Social Problems
A Down-to-Earth Approach: International Edition
9th Edition
Published on 30. July 2009
Book
Paperback/Softback
640 pages
978-0-205-70504-7 (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. The authors present both sides of an argument with a neutral voice and use 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.
More details
Edition
9th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Pearson Education (US)
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 277 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
1272 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-205-70504-7 (9780205705047)
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
01/2011
10th Edition
Pearson
€103.07
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Previous edition
Book
06/2007
8th Edition
Pearson
€101.65
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
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."
Lori Ann Fowler is a tenured, Full Professor of Sociology at Tarrant County College. She received her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of North Texas in 2008, and an MA and BA in Sociology from California State University, Fullerton. In addition to TCC, Dr. Fowler has taught at Texas Christian University and the University of Texas at Arlington. Lori began teaching Sociology courses in the fall of 1995. She has published numerous academic works, and has served more than 500 volunteer service hours among numerous non-profit organizations: the Alliance for Children, the Samaritan House, the Union Gospel Mission, Open Arms, the Battered Women's Shelter, the Northeast Emergency Distribution Center, Women for Women, Christmas Providers, and the American Red Cross.
Lori has been very active in administration and leadership development as a member of the Consortium Leadership and Renewal Academy, the Service Learning Inter-Institute Collaborative, the Leadership Institute and the Speakers Bureau. She is a member of the American Sociological Association, the Pacific Sociological Association, the Alliance Education and Consulting Institute, TCCTA, Phi Theta Kappa, and North Texas Exes. Her research areas include cosmetic surgery and homelessness. She has been nominated a Piper Professor three times, received the NISOD Excellence Award, received Outstanding Teacher of the Year, won Best Lecturer, and has been nominated Who's Who among America's Teachers eight years in a row.
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."
Lori Ann Fowler is a tenured, Full Professor of Sociology at Tarrant County College. She received her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of North Texas in 2008, and an MA and BA in Sociology from California State University, Fullerton. In addition to TCC, Dr. Fowler has taught at Texas Christian University and the University of Texas at Arlington. Lori began teaching Sociology courses in the fall of 1995. She has published numerous academic works, and has served more than 500 volunteer service hours among numerous non-profit organizations: the Alliance for Children, the Samaritan House, the Union Gospel Mission, Open Arms, the Battered Women's Shelter, the Northeast Emergency Distribution Center, Women for Women, Christmas Providers, and the American Red Cross.
Lori has been very active in administration and leadership development as a member of the Consortium Leadership and Renewal Academy, the Service Learning Inter-Institute Collaborative, the Leadership Institute and the Speakers Bureau. She is a member of the American Sociological Association, the Pacific Sociological Association, the Alliance Education and Consulting Institute, TCCTA, Phi Theta Kappa, and North Texas Exes. Her research areas include cosmetic surgery and homelessness. She has been nominated a Piper Professor three times, received the NISOD Excellence Award, received Outstanding Teacher of the Year, won Best Lecturer, and has been nominated Who's Who among America's Teachers eight years in a row.
Content
IN THIS SECTION:
1.) BRIEF
2.) COMPREHENSIVE
BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Chapter 1: How Sociologists View Social Problems: The Abortion Dilemma
Chapter 2: Interpreting Social Problems: Aging
Chapter 3: Sexual Social Problems
Chapter 4: Alcohol and Other Drugs
Chapter 5: Violence in Society: Rape and Murder
Chapter 6: Crime and Criminal Justice
Chapter 7: Economic Problems: Wealth and Poverty
Chapter 8: Racial-Ethnic Relations
Chapter 9: Inequalities of Gender and Sexual Orientation
Chapter 10: Medical Care: Physical and Mental Illness
Chapter 11: The Changing Family
Chapter 12: Urbanization and Population Issues
Chapter 13: The Environmental Crisis
Chapter 14: War, Terrorism, and the Balance of Power
COMPREHENSIVE TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Chapter 1: How Sociologists View Social Problems: The Abortion Dilemma
The Sociological Imagination
What Is the Sociological Imagination?
What Is a Social Problem?
