Social Problems, Values and Norms - 649 Words

A social problem is a condition that directly or indirectly affects at least some members of society who consider it to be in violation of certain values or morals. Values are what people think is good or bad, right or wrong. One groups values can be entirely different from another groups values based on what each group deems important to them. Norms are more specific and they are â€Å"rules of conduct that guide people’s behavior† (Sullivan, 2012). Therefore, when a group of people behave or act out in a certain way that is in contrast to other group’s values or norms it can create a social problem. Furthermore, social problems can be labeled as such when an influential group places significant light on the issue. This allows for public debate about the issue or condition. This debate drives opinions and allows people to consider what is more important to them with their values and norms. Eventually social policy or collective action is put into place in an attempt to elevate the condition. The condition can be affecting many or only a small group of people but in order for it to be considered a social problem the condition needs to be considered a threat to a group’s values or norms. The larger the number of people affected the more likely the condition will be addressed as a social problem. There are a vast number of examples of social problems that are current conditions affecting groups in our society today. Unemployment is a condition that affects all of society directlyShow MoreRelated Social Problems1061 Words   |  5 PagesFerreira (2005:86), four elements may be discerned when attempting to define a social problem. The four elements are: a pressure (influential) group; a social condition; a set of values and norms; and collective action. Taking these four elements as building blocks the following definition of a social problem may be arrived at: A social condition, known to a pressure group as posing a threat to current values and norms, that requires collective action to rectify (Pretorius, Le Roux, Lesufi, LiebenbergRead MoreSubstance Abuse Among School Students1584 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction to Social Problem Certain adverse situations that may have harmful consequences may affect societies. They may hinder the normal functioning of the society. Such harmful situations are known as social problems. These problems arise because every society has certain norms and values. When these norms and values are violated, they result in social problems. They are problems because such deviation of norms and values are dysfunctional in the society. Some of the examples of social problems are drugRead MoreThe Problem Of Poverty Stricken Schools1257 Words   |  6 Pagesdefined in our book as â€Å"the process through which academic, social and cultural ideas and tools, both general and specific, are developed† (Conley 497). In America children and young adults get an education through schools, either public or private. The focus of this paper will be on the public school system, but mainly the lower class public schools. Many problems with schools can be traced back to social concepts such as s ocial values and norms. The hidden curriculum being taught in schools plays aRead MoreSocial Problems Of A Social Problem Essay1458 Words   |  6 Pages Social Problem a) What is a Social Problem? †¢ My understanding of a social problem is that a substantial group of individuals consider an issue to be problematic and that the matter in question does not reconcile itself between the good of the group and what has been done for society. Although the issue can be advantageous for some members of a culture or community, it can be detrimental to others and therefore must be examined. b) What are some social problems that currently exist in societyRead MoreThe Growth and Formation of Individual Ethics1195 Words   |  5 Pagesbelief development and share many common experiences. Social interactions over a lifetime of associations in many diverse communal environments formulate the basis of the individual morals, norms, and beliefs. The closer the relationship the more likely it is to have a lasting effect on a person’s beliefs and morals. In the modern increasingly mobile workforce this makes the possibility of a group of employees with identical morals, norms, and beliefs remote. This causes management to be moreRead MoreWhy do people comply to social rules and expectation.1570 Words   |  7 PagesWhy Do People Comply With Social Rules and Expectation? Rules are statement on what can, should or must be done in particular circumstances. They govern our daily life whether we are aware of them or not. Rules are divided into two, direct rules(written formal rules) such as laws regarding manslaughter or incest and indirect rules(unwritten informal rules) such as norms, values and traditions of a particular society. Social expectation serves as a powerful tool to reinforce common beliefs and hopesRead MoreThe Problem Of A Social Problem Essay1450 Words   |  6 Pages†¢ My understanding of a social problem is that a substantial group of individuals consider an issue to be problematic and that the matter in question does not reconcile itself between the good of the group and what has been done for society. Although the issue can be advantageous for some members of a culture or community, it can be detrimental to others and therefore must be examined. b) What are some social problems that currently exist in society? †¢ Problems that occur recycle themselves overRead MoreSocial Process Theory Essay1049 Words   |  5 PagesSocial Process Theory Social Process and Crime In the social process theory, three areas are covered. The three are social learning theory, social control theory, and social reaction theory. The definition of the social learning theory is People learn through observing others’ behavior, attitudes, and outcomes of those behaviors. â€Å"Most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others, one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on laterRead MoreChimpanzees Exhibit Culture Through Social Interaction1167 Words   |  5 PagesThe concept of culture to many individuals may be perceived as a combination of language, beliefs, norms, values and customs shared amongst individuals; passed along generations to be carried out within a society. In a society, individuals make up social groupings that form ideas, behaviors and materials objects that encompass what they define as culture. Culture is not only essential for survival, but for growth and communication; through interaction, observation and imitation our behavioral patternsRead MoreSociological Concepts848 Words   |  4 Pagesas the study of social interactions a nd society. This paper will examine sociological concepts and examples of how they apply in everyday life. Many people experience social problems on a personal level. For instance, this could be poverty, unemployment, poor health, alcohol abuse, family problems or committing crimes. When people hear about these individuals most of the time, they tend to think that it’s not their problems. They tend to blame these individuals for causing problems, and they believe