Study of Social Problems - Coursework Example

Name Tutor Course Date Social Problems Question 1 A social problem is a condition that exists in a society, upon which the society reach consensus that it is a threat to both their lives and the values that they cherish, and that corrective measures should be taken to remedy it (Kornblum and Julian 2). Prostitution, defined as the indiscriminate offering of one’s body to lewdness for a fee, is an example of a social problem. Indeed, it is said to be among the oldest professions, and involves both men and women in all societies. It is a social problem because the society frowns upon it, though attempts to stamp it out have always failed. More so, people are regularly coming up with new methods of practicing prostitution, making it adopt itself to and within the social systems, and this makes it hard to completely eliminate it. Many other problems in society are linked to prostitution. Includes HIV/AIDS, theft, murder, suicide, family breakups and so on. The effects of all theses are not just felt at individual or family level, but by the whole society. That is why societies have always frowned upon the practice, though eradicating it has remained an uphill task. Some people or groups who are influential in society would easily define an issue as a socials problem, construct a certain view of life around it and convince others to agree with them that indeed, this is a social problem. This is done without considering other issues within the society. Once a sizable group of the society gets convinced, the issue is tagged a social problem, and certain beliefs and values fashioned around it. The society would then understand it as a social problem from the point of view the influential individuals or group of people (Kornblum and Julian 10). Question 2 There are a number of perspectives that sociologists use study social problems. The functionalist perspective is interested in the operations of major social institutions. This perspective posits that social problems exist because of the dynamic nature of societies. Social problems consequently arise when societies fail to adapt. Such a perspective would view prostitution as a consequence of this change, and societies should accept it as a necessary evil. From this perspective, prostitution has a vital role to play in society such as family stability, serve those not married; long distance truck drivers etc. The conflict perspective holds that social problems arise form the contradictions inherent in social organizations. An example is the way resources have been unequally distributed, causing major social conflicts. Proponents of this theory have taken after Karl Marx, who ascribes most social problems to class conflict in which there is competition between groups or classes with disparate values and ideas (Kornblum and Julian 15). Proponents of this perspective would view prostitution as a result of unequal distribution of resources. Prostitutes would be considered to have been driven into the trade by deprivation, assuming that they come from the lower class. Those opposed to the practice could be those who are wealthy, and who would not understand the circumstances under whose prostitutes joined the ‘profession.’ The interactionist perspective explores group dynamics in value formation. They seek to understand the groups’ definition of their circumstances and their effort to fashion their own perspective of life. According to this perspective when those who wield influence in society construct their own boundaries of what is wrong and right and convince the rest to agree with them without first seeking to understand other underlying social issues, a social problem arises. Usually, a significant part of the society feels such values are an imposition on them, and they would naturally disobey them (Kornblum and Julian 17). From this perspective, prostitution might be viewed as a social problem not because it is, but because some influential person thought it was, and convinced others to agree with him. Those who practice it therefore do it to spite those who imposed this categorization of a social problem on them. Question 3 Sociologists can help reporters and other members of the media to better understand the social conditions that cause specific social problems. Their studies and description of different human societies (ethnographic studies) could help reporters follow certain trends and help formulate generalizations about societies. Demographic studies gathered by sociologists would similarly help reporters to establish certain social problems associated with particular types of people within the society (Kornblum and Julian 23). The same case would obtain from survey research, social experimentation and observations carried out on people by sociologists. Since sociologists have the tendency of working closely with people, they are likely to identify certain issues which reporters might not be privy to, and their finding could go along way in helping reporters better understand the cause of specific social problems within the society. Question 4 There are a number of healthcare aspects in the United Sates that contribute to social problems at both micro and macro level. These include public insurance schemes such as Medicaid and Medicare, legalized abortion and improved medical technology and procedure that prolong life. Though the public health insurance schemes are meant to cover those who are not able to join the public ones, a large number of Americans remain uncovered, hence favoring a section of the population against others. The scheme should cover all people so that none feels left out. Many women are also said to be suffering at the hands of medical personnel while procuring abortion because of the controversy over its legalization. Abortion should not be made an issue; train more midwives and invest more in researching on issues related to women health. Medical technology in the US has also developed, especially life-prolonging procedures. These make it hard to tell whether somebody has actually died, and in most cases, keep somebody alive who would be comfortable dying. There should be legislation barring medical personnel from keeping people in vegetative states alive when they should actually be dead. Question 5 Hospitals are said to be in the business of charging patients exorbitantly, hence keeping away more of those who cannot afford. The government should subsidize medical care in public facilitates. Physicians in the US charge exorbitant rates, pushing their services out of reach for the poor. The government must regulate on the amount of money physicians can ask patients to pay. Prescription drugs are also becoming quite expensive. It would be prudent for the government to subsidize the cost of such drugs for the benefit of the poor. Specialized surgery, which is in most cases unnecessary, is one more factor leading to the high costs of medical care. Doctors could be asked not to levy such unreasonable fees, but instead have the government pay them extra money as they attend to patients the poor patients. The disabled and the handicapped who are not employed have to rely on public health facilities, hence congesting them and causing the costs to go high. Question 6 AIDS is spread in the developed and in the developing world. In the developed world, it is spread more through homosexual activities and intravenous illicit drug abusers. These lifestyles are allowed in most Western countries, as opposed to the Africans which are still largely conservative. Heterosexuals are also increasing becoming vulnerable. Most developing countries have high prevalence rates due to lack of proper diet, lack of exercise and both active and passive smoking. Question 7 A number of factors can determine whether, how much and in what ways an individual uses alcohol. Children whose parents drink are more likely to drink. People of high socioeconomic status, those who do not go to church, the men, and those from societies where alcoholic beverages are not taken with meals are also likely to be heavy drinkers. The youth are likely to drink more than the adults, though adults become more problematic drinkers than the youth (Blackstone 87). Question 8 Drug use is a common problem among the youth, to whom a chance for the first attempt presents. This is because drug use is simply a. issue of availability. If it is available, then the youth are likely to try, and they may not stop. Those who have a strong peer group are also likely to be drug users, especially if the group uses them. This is done because of their desire to conform to the culture of the group, or loss out on their company (Kornblum and Julian 128). When the first encounter gives them a good feeling, the desire to continue becomes even greater and stopping becomes difficult. It is also said that drugs are commonly used by criminal elements. Addicts are likely to be murderers, while those who are in employment nay end up losing their jobs. Knowing these characteristics is important as they lessen the likelihood of using drugs. It will for example be possible for one to avoid attempting because once he attempts, stopping will be difficult. It would also be possible to keep off friends who are drug users so as to escape their influence (Brittan 45). Question 9 It is said that most of the infections in heterosexual partners are as a result of needle and syringe sharing during intravenous drug application. The ‘harm reduction’ strategy has been suggested, and even tried in a number of cities in Britain. In this case, intravenous drug users are encouraged to take back used needles and syringes in exchange with new ones. This is meant to ensure that there is no sharing of needles and hence, no possibility of the users infecting each other and their spouses. When the needles and syringes are taken back, they are tested to see if they contain blood samples different from the owner. Political leaders and other players are opposed to this strategy because they feel it would be akin to encouraging drug users to continue using drugs because needles and syringes are available. They believe that such strategies would deter the addicts from abandoning the practice (Kornblum and Julian 148). Cited Works Kornblum, William & Julian, Joseph. Social Problems, 13th Edition. New York: Prentice Hall, 2009. Brittan, S. Sexism and Sexual Orientation. Washington: Pride Publications, 1988. Blackstone, G. Sexism Explained. Greenland: Oracle Books, 2004. Read More