The Characteristics of Social Problems
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 an Official Response
The Third Stage: Reacting to the Official Response
The Fourth Stage: Developing Alternative Strategies
The Role of Sociology in Social Problems
Sociology as a Tool for Breaking Through Emotions and Defenses
Sociology and Common Sense
Methods for Studying Social Problems
Should Sociologists Take Sides
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 2: Interpreting Social Problems: Aging
Sociological Theories and Social Problems
Functionalism and Social Problems
Introducing Functionalism
The Development of Functionalism
Applying Functionalism to Social Problems
Functionalism and Social Problems: A Summary
Conflict Theory and Social Problems
Introducing Conflict Theory
The Development of Conflict Theory
Applying Conflict Theory to Social Problems
Conflict Theory and Social Problems: A Summary
Introducing Feminist Theory
The Development of Feminist Theory
Applying Feminist Theory to Social Problems
Symbolic Interactionism and Social Problems
Introducing Symbolic Interactionism
The Development of Symbolic Interactionism
Applying Symbolic Interactionism to Social Problems
Symbolic Interactionism and Social Problems: A Summary
The Future of the Problem: The Pendulum Swings
Changing Objective Conditions and Subjective Concerns
The Emerging Struggle
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Key Terms
Thinking Critically About Chapter 2
By the Numbers
Chapter 3: Social Problems Related to Sexual Behavior
Objective Conditions and Subjective Concerns
Prostitution
Background: Getting the Larger Picture
Prostitution Viewed Theoretically: Applying Functionalism
Research on Prostitution
Pornography
Background: Getting the Larger Picture
Pornography Viewed Theoretically: Applying Symbolic Interactionism
Controversy and Research on Pornography
Social Policy
The Question of Making Consensual Behavior Illegal
Alternatives to Making Consensual Behavior Illegal
The Future of the Problem
Prostitution and the Future
Pornography and the Future
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 4: Alcohol and Other Drugs
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
Background of the Problem
Attempts to Deal with the Problem
The Scope of the Problem
The Social Problem and the Pro-Drug Orientation of U.S. Society
Drug Abuse as Personal or Social Problem
Addiction and Dependence
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Research Findings: The Use and Abuse of Drugs
Medicalizing Human Problems
Illegal Drug Use by Students
The Effects of Drugs
Research Findings: The Recreational Mood Elevators
Alcohol
Nicotine
Research Findings: The Hallucinogens
LSD
Peyote and Mescaline
Psilocybin
PCP
Ecstasy
Research Findings: The Amphetamines, Barbiturates, and Heroin
Amphetamines
Barbiturates
Heroin
Research Findings: Narcotics, Crime, and the Law
Social Policy
The Dilemmas of Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 5: Violence in Society: Rape and Murder
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Sociological Perspective on Violence
The Scope of the Problem
What Makes Violence a Social Problem?
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Nonsociological Theories
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Research Findings
Rape
The Natural History of Rape as a Social Problem
The Social Patterns of Rape
Profiling the Rapist
Reactions to Rape
Murder
The Social Patterns of Murder
Explaining Social Patterns
Social Policy
Global Concerns: Preventing Violence
The Future of the Problem
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 6: Crime and Criminal Justice
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Crime as a Social Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Types of Crime
Juvenile Delinquency
White-Collar Crime
Professional and Organized Crime
Political Crime
The Criminal Justice System
The Criminal Justice System as a Social Problem
The Sting of Justice
Bias in the Criminal Justice System
The Death Penalty
The Prison Experience
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 7: Economic Problems: Wealth and Poverty
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
Economic Systems and Changes
Economic Problems Facing the United States
The Nature of Poverty
The Scope of the Problem
Subjective Concerns and Objective Conditions
The Situation Today
Social Inequality
Distribution of Income and Wealth
The Impact of Poverty
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Changing Meanings of Poverty
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Summary of Theoretical Approaches
Research Findings
Who Are the Poor?
Is There a Culture of Poverty?
Who Rules America?
Inequality and Global Power
Social Policy
Historical Changes in Social Policy
Progressive Taxation
Public Assistance Programs
The Feminization of Poverty
Private Agencies and Volunteer Organizations
The Purpose of Helping the Poor
Providing Jobs
Education Accounts
Giving the Poor More Money
The Future of the Problem
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 8: Racial-Ethnic Relations
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
What Is the Problem?
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Summary of Theoretical Approaches
Research Findings
Native Americans
Latinos (Hispanics)
African Americans
Asian Americans
Social Policy
Encouraging Cultural Pluralism
Preventing Discrimination
The Dilemma of Affirmative Action
Principles for Improving Relations
The Future of the Problem
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 9: Inequalities of Gender and Sexual Orientation
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Research Findings
Are There Natural Differences Between the Sexes?
