Seeing Social Problems

Reviews / Votes

"Seeing Social Problems, second edition is major and welcome contribution to understanding and teaching about timely and divisive issues in contemporary society. Silver draws on diverse literatures; skillfully integrates concepts and data; offers a direct and engaging writing style and a recurring arc in each chapter, from "first impressions" to dominant framings of issues in culture and media, toward a more comprehensive and constructive array of policy options. A superb source for students, teachers, and researchers." -- Chris Wellin, Illinois State University Ira Silver's Seeing Social Problems?is defined by distinctive, memorable chapter topics that address social problems which students are actively interested in. Those chapters are written in an eminently approachable manner that encourages students new to sociology to be inquisitive, reflecting on both what they knew and what they learn. -- Mike Ohsfeldt, Tarleton State University Ira Silver has produced a timely and highly effective resource for developing the skills needed to grasp the importance of differing viewpoints and for demonstrating how they shape the ways we address social problems. The clear writing, impactful learning objectives, and relatable content set this text apart from all others. -- David N. Pellow, UC Santa Barbara "Seeing Social Problems, second edition presents qualitative and quantitative evidence to show that hot-button issues such as the environment, drugs, and immigration are more complicated than often thought. It also shows that policy responses to social problems are vastly different when you view them through a sociological rather than individual perspective." -- Elizabeth Clifford, Towson University Beautifully written in the language of compassionate mentorship, Ira Silver's text delivers on its promise of engaging approaches to current social issues. Ira reminds us that "seeing is something we do with our minds," a quintessential sociological insight that will pull students in. He passionately encourages students to learn by experiencing, and by keeping an open mind; which also reminds us, instructors, that if you don't enjoy the class, neither will students! -- Lilian Bobea, Fitchburg State University Seeing Social Problems is an essential tool for understanding the pivotal societal issues that both separate and bring humanity together in the modern world. This book effectively bridges sophisticated sociological theory with practical, real-life examples, making it highly relevant and accessible to new learners in sociology. This book is perfect for readers who want to understand how our day-to-day lives are impacted by the history of society and the contemporary systems in which we operate. -- Victor M. Rios, University of California, Santa Barbara Ira Silver's outstanding Seeing Social Problems is exactly what we need. Everyday our lives intersect with insecurities, violence and fear, and technology overload. Silver's lively approach demonstrates how we can employ Sociology to understand not only why we tolerate these problems and their societal consequences, but why we sustain hope. -- Brian Gran, Case Western University