My name is William Brian Roper, but
I just go by my middle name Brian. I was born in Coeur d'Alene, ID, and lived there
my entire life until I started attending the University of Idaho, but I still
spend most weekends in Coeur d'Alene. I major in Anthropology and have a minor
in Psychology, I have taken a few classes in Sociology as I find it interesting
and figured that it fits well with my major and minor. I took the class on
social problems specifically because I found it to be the most interesting
aspect of sociology. A social problem is defined as "a social condition
that a segment of society views as harmful to members of society and in need of
remedy" (Mooney, Knox & Schacht,
2013). Social problems are created when a person or group does something that
others think is wrong, harmful, inappropriate, etc. What constitutes a social
problem can differ on a group level as well as an individual level, because of
people's differing values and beliefs. Social problems are treated often with
sanctions, which can range from "a disapproving look to the
death penalty or life in prison" (Mooney, Knox & Schacht, 2013).
Although it should be noted that sanctions are not always "negative"
and can be positive such as being awarded for following and/or not breaking a
societal norm and causing a social problem.
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| This image reflects my understanding of how sociology provides us with a deeper understanding of social problems because it displays how there is indeed a wide range of what could be constituted as a social problem. Sociology allows us to try to understand each different "problem" and try to understand how and why it exists. |
"I believe the only way we'll be able to solve infant mortality - and other huge social problems - is by designing solutions for those with the greatest intent to carry it out".- Jane Chen
The quote designates the importance of taking a sociological perspective to understanding social problems because it displays how a society might attempt to solve a problem, which fits under the field of sociology. The quote also displays how there could potentially be differing ideas on what constitutes a social problem. In this case, Jane Chen believes infant mortality is a social problem that needs addressing and she even suggests a solution for the problem which is to "design solutions for those with the greatest intent to carry it out" where "carry(ing) it out" refers to solving the problem.