Everyday Life
Education
The Mass Media
The World of Politics
The World of Work
Why Is Our Workforce Segregated by Sex?
Sexual Harassment
Homosexuality
Background: Getting the Larger Picture
Homosexuality Viewed Theoretically: Applying Conflict Theory
Research on Homosexuality
Homosexuality and the Future
Violence Against Women
Social Policy
Irreconcilable Ideologies
The Future of the Problem
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 10: Medical Care: Physical and Mental Illness
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Social Nature of Health and Illness
The Social Organization of Medicine as a Source of Problems
The Scope of the Problem
Physical Illness as a Social Problem
Mental Illness as a Social Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Research Findings
An Overview of Physical Health Problems
How Disease is Related to Behavior and Environment: The Case of HIV/AIDS
Social Inequalities in Physical Illness
Social Inequalities in Mental Illness
Social Policy
Being Paid to Stay Healthy
Prepaid Medical Care: The Example of Managed Care
Physician Assistants
Training Physicians
Domiciliary Care
Preventive Medicine
Humanizing Health Care
Self-Care Groups
The Future of the Problem
Technology
Redirecting Medicine
The Potential
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 11: The Changing Family
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
Effects of the Industrial Revolution on the Family
The Scope of the Problem
Divorce
One-Parent Families
Other Problems
Looking at the Problem Theoretically: Why is Divorce Common?
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict and Feminist Theory
Research Findings
Cohabitation and the Marrying at a Later Age
Child-Free Couples
The Mythical Child
Family Violence
Sexual Abuse in the Family
Old Age and Widowhood
The Death of the Family?
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 12: Urbanization and Population Issues
Urbanization Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Research Findings
Alienation in the City
Community in the City
The Decline of the Central City
Youth Gangs
Schools
Riots
The City in Change
The Megalopolis
Social Policy
Specific Programs
Educating the Poor
The Future of the Problem
Population in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Research Findings
The New Malthusians
The Anti-Malthusians
Has the Population Explosion Peaked?
Problems in Forecasting Population Growth
Does the United States Have a Population Problem?
Social Policy
Exporting Western Agriculture
Policy Implications of the Anti-Malthusians
Policy Implications of the New Malthusians
Restructuring Global Markets
Illegal Immigration
The Future of the Problem
The New Malthusian Viewpoint
The Anti-Malthusian Viewpoint
The Long-Term Anti-Malthusian Viewpoint
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 13: The Environmental Crisis
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
Environmental Destruction in the Past: The Myth of the Noble Savage
The Tragedy of the Commons
The Scope of the Problem
"Everything is Connected to Everything Else"
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Research Findings
Air Pollution
Land Pollution
Water Pollution
Chemical Pollution
Nuclear Pollution
Food Pollution
Pollution in the Industrializing Nations
Getting the Other Side
Of Special Concern: The Tropical Rain Forests
Energy and Resources
Reconciling the Positions
Social Policy
Oppositional Viewpoints and Overarching Solutions
Pollution
Energy
Moral Issues in a Global Age
The Future of the Problem
Energy
Pollution
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 14: War, Terrorism, and the Balance of Power
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
Why is War Common?
Why Do Some Groups Choose War?
The Scope of the Problem
War in the History of the West
Measuring War in Terms of Deaths
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
The Military Machine Today
Research Findings
What Reduces War?
The Costs of War
The Military-Industrial Complex
The Possibility of Accidental War
Biological and Chemical Warfare
Terrorism
Social Policy
Political Terrorism
Nuclear Warfare and the Elusive Path to Peace
The Future of the Problem
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
1.) BRIEF
2.) COMPREHENSIVE
BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Chapter 1: How Sociologists View Social Problems: The Abortion Dilemma
Chapter 2: Interpreting Social Problems: Aging
Chapter 3: Sexual Social Problems
Chapter 4: Alcohol and Other Drugs
Chapter 5: Violence in Society: Rape and Murder
Chapter 6: Crime and Criminal Justice
Chapter 7: Economic Problems: Wealth and Poverty
Chapter 8: Racial-Ethnic Relations
Chapter 9: Inequalities of Gender and Sexual Orientation
Chapter 10: Medical Care: Physical and Mental Illness
Chapter 11: The Changing Family
Chapter 12: Urbanization and Population Issues
Chapter 13: The Environmental Crisis
Chapter 14: War, Terrorism, and the Balance of Power
COMPREHENSIVE TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Chapter 1: How Sociologists View Social Problems: The Abortion Dilemma
The Sociological Imagination
What Is the Sociological Imagination?
