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Description
This book represents a truly innovative and empowering approach to social problems. Instead of focusing solely on a seemingly tireless list of major problems, Sara Towe Horsfall considers how select key issues can be solved and pays particular attention to the advocate groups already on the front lines. Horsfall first provides a robust theoretical foundation to the study of social problems before moving on to the problems themselves, examining each through the lens of specific advocate groups working towards solutions. This concise and accessible text also incorporates useful learning tools including study questions to help reinforce reading comprehension, questions for further thought to encourage critical thinking and classroom discussion, a glossary of key terms, and a worksheet for researching advocate groups. Social Problems: An Advocate Group Approach is an essential resource for social problems courses and for anyone who is inspired to effect change.
About the Author
Sara Towe Horsfall is associate professor of sociology at Texas Wesleyan University. She is coeditor of Chaos, Complexity, and Sociology and author of A Neighborhood Portrait. She has also worked as a foreign correspondent and international journalist, giving her unique insight into social problems and their solutions.
Praise for Social Problems by Sara Towe Horsfall
“Horsfall shows that the social sciences not only can describe problems but also identify solutions. This text will really connect with today’s pragmatic, hands-on, community-service oriented generation of students.” —Robert Szafran, Stephen F. Austin State University
“This book is packed with up-to-date information about relevant topics that are sure to lead to productive class discussion. The advocate group approach is refreshing, and students will appreciate its practical and down-to-earth aspects.” —Sharon Hardesty, Eastern Kentucky University
PART I: THE THEORETICAL BASIS OF THE STUDY OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Chapter One: What is a Social Problem?
Six Ingredients of Social Problems
How do Social Problems Occur?
Development, Aftermath of a Natural Event, Inequality, Self-Interest, Racism and Discrimination, Competing Interests, History of Enmity and Conflict, Ignorance
Levels of Social Problems
Information and Claims Making
Chapter Two: Understanding the Advocate Groups
Who are the Advocate Groups?
Why do Advocate Groups form?
Three Views of Human Nature
Dynamics Within Advocate Groups
Growth and Development of Advocate Groups
A Typology of Advocate Group Change
Chapter Three: Ameliorating Actions, Reactions and Consequences
PART I: Ameliorating Actions
Legal Reform
Government Programs
Professional Agencies, Non-Profits and Special Interest Groups
Professional Ethics
Education and Public Awareness Campaigns
Interpersonal Interaction, Apology, Reparation
Independent, Individual Actions
PART II: Reactions and Consequences
Opposition Groups: Campaigning Against Reform
Consequences for the Target Group
Unintended Consequences
Assessing the Overall Social Benefit
Chapter Four: Social Dynamics: The Change Process and Models of Change
PART I: Processes/Patterns of Change
Change is Linear: Progress and Evolution,
Change is Cyclical: Growth and Decay
Change is Dialectic: Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis
Other Ideas of Social Change
Causes of Change
PART II: Models for Social Change
Models for Change: Human Interaction
Models for Change: Organizational Principles
Models for Change: Technology
PART II: THE PROBLEMS
Chapter Five: Problems Addressed by a Government Program
Health Care
Welfare (Feminization of Poverty)
Social Security
Chapter Six: Problems Addressed by Government Legislation
Discrimination
Illegal Immigration
Chapter Seven: Problems Addressed by Professional Organizations, Non-Profits, Special Interest Groups
Alcoholism/Drugs
Homelessness
Abuse
Gangs, Teen Suicide
Chapter Eight: Problems with Active Opposition Groups
Abortion
Gender Discrimination
Euthanasia
Same-Sex Marriage
Chapter Nine: Problems Addressed through Education, Public Awareness, Interpersonal Interaction, Apology, Reparation and Individual Actions
Global Warming (Environment)
Natural Resources (Environment)
STDs/AIDS
Rape
Prostitution
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