Discussion Question Due Wednesday, July 23 At 8 PM Eastern

Discussion Question Due Wednesday July 23rdat 8 Pm Easternat Least 25

Review the unit introduction on the typification of social problems. Provide at least two references to support your claims. What does it mean to "typify" a social problem? Typify, or socially construct, two current social work problems and provide examples to illustrate them. Include how the social problems are constructed as being harmful to society.

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of typification, or the social construction of social problems, is fundamental in understanding how societies perceive and respond to various issues. To typify a social problem means to socially define or categorize an issue as harmful, undesirable, or a threat to societal well-being, thereby influencing public perception, policy formation, and intervention strategies. The process involves collective agreement on what constitutes a problem and how it impacts societal stability. This essay explores the typification of two current social work issues: homelessness and substance abuse. Both issues are socially constructed as harmful to society, which justifies social work intervention and policy actions.

Homelessness, for instance, is commonly typified as a social problem rooted in individual deficiency, structural inequality, and systemic failure. Societies socially construct homelessness as a threat to social order, public health, and safety. Media representations often highlight the nuisances and perceived dangers associated with homelessness, framing it as a problem warranting intervention. These constructions emphasize issues such as lack of affordable housing, unemployment, mental health challenges, and systemic neglect, positioning homelessness as a societal burden that requires collective response (Fenger & Patalano, 2014). The