What Is a Social Problem?
The Characteristics of Social Problems
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 an Official Response
The Third Stage: Reacting to the Official Response
The Fourth Stage: Developing Alternative Strategies
The Role of Sociology in Social Problems
Sociology as a Tool for Breaking Through Emotions and Defenses
Sociology and Common Sense
Methods for Studying Social Problems
Should Sociologists Take Sides
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 2: Interpreting Social Problems: Aging
Sociological Theories and Social Problems
Functionalism and Social Problems
Introducing Functionalism
The Development of Functionalism
Applying Functionalism to Social Problems
Functionalism and Social Problems: A Summary
Conflict Theory and Social Problems
Introducing Conflict Theory
The Development of Conflict Theory
Applying Conflict Theory to Social Problems
Conflict Theory and Social Problems: A Summary
Introducing Feminist Theory
The Development of Feminist Theory
Applying Feminist Theory to Social Problems
Symbolic Interactionism and Social Problems
Introducing Symbolic Interactionism
The Development of Symbolic Interactionism
Applying Symbolic Interactionism to Social Problems
Symbolic Interactionism and Social Problems: A Summary
The Future of the Problem: The Pendulum Swings
Changing Objective Conditions and Subjective Concerns
The Emerging Struggle
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Key Terms
Thinking Critically About Chapter 2
By the Numbers
Chapter 3: Social Problems Related to Sexual Behavior
Objective Conditions and Subjective Concerns
Prostitution
Background: Getting the Larger Picture
Prostitution Viewed Theoretically: Applying Functionalism
Research on Prostitution
Pornography
Background: Getting the Larger Picture
Pornography Viewed Theoretically: Applying Symbolic Interactionism
Controversy and Research on Pornography
Social Policy
The Question of Making Consensual Behavior Illegal
Alternatives to Making Consensual Behavior Illegal
The Future of the Problem
Prostitution and the Future
Pornography and the Future
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 4: Alcohol and Other Drugs
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
Background of the Problem
Attempts to Deal with the Problem
The Scope of the Problem
The Social Problem and the Pro-Drug Orientation of U.S. Society
Drug Abuse as Personal or Social Problem
Addiction and Dependence
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Research Findings: The Use and Abuse of Drugs
Medicalizing Human Problems
Illegal Drug Use by Students
The Effects of Drugs
Research Findings: The Recreational Mood Elevators
Alcohol
Nicotine
Research Findings: The Hallucinogens
LSD
Peyote and Mescaline
Psilocybin
PCP
Ecstasy
Research Findings: The Amphetamines, Barbiturates, and Heroin
Amphetamines
Barbiturates
Heroin
Research Findings: Narcotics, Crime, and the Law
Social Policy
The Dilemmas of Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 5: Violence in Society: Rape and Murder
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Sociological Perspective on Violence
The Scope of the Problem
What Makes Violence a Social Problem?
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Nonsociological Theories
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Research Findings
Rape
The Natural History of Rape as a Social Problem
The Social Patterns of Rape
Profiling the Rapist
Reactions to Rape
Murder
The Social Patterns of Murder
Explaining Social Patterns
Social Policy
Global Concerns: Preventing Violence
The Future of the Problem
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 6: Crime and Criminal Justice
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Crime as a Social Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Types of Crime
Juvenile Delinquency
White-Collar Crime
Professional and Organized Crime
Political Crime
The Criminal Justice System
The Criminal Justice System as a Social Problem
The Sting of Justice
Bias in the Criminal Justice System
The Death Penalty
The Prison Experience
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 7: Economic Problems: Wealth and Poverty
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
Economic Systems and Changes
Economic Problems Facing the United States
The Nature of Poverty
The Scope of the Problem
Subjective Concerns and Objective Conditions
The Situation Today
Social Inequality
Distribution of Income and Wealth
The Impact of Poverty
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Changing Meanings of Poverty
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Summary of Theoretical Approaches
Research Findings
Who Are the Poor?
Is There a Culture of Poverty?
Who Rules America?
Inequality and Global Power
Social Policy
Historical Changes in Social Policy
Progressive Taxation
Public Assistance Programs
The Feminization of Poverty
Private Agencies and Volunteer Organizations
The Purpose of Helping the Poor
Providing Jobs
Education Accounts
Giving the Poor More Money
The Future of the Problem
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 8: Racial-Ethnic Relations
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
What Is the Problem?
