Social Problems: An Introduction to Critical Constructionism - Softcover

Heiner, Robert

Softcover

ISBN 10: 019512992X ISBN 13: 9780195129922

Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc, 2001

Synopsis

Why do certain problems and not others capture the public's attention at some times and not at others? Research indicates that there is frequently little or no correlation between the intensity of public concern and the seriousness of the social problem concerned. Certain interest groups have the power to draw the public's attention toward certain problems and away from others. This book provides a paradigm for thinking critically about social problem construction and about how many popular constructions benefit powerful interests at the expense of society's interest. Unlike most standard social problem texts, "Social Problems" examines a single theoretical paradigm in depth and demonstrates how theory can be used to understand a breadth of real world phenomena, including problems relating to inequality, the family, crime, and the environment. A much-needed cross-cultural emphasis is used to illustrate the range of possibilities in which social problems and their solutions can be conceived. Special attention is given to the role of the media and of corporate interest in problem construction and to the effects of globalization.

About this title

Review

"Social Problems is simple for students to understand; however, it is also a thorough introduction to social problems and to studying inequality. It includes great examples of social problems that students can relate to and provides both an interesting and informative read to anyone picking up the book."--Leslie-Dawn Quick, Old Dominion University

"Instead of giving students the standard survey of various theories, Social Problems allows them to attain a firm grasp of critical constructionism and its application toward studying the social world."--Sean Currie, University of South Florida

"From the opening words, I found the book to be exciting, vibrant, and engaging. As I was reading, I found that I could not put the book down. I have NEVER had that experience with any other textbook. I have previously used 'standard' social problems texts for the course, and would characterize Heiner's book as different from (and superior to) those so-called standard texts. He has managed to skillfully and successfully integrate a variety of material into the current configuration of chapters. I will absolutely adopt this new edition."--Kathy Zawicki, St. Bonaventure University

"Social Problems is simple for students to understand; however, it is also a thorough introduction to social problems and to studying inequality. It includes great examples of social problems that students can relate to and provides both an interesting and informative read to anyone picking up the book."--Leslie-Dawn Quick, Old Dominion University

"Instead of giving students the standard survey of various theories, Social Problems allows them to attain a firm grasp of critical constructionism and its application toward studying the social world."--Sean Currie, University of South Florida

"From the opening words, I found the book to be exciting, vibrant, and engaging. As I was reading, I found that I could not put the book down. I have NEVER had that experience with any other textbook. I have previously used 'standard' social problems texts for the course, and would characterize Heiner's book as different from (and superior to) those so-called standard texts. He has managed to skillfully and successfully integrate a variety of material into the current configuration of chapters. I will absolutely adopt this new edition."--Kathy Zawicki, St. Bonaventure University

About the Author

Robert Heiner is Professor of Sociology at Plymouth State University. He is the editor of Deviance Across Cultures: Constructions of Difference, Second Edition (OUP, 2013) and Conflicting Interests: Readings in Social Problems and Inequality (OUP, 2009).

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 019512992X
• ISBN 13: 9780195129922
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224