Social Problems
A Down-to-Earth Approach: United States Edition
8th Edition
Published on 8. June 2007
Book
Hardback
640 pages
978-0-205-50804-4 (ISBN)
Description
This theoretically balanced text provides the latest research findings and a consistent structure to help students analyze major social problems facing the United States. Henslin presents boths sides of an argument with a neutral voice and has a "down-to-earth" writing style.
When students complete this text, not only do they gain a sociological understanding of social problems, but also they are able to explore-and evaluate-their own opinions about specific social problems. They will gain a greater awareness of the social forces that shape their orientations to social problems and their perspectives on social life. The ideas in this book, then, can penetrate students' thinking and give shape to their views of the world.
When students complete this text, not only do they gain a sociological understanding of social problems, but also they are able to explore-and evaluate-their own opinions about specific social problems. They will gain a greater awareness of the social forces that shape their orientations to social problems and their perspectives on social life. The ideas in this book, then, can penetrate students' thinking and give shape to their views of the world.
Reviews / Votes
<>"I am convinced that if students master the Henslin text, they will know a lot about social problems in America." Sandra Emory, Pensacola Junior College"Henslin is always very up to date. The text reflects the current events and cultural events of its time." Sandra Emory, Pensacola Junior College
"Students respond favorably to Henslin. Students often complain and say that textbooks are boring and too hard to read but Henslin seems to escape that criticism." Sandra Emory, Pensacola Junior College
"I think Henslin uses data from good sources and presents them well." Annette Schwabe, Florida State University
"The Henslin text is not sanitized with a list of sociological terms (jargon), and it brings social problems to life rather than just describing and "cataloging" them." Annette Schwabe, Florida State University
"Dr. Henslin includes discussion of and data on attitudes about social problems. This is crucial for students trying to understand how social problems are constructed and why social issues are sometimes problems and sometimes not, when the same objective "facts" about a social problem do not change." Annette Schwabe, Florida State University
"Dr. Henslin uses examples from actual social problems and shows how they emerged from issues to problems given changes in social norms, political climates, and structural factors." Annette Schwabe, Florida State University
"I found the Henslin text more accessible for my students and a better fit for the theoretical approach that I prefer." Dan Roddick, Rio Hondo College
"Currency is one of the main reasons I've chosen Henslin." Dan Roddick, Rio Hondo College
"The main attraction of this text for me is Jim Henslin. I am a real fan of his approach and I like having the continuity between my intro and social problems courses." Dan Roddick, Rio Hondo College
"Henslin is easy to read and includes important social issues that are presented in critically challenging ways." Glorida Palileo, University of South Alabama
"Henslin is fair in its presentation of controversial topics. There is a wide variety of viewpoints presented, which is better than polarizing the positions." Mark Miller, East Texas Baptist University
"Henslin was chosen was because it is written in accessible language for students (a big plus in our college) and uses examples and stories that connect better than most texts to the real-life experiences of community college students." Michael Flota, Daytona Beach Community College
"The Spotlight on Research is excellent and one of the best parts of the book in my opinion. I always discuss this with the students as I want them to understand the linkage to what they are being taught and real social science research." Michale Flota, Daytona Beach Community College
More details
Edition
8th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Pearson Education (US)
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 276 mm
Width: 210 mm
Weight
1270 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-205-50804-4 (9780205508044)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions
Book
07/2009
9th Edition
Pearson
€103.99
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Previous edition
James M. Henslin
Social Problems (Book Alone)
Book
06/2005
7th Edition
Pearson
€61.85
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
James M. Henslin, who was born in Minnesota, graduated from high school and junior college in California and from college in Indiana. Awarded scholarships, he earned his Master's and doctorate degrees in sociology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. After this, he was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from the National Institute of Mental Health, and spent a year studying how people adjust to the suicide of a family member. His primary interests in sociology are the sociology of everyday life, deviance, and international relations. Among his numerous books are Sociology: A-Down-to-Earth Approach (Allyn & Bacon, available in three versions); Social Problems (Allyn & Bacon); and Down-to-Earth Sociology: Introductory Readings (Free Press). He has also published widely in sociology journals, including Social Problems and American Journal of Sociology.
While a graduate student, Jim Henslin taught at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. After completing his doctorate, he joined the faculty at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, where he is Professor Emeritus of Sociology. His two favorite activities are writing and traveling. He especially enjoys visiting and living in other cultures, for this brings him face to face with behaviors and ways of thinking that he cannot take for granted, experiences that "make sociological principles come alive."
While a graduate student, Jim Henslin taught at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. After completing his doctorate, he joined the faculty at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, where he is Professor Emeritus of Sociology. His two favorite activities are writing and traveling. He especially enjoys visiting and living in other cultures, for this brings him face to face with behaviors and ways of thinking that he cannot take for granted, experiences that "make sociological principles come alive."
Content
BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I: THE SOCIOLOGY OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Chapter 1: How Sociologists View Social Problems: The Abortion Dilemma
Chapter 2: Interpreting Social Problems: Aging
PART II: NORM VIOLATIONS IN SOCIAL CONTEXT
Chapter 3: Human Sexual Behavior
Chapter 4: Alcohol and Other Drugs
Chapter 5: Violence in Society: Rape and Murder
Chapter 6: Crime and Criminal Justice
PART III: PROBLEMS OF SOCIAL INEQUALITY
Chapter 7: Economic Problems: Wealth and Poverty
Chapter 8: Racial-Ethnic Relations
Chapter 9: Sex Discrimination
Chapter 10: Medical Care: Physical and Mental Illness
PART IV: SOCIAL CHANGE AND MEGAPROBLEMS
Chapter 11: The Changing Family
Chapter 12: Urban Problems
Chapter 13: Population and Food
Chapter 14: The Environmental Crisis
Chapter 15: War, Terrorism, and the Balance of Power
COMPREHENSIVE TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I: THE SOCIOLOGY OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Chapter 1: How Sociologists View Social Problems: The Abortion Dilemma
The Sociological Imagination
What is a Social Problem?
