Framing Social Problems 2 & 3

Framing Social ProblemsAn introduction to a theoretical framework for the analysis of social problems 2

Different theoretical perspectives for approaching social problems

A perspective influences how you:

Approaches Levels of analysis of social problemsSociological paradigms:Structural functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, feminist theory, queer theory, social constructionism, critical constructionismNormative paradigmsHuman-rights, basic needs, human development and capability approachSocial movementsChanging social structures

Levels of Analysis of Social Problems

Level of analysis:Level of social life where social problems are manifestedObjective and subjective analysis of the construction of social problemsMacro and micro level of society

Level of social lifeSocial problems are manifested at multiple levels of social life. The factors that cause, facilitate, and help to perpetuate social problems are found at the following levels:Individual (e.g. attitudes) Group (e.g. ideologies of terrorist groups, segregation, stereotyping social groups)Societal (e.g. the government, the community)Global (e.g. climate, globalization of economy)The multiple-level factors: in interaction with each other

objective vs. subjective analysis of SP’s

Macro vs. micro analysisSocial structuresindividual

Micro and Macro level analysisThe different sociological perspectives are like the photographers' lenses, allowing different ways of looking at a common subject (Newman, 2000):For the analysis of Social Problems you can take:a Micro sociological lens: zoom lensa Macro sociological lens: wide-angle lensor any number of perspectives located on the continuum between the two

Macro and Micro level analysis:The micro perspective assumes that society’s larger structures are shaped through individual interactions; while,The macro perspective assumes that society’s larger structures shape those individual interactions and individual lives.Think of these perspectives as being on a continuum

Structural functionalismLevel of analysis: macroAssumption about society: orderSociety is held together by a set of social institutions, each of which has a specific function in society (an integrated system). This perspective focuses on social systems and the way in which their independent parts maintain order, bound together by shared values and norms. How the theory might explain social problems:Problems arise out of social disorganization, a state in which consensus about norms has broken down.

Structural functionalism questionsHow does the problem reflect changes among social institutions and structures?What are the functions and dysfunctions of the problem?

Conflict theoryLevel of analysis: macroAssumption about society: conflictSociety is held together by power and coercion. Conflict and inequality are inherent in the social structure. This perspective focuses on contradictory interests of groups, in equalities in society and the resulting conflict and change.How the theory might explain social problems:Problems are the result of dominance over, and exploitation of, some groups by others.

Conflict theory questions:How does the problem originate from the competition between social groups and from the social structure itself?What groups are in competition and why?

Symbolic interactionismLevel of analysis: microAssumption about society: Society is created through social interaction. This perspective focuses on the interaction between individuals, the importance of knowing individuals perspectives to understand their behavior, and the ways in which social life is constructed through interaction.How the theory might explain social problems:A situation or form of behavior becomes a problem when people define it as such

Symbolic interactionism questions:How is the problem socially constructed and defined?How is the problem behavior learned through interaction?How is the problem labeled by those concerned about it?

Defining social problems in terms of the 3 paradigms:a social problem: is a condition or pattern of behavior that:contradicts some other condition or pattern of behavior and is defined as incompatible with the desired quality of lifeis caused, facilitated, or prolonged by factors that operate at multiple levels of social lifeinvolves intergroup conflict andrequires social action to be resolved

Interaction between these factors:

Feminist TheoryIs a theoretical approach that looks at gender inequalities in society and the way that gender structures the social worldMacro and Micro analysisConflict theory, social constructionism, symbolic interactionism, structural-functionalism and critical constructionism and other normative approaches

Queer Theory A perspective that proposes that categories of sexual identity are social constructs and no sexual category is fundamentally either deviant or normalWe create these meanings socially (which means we can change those meanings as wellQuestions the basis of all social categories, including but not limited to those involving sexuality

Macro and micro level of analysis of social problemsHas elements of conflict theory, social constructionism, post-modernism and symbolic interactionism

Questions‘subjective’ SP’sWhy are some seemingly harmful phenomena considered social problems and not other seemingly harmful phenomena?Why do some social problems get more attention that other social problems?

