Introduction to Social Problems

The study of social problems is a major theme in undergraduate programmes in social policy, sociology and professional courses in health and social care. It also forms a key element of assessment in many applied social studies programmes. Understanding Social Problems looks at the key social problems confronting contemporary society, ranging from child poverty and divorce to community safety and drug abuse. Each chapter is written by an expert in that particular field. Contributors examine how social problems have been conceptualized within sociology and social policy and the varying approaches of policy analysts. The book includes substantive studies of current and emerging issues and explores the role of the media in the presentation and discussion of social problems and policy responses. It also highlights the links between the analysis of social problems and policy formation. Accessible, student-friendly, and with a range of helpful pedagogical tools, Understanding Social Problems fills an important gap in the textbook literature.

ISBN 0631220305   Pages 344 ISBN13 9780631220305 (What's this?)   Volumes 1 Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd   Weight (grammes) 570 Imprint Blackwell Publishers   Published in Oxford Format Paperback   Height (mm) 243 Publication date 01 Jan 2001   Width (mm) 174 Library of Congress 00009971   Spine width (mm) 18 DEWEY 361   Academic level Undergraduate, Professional / Scholarly, Postgraduate DEWEY edition DC21

		List of Figures
		List of Tables
		About the Contributors
		Guide to the Book
		Social Problems in Social Policy: An Introduction by Margaret May and Robert Page and Edward Brunsdon
Pt. 1		Studying Social Problems		1
1		Social Problems: Sociological Perspectives by John Clarke		3
2		The Exploration of Social Problems in the Field of Social Policy by Robert Page		16
Pt. 2		Social Policy, Social Problems		31
		The Family		35
3		Family Change and Lone Parents as a Social Problem by Jane Lewis		37
4		Caring and Dependency: Age and Disability by John Baldock		55
5		Domestic Violence by Lorraine Radford		70
		Poverty and Social Exclusion		85
6		The Changing Face of Poverty by David Donnison		87
7		Child Poverty and the Policy Response by Karen Rowlingson		107
8		Homelessness by Mark Liddiard		118
9		Income and Wealth by Paul Spicker		130
		Health		147
10		Health Inequalities by Helen Jones		149
11		Mental Disorder by Pauline Prior		163
12		Problematic Identities and Health by David Kelleher		175
		Community Problems		185
13		The Problematic Community by Susanne MacGregor		187
14		Safe and Sound? Crime, Disorder and Community Safety Policies by Dee Cook		205
		More...

"This is an excellent introduction to the study of social problems covering a wide range of contemporary issues utilizing theoretical perspectives and empirical data. The accessible student-friendly format will make this book of great value for students across the social sciences." Dr Michael Cahill, University of Brighton "This book is a most useful addition to the literature available to students" Professor Michael Hill, Goldsmith's College, University of London. "This new essay collection makes a distinctive contribution to the literature of British social policy...Justice cannot otherwise be done to 20 essays in a brief review but, taken together, they add up to an excellent volume." Community Care "Students...will find much to engage and encourage them in this book." Lester Parrott, North East Wales Institute.

 Be the first to write a customer review