The Natural History of Social Problems: Four Stages
The First Stage: Defining the Problem, the Emergence of Leaders, and Beginning to Organize
The Second Stage: Crafting and Official Response
The Third Stage: Reacting to the Official Response
The Fourth Stage: Developing Alternative Strategies
The Role of Sociology in Social Problems
Summary and Review
Chapter 2: Interpreting Social Problems: Aging
Sociological Theories and Social Problems
Symbolic Interactionism and Social Problems
The Development of Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism and Social Problems
Conflict Theory and Social Problems
The Future of the Problem: The Pendulum Swings
Chapter Summary and Review
PART II: NORM VIOLATIONS IN SOCIAL CONTEXT
Chapter 3: Human Sexual Behavior
Objective Conditions and Subjective Concerns
Homosexuality
Prostitution
Pornography
Resistance and Co-opting Feminists
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 4: Alcohol and Other Drugs
The Problem in Social Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings: The Use and Abuse of Drugs
Research Findings: The Recreational Mood Elevators
Research Findings: The Hallucinogens
Research Findings: The Amphetamines, Barbituates, and Heroin
Research Findings: Narcotics, Crime, and the Law
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 5: Violence in Society: Rape and Murder
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Rape
Issues in Social Problems: Date (or Acquaintance) Rape
Murder
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 6: Crime and Criminal Justice
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
PART III: PROBLEMS OF SOCIAL INEQUALITY
Chapter 7: Economic Problems: Wealth and Poverty
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 8: Racial-Ethnic Relations
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 9: Sex Discrimination
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 10: Medical Care: Physical and Mental Illness
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
PART IV: SOCIAL CHANGE AND MEGAPROBLEMS
Chapter 11: The Changing Family
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically: Why is Divorce Common?
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 12: Urban Problems
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 13: Population and Food
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 14: The Environmental Crisis
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 15: War, Terrorism, and the Balance of Power
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
PART I: THE SOCIOLOGY OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Chapter 1: How Sociologists View Social Problems: The Abortion Dilemma
Chapter 2: Interpreting Social Problems: Aging
PART II: NORM VIOLATIONS IN SOCIAL CONTEXT
Chapter 3: Human Sexual Behavior
Chapter 4: Alcohol and Other Drugs
Chapter 5: Violence in Society: Rape and Murder
Chapter 6: Crime and Criminal Justice
PART III: PROBLEMS OF SOCIAL INEQUALITY
Chapter 7: Economic Problems: Wealth and Poverty
Chapter 8: Racial-Ethnic Relations
Chapter 9: Sex Discrimination
Chapter 10: Medical Care: Physical and Mental Illness
PART IV: SOCIAL CHANGE AND MEGAPROBLEMS
Chapter 11: The Changing Family
Chapter 12: Urban Problems
Chapter 13: Population and Food
Chapter 14: The Environmental Crisis
Chapter 15: War, Terrorism, and the Balance of Power
COMPREHENSIVE TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I: THE SOCIOLOGY OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Chapter 1: How Sociologists View Social Problems: The Abortion Dilemma
The Sociological Imagination
What is a Social Problem?
The Natural History of Social Problems: Four Stages
The First Stage: Defining the Problem, the Emergence of Leaders, and Beginning to Organize
The Second Stage: Crafting and Official Response
The Third Stage: Reacting to the Official Response
The Fourth Stage: Developing Alternative Strategies
The Role of Sociology in Social Problems
Summary and Review
Chapter 2: Interpreting Social Problems: Aging
Sociological Theories and Social Problems
Symbolic Interactionism and Social Problems
The Development of Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism and Social Problems
Conflict Theory and Social Problems
The Future of the Problem: The Pendulum Swings
Chapter Summary and Review
PART II: NORM VIOLATIONS IN SOCIAL CONTEXT
Chapter 3: Human Sexual Behavior
Objective Conditions and Subjective Concerns
Homosexuality
Prostitution
Pornography
Resistance and Co-opting Feminists
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 4: Alcohol and Other Drugs
The Problem in Social Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings: The Use and Abuse of Drugs
Research Findings: The Recreational Mood Elevators
Research Findings: The Hallucinogens
Research Findings: The Amphetamines, Barbituates, and Heroin
Research Findings: Narcotics, Crime, and the Law
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 5: Violence in Society: Rape and Murder
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Rape
Issues in Social Problems: Date (or Acquaintance) Rape
Murder
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 6: Crime and Criminal Justice
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
PART III: PROBLEMS OF SOCIAL INEQUALITY
Chapter 7: Economic Problems: Wealth and Poverty
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 8: Racial-Ethnic Relations
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 9: Sex Discrimination
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 10: Medical Care: Physical and Mental Illness
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
PART IV: SOCIAL CHANGE AND MEGAPROBLEMS
Chapter 11: The Changing Family
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically: Why is Divorce Common?
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 12: Urban Problems
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 13: Population and Food
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 14: The Environmental Crisis
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review
Chapter 15: War, Terrorism, and the Balance of Power
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Research Findings
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
Summary and Review