16 Social Problems: Choosing a Topic

Dr. Karen Palmer

What is a Social Problem?

“A social problem is any condition or behavior that has negative consequences for large numbers of people and that is generally recognized as a condition or behavior that needs to be addressed.”

  • The definition of a social problem has both an objective component and a subjective component. The objective component involves empirical evidence of the negative consequences of a social condition or behavior, while the subjective component involves the perception that the condition or behavior is indeed a problem that needs to be addressed.
  • The social constructionist view emphasizes that a condition or behavior does not become a social problem unless there is a perception that it should be considered a social problem.
  • The natural history of a social problem consists of four stages: emergence and claims making, legitimacy, renewed claims making, and alternative strategies.

What is Social Problem Solving? 

Social problem solving occurs when an individual or an organization attempts to solve a social problem. This process has several steps:

  1. Recognize that there is a problem.
  2. Define the problem.
  3. Brainstorm solutions to the problem.
  4. Choose a method to solve the problem.
  5. Implement the method chosen.
  6. Assess the outcome.
  7. Repeat, if necessary until the problem is solved.

(Paraphrased from “Teaching Students to Solve Social Problems ” from the UF College of Education)

In the following video, Rosanne Haggerty’s discussion on how to solve a social problem echoes this process:

Ways to Solve Social Problems

There are three primary ways that our society attempts to solve social problems.

  • Government: Many government programs have been created to solve social problems. Programs like FDR’s New Deal, food stamps, medicare, welfare, and more are all examples of the government trying to solve a social problem. These programs are paid for by tax dollars and are run by government agencies.

  • Non-Profit organizations: Non-profit organizations are generally founded by individuals who see a need in their communities and decide to do something about it. They rely on volunteers and donations to help them enact their solutions.
  • Business: While business as a solution to a social problem might seem odd to some, many businesses are changing the world and making a profit at the same time. Because they do not rely on donations or volunteer work, some believe that business could be a better way to approach some social problems.
    • Michael Porter “The Case for Letting Business Solve Social Problems”

Choosing a Topic

There are many times in life when we must explore our options. Whether we are choosing what vehicle to purchase, what school to go to, or which person to hire for a position, we have to think through all the options and through our own biases so we can make an objective decision.

For this assignment, you’re going to be exploring ideas for your final argument paper. Choose a non-profit organization–an organization whose goal is to help others and/or make the world a better place. You may choose an organization you already support, one that you want to learn more about, or one that serves a cause you care about.

Your first step is to identify a social problem that is important to you. Remember back when you wrote about your Why? If you had all the money in the world, what problem would you solve? Who would you give money to? Once you choose a social problem that is personally meaningful to you, do some research to see what non-profits are currently working to solve that problem. Choose one that you think is doing the best job or whose philosophy and approach line up with your own values. It is also particularly valuable if you choose an organization that directly impacts the community in which you live.

Some ideas include…
MADD, Homeless shelter/food bank, Animal shelter, YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, A school, Make a wish, or a Military support organization.
You might even choose a small group, like the NBWCC (New Braunfel’s Women’s Chamber of Commerce), a women’s networking group that works to raise money for scholarships.
Note: Be sure that your topic focuses on a way to help others, not a political viewpoint. The point here is to study a non-profit that is personally meaningful to you and that is trying to solve a significant social problem, not to trigger debate or highlight personal political views.

Your job this week is to explore your feelings about this cause/organization. Think through why this is important to you–and why it might be important to your classmates.

Exploratory Essay

Write a short, 1-2 page paper exploring your ideas on the organization/cause you chose this week. Tell readers what organization you chose and what cause the organization supports. Explain why you chose this organization/cause. What do you believe to be true about this topic? Consider what in your background, education, history, family, friendships, upbringing, and work experience has helped you come to the conclusions you have reached about the topic. Why do you believe what you do?

 

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Social Problems: Choosing a Topic Copyright © 2024 by Dr. Karen Palmer is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.