Social ConstructionismIs concerned with how the meanings of social problems are constructed and examines these processesWhy and How is a problem defined as a social problem? and by Whom, What processes are going on here?

Problem construction involves the following process:

Social ConstructionismSC suggests that the degree to which a social problem is perceived as problematic, as well as the kind of problem it is understood to be, is a function of social interactionSocial problems aren’t immediately obvious, but need to be interpreted and presented to us. Some people have more power to deliver a message to the public than others.

We define this as asocial problem

Critical constructionismIt is a synthesis of conflict theory and symbolic interactionism, it tries to answer the question posed:Why are some seemingly harmful phenomena considered social problems and not other seemingly harmful phenomena?Why do some social problems get more attention that other social problems?Differs from social constructionism only in that it emphasizes the role of elite interests in the process of problem construction

Who are the ‘elite’ according to critical constructionists?

(Corporate/political) networks of interests

Recap: Critical constructionists are critical on the role of these factors in constructing SP:Elite groups that can shape policies and public domainThe mediaCapitalism rationaleCorporation networks of interestsHomogenization of (American lifestyle) culture

Framing Social ProblemsAn introduction to a theoretical framework for the analysis of social problems 3

Normative approaches to social problemsThese are more normative frameworks for the approach of social problems. These approaches have an ideal as objective (Utopia? Universalism?). They want to catalyze social change. They have a strong emphasis on human development, quality of life, sustainability and equality for all, Advocacy, activism, influence on policies, they want to change the social structure that reproduces social inequality

Normative frameworks:Human-Rights based approachedBasic Needs ApproachHuman Development and Capability Approach (HDCA)

Human right as a claim to a fundamental benefit that should be enjoyed universally by all people everywhere on the basis of equality and non-discriminationViolation of human rights is considered a social problem.

5 underlying human rights principles:universality: they apply to all people everywhere by virtue of their humanityEquality: the benefits of human rights should be enjoyed on the basis of equality and non-discriminationInalienability: human rights cannot be transferred or taken awayIndivisibility: civil, political, economic and social rights are indivisible: one cannot give priority to one over the othersInterdependence: economic, social, civil and political rights are deeply interdependent.

The Basic needs approachIncomes + public services + participationThe basic needs approach is a reminder that the objective of development is to provide human beings with the opportunity for a full lifeSocial problems are identified in terms of absence of basic needs, like: income, education, health etc.

Human Development and Capability Approach (HDCA)I refer to sheets of unit 2 an unit 3 of GE 6 (The future of development) for an elaborated presentation of the HDCACapabilities, Functionings, Agency and Freedom

Human Rights, basic needs and human development are complementary and reinforce each otherHuman rights express the bold idea that all people have claims to social arrangements that protect them from the worst abuses and deprivations-and that secure the freedom for a life of dignity. (“basic needs”)Human development in turn, is a process of enhancing human capabilities- to expand choices and opportunities so that each person can lead a life of respect and value. When human development and human rights advance together, they reinforce one another- expanding people’s capabilities and protecting their rights and fundamental freedoms. (UNDP, 2000, p2)

Social movementsIs an organized effort by a large number of people to bring about or impede social change. Defined in this way, social movements might sound similar to special-interest groups, and they do have some things in common. But a major difference between social movements and special-interest groups lies in the nature of their actions. Special-interest groups normally work within the system via conventional political activities such as lobbying and election campaigning. In contrast, social movements often work outside the system by engaging in various kinds of protest, including demonstrations, picket lines, sit-ins, and sometimes outright violence.

The major types of social movementsreform movements, revolutionary movements, reactionary movements, self-help movements, religious movements.

Through movements/activism individuals collectively try to change social structures

Micro and Macro influences that influence the rise of social movementsA key micro factor is social attachment, as social movement participants tend to have friendships and organizational ties that “pull” them into movements and promote their continued participation in a movement. Macro factors include certain social, economic, and political conditions in the larger social environment that generate interest in joining a movement and/or weaken the government as it attempts to deal with a social movement.

Social movements in ArubaHistory of social movementsFuture of social movements

Framing Social Problems 2 & 3

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