a largenumber of
people. Things such as: teenage pregnancy, high school drop-outs, racism, and
drugs are common types of social problems. These problems, conditions, or
behaviors usually require attention (Leon-Guerrero, 2014, pg. 4). The individual accused of driving under the
influence (DUI) could cause a traffic accident with a random person. This
effects society’s safety as a whole, thus, is a social problem.
Spector
and Kituse (1987) explained that social problems do not develop over night, it
is a process (Leon-Guerrero, p.4).
Mahoney (2003) stated that in order for an issue to be considered a
social problem: the condition must be seen publicly, be at odds with the values
and beliefs of the larger society, most
people must view it as a “problem,” and there must be a solution for the
problem (Mahoney, 2003). “Social problems tend to develop when we become
neglectful and fail to see that serious problems are developing (Leon-Guerrero,
2014, p. 6).
The
sociological approach to understanding social problems, according to
Leon-Guerrero (2014) is “Unlike any other discipline, sociology provides us
with a form of self-consciousness, an awareness that our personal experiences
are often caused by structural or social forces (Leon-Guerrero, 2010, p. 4 ).
The sociology of drug use and abuse encompass a wide range of issues, including
high crime rate, loss of family, loss of employment, and homelessness.
Sociologists focus their attention to factors such as: What makes drugs a
social activity? How does socialization, social interaction, and social
inequality play a role in substance use/abuse? What do societies do to control
drug abuse? Why is it tolerated in society? (Goode, 2006).
There are 4 sociological perspectives used
to examine social problems. The social conflict theory blames heavy drug use
(crack, heroin) on problems concerning inequality. This perspective declares
drug use and distribution is more likely to occur in a poor, powerless, and
socially disorganized communities. This theory assumes that money, wealth, and
power controls society. They assume the poor feel powerless, and will more
likely use drugs. The social conflict theory is unlike the others, they embrace
consensus, while social conflict deals with conflict, and inequality (Goode,
2006).
Symbolic interactionism is unlike the
functionalist and conflict perspectives. This perspective contends society and
reality are shaped by people. At certain times in history, some drugs were
socially acceptable, and also legal(Goode, 2006). Symbolic interactionism of
the social reality, meaning, and reaction to drugs have changed drastically
over time (Goode, 2006).
Structural functionalism perspectives view
society as a system that works together to promote things such as stability and
control. Their focus describes that society should maintain a certain level of
stability in order to exist. These are desirable events and chaos, would
disrupt society. These things are considered undesirable.
The feminist perspective argues that women
are targeted by laws concerning drugs during pregnancy. According to Drug
Policy Alliance (2003) stated that females face a stereotype that could lead to
a form of discrimination when trying to receive treatment for drug abuse (Drug
Alliance 2003b). As crack cocaine emerged prosecutors turned their aim toward
punishing pregnant women; not empowering them. Feminist argued women were
unfairly targeted with this gender-specific new law.
There are many reasons why some social
problems are more significant than others. If the social problem only affects a
small number of people, it is not considered as significant. For example,
blacks receive more attention than whites concerning poverty. Why? Because
blacks are a larger group of the minority population. Other reasons are if the
social problem or condition spreads rapidly is because it is considered
important. A social issue also becomes
more significant than others is if a celebrity, or an influential person
considers it important (Mahoney, 2003).
One of
the more serious social problems that we face today is drug usage and/or abuse.
Drug abuse can lead to other social problems, such as violence and crime. In
1999 the National Household Survey measured drug use by the type of drugs used.
Marijuana: 11.1 million, cocaine:1.5 million, and 413,000 crack users (National
Household Survey, 1999). In terms of gender, A Monitoring the Future Study
(MTF) (1999) found that 8.7% of men used illicit drugs, in comparison to the
4.9% of women. (Monitoring The Future, 1999).
According
to the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), 45% of the 4.6 million treated in
emergency rooms were due to drug abuse/misuse (Drug Abuse Warning Network, 2009).
In 2011 The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) reported:
nearly 20% of whites have used cocaine, and 10% of blacks and Latinos used
cocaine. Crack was most popular among the African American population
(Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, 2011).
Since
earlier times in history there have been many precautionary measures to control
drug use. In October 1986 President Reagan signed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of
1986. $1.7 billion dollars were spent to fight the war on drugs.
Concepts mentioned in the text the analyzes
drug abuse are: the self control theory, social learning theory, and the
rational choice theory. The self control theory describes the concept of people
joining social circles that promote bad behavior. They promote violence, gang,
and other criminal activity. “Social environments for exposure” is the name
given to the concept of joining a social environment for bad behavior approval
and promotion. The self control theory helps us to understand why people tend
to choose these type of crowds over a group of individuals who follow
rules(Weinberg, 2011).
The social learning theory suggests that
people who watch addictive behaviors by others may likely participate in
addictive behavior. For example if a child watches a parent drink alcohol
before bed at night the child will likely repeat this pattern in the future.
The child learns by watching this habit (Weinberg, 2011). The rational choice
theory suggests that individuals act based maximizing their reward and
minimizing their punishment(Weinberg, 2011).
The
sociological approach to understanding social problems is different than other
theories (functionalist, conflict, feminist, and interactionalist) in many
ways. Sociologist aim to study how society affects an individual. Social
problems are a result of how society can affect an individuals, as well as
their decisions (Weinberg, 2011).
References
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the
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Goode,
Erich. (2006). The Sociology of Drug Use. Retrieved from
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Leon-Guerrero,
A. (2014). Social Problems: Community, Policy, Social Action. (4th ed.). Los
Angeles,
Mahoney,
John. (2003). Defining Social Problems. Retrieved from
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