Social Problems: Readings with Four Questions

A unique and groundbreaking collection of 58 articles, organized in 13 thematic sections, that takes a structural/conflict approach yet lets the voices of those impacted by social problems be heard. The articles are a mix of classic and contemporary readings that cover a wide range of issues in the United States and the world. The introductory article, written by the author, focuses on four questions that students are urged to apply throughout the reader: What is the problem? What makes the problem a “social problem”? What causes the problem? What can be done? This Four Questions approach gives students a consistent sociological framework within which to analyze social problems. The articles have been painstakingly selected to hold student interest, highlight contemporary social problems, and help professors show students how to think sociologically about the social problems around us.