This compact and affordable text serves as an introduction to a wide range of social problems. Social Problems, Second Edition, is unique in that all chapters are organized in a consistent format, beginning with the definition and prevalence of the social problem covered, followed by levels of causation, consequences, and interventions. Each chapter includes a discussion of the future of each social problem covered and a summary of its substantive issues. All chapters conclude with discussion questions, references, and a list of relevant websites.
This lively, readable volume introduces students to a variety of sociological viewpoints on social problems. Every topic is analyzed from individual, cultural, and structural perspectives. This diversity allows instructors to compare explanations that incorporate such structural factors as social class and economic structure to explanations that focus on cultural factors or on biological and psychological characteristics of the individual. Social Problems, Second Edition, emphasizes the importance of gender, race, and class for understanding social problems. The text focuses on the U.S., but incorporates comparative, cross-cultural material when appropriate.
Unique features of this book include the following:
* A consistent approach that offers solutions to social problems, not just explanations
* Full chapters on the topics of cities and urban decline, and on food and population
* Coverage of such issues as the criminalization of pregnancy, domestic violence as a health issue, and aging and homosexuality
To stimulate student interest, each chapter begins with an "In the News" section that consists of several newspaperarticles on current issues. Every chapter also includes "A Closer Look" inserts to heighten student interest by describing ongoing efforts to resolve current social issues. Some inserts highlight the impact of social policy, while others summarize research or challenge "common sense" assumptions. A comprehensive Instructor's Resource Guide/Testing Program and a Website accompany the text.

Social Problems: Societal Crisis, Capitalism, and Democracy is an anthology that offers students a variety of readings on prominent social problems. The selections feature perspectives from those who have contributed to modern social problems, as well as those who have no power over shaping them. Through this unique approach, the text demonstrates that social problems are two-fold, benefiting some while creating obstacles for others. The selected articles identify social problems, social inequalities, institutionalized inequalities, social and physical exploitation, the neglected, and violence and terrorism, not only in the U.S. but worldwide. Students are exposed to important discussions on social movement theories, how financial inequality negatively affects the world, and how individuals can get involved to correct the world's social problems. Throughout the text, readers are provided with historical context for each social problem addressed so they can deduce if these problems are as serious now as they were in the past. In the second edition, all readings have been updated to reflect current socio-political events, and new readings on social media and fake news, media literacy, and the Black Lives Matter movement have been added. Additionally, all units feature a revised original introduction from the editor Social Problems is ideal for undergraduate courses in sociology and anthropology, as well as classes in cognate fields such as policy and political science.