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Summary of Theoretical Approaches
Research Findings
Native Americans
Latinos (Hispanics)
African Americans
Asian Americans
Social Policy
Encouraging Cultural Pluralism
Preventing Discrimination
The Dilemma of Affirmative Action
Principles for Improving Relations
The Future of the Problem
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 9: Inequalities of Gender and Sexual Orientation
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Research Findings
Are There Natural Differences Between the Sexes?
Everyday Life
Education
The Mass Media
The World of Politics
The World of Work
Why Is Our Workforce Segregated by Sex?
Sexual Harassment
Homosexuality
Background: Getting the Larger Picture
Homosexuality Viewed Theoretically: Applying Conflict Theory
Research on Homosexuality
Homosexuality and the Future
Violence Against Women
Social Policy
Irreconcilable Ideologies
The Future of the Problem
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 10: Medical Care: Physical and Mental Illness
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
The Social Nature of Health and Illness
The Social Organization of Medicine as a Source of Problems
The Scope of the Problem
Physical Illness as a Social Problem
Mental Illness as a Social Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Research Findings
An Overview of Physical Health Problems
How Disease is Related to Behavior and Environment: The Case of HIV/AIDS
Social Inequalities in Physical Illness
Social Inequalities in Mental Illness
Social Policy
Being Paid to Stay Healthy
Prepaid Medical Care: The Example of Managed Care
Physician Assistants
Training Physicians
Domiciliary Care
Preventive Medicine
Humanizing Health Care
Self-Care Groups
The Future of the Problem
Technology
Redirecting Medicine
The Potential
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 11: The Changing Family
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
Effects of the Industrial Revolution on the Family
The Scope of the Problem
Divorce
One-Parent Families
Other Problems
Looking at the Problem Theoretically: Why is Divorce Common?
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict and Feminist Theory
Research Findings
Cohabitation and the Marrying at a Later Age
Child-Free Couples
The Mythical Child
Family Violence
Sexual Abuse in the Family
Old Age and Widowhood
The Death of the Family?
Social Policy
The Future of the Problem
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 12: Urbanization and Population Issues
Urbanization Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Research Findings
Alienation in the City
Community in the City
The Decline of the Central City
Youth Gangs
Schools
Riots
The City in Change
The Megalopolis
Social Policy
Specific Programs
Educating the Poor
The Future of the Problem
Population in Sociological Perspective
The Scope of the Problem
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Research Findings
The New Malthusians
The Anti-Malthusians
Has the Population Explosion Peaked?
Problems in Forecasting Population Growth
Does the United States Have a Population Problem?
Social Policy
Exporting Western Agriculture
Policy Implications of the Anti-Malthusians
Policy Implications of the New Malthusians
Restructuring Global Markets
Illegal Immigration
The Future of the Problem
The New Malthusian Viewpoint
The Anti-Malthusian Viewpoint
The Long-Term Anti-Malthusian Viewpoint
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 13: The Environmental Crisis
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
Environmental Destruction in the Past: The Myth of the Noble Savage
The Tragedy of the Commons
The Scope of the Problem
"Everything is Connected to Everything Else"
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Research Findings
Air Pollution
Land Pollution
Water Pollution
Chemical Pollution
Nuclear Pollution
Food Pollution
Pollution in the Industrializing Nations
Getting the Other Side
Of Special Concern: The Tropical Rain Forests
Energy and Resources
Reconciling the Positions
Social Policy
Oppositional Viewpoints and Overarching Solutions
Pollution
Energy
Moral Issues in a Global Age
The Future of the Problem
Energy
Pollution
SUMMARY AND REVIEW
Chapter 14: War, Terrorism, and the Balance of Power
The Problem in Sociological Perspective
Why is War Common?
Why Do Some Groups Choose War?
The Scope of the Problem
War in the History of the West
Measuring War in Terms of Deaths
Looking at the Problem Theoretically
Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
The Military Machine Today
Research Findings
What Reduces War?
The Costs of War
The Military-Industrial Complex
The Possibility of Accidental War
Biological and Chemical Warfare
Terrorism
Social Policy
Political Terrorism
Nuclear Warfare and the Elusive Path to Peace
The Future of the Problem
SUMMARY AND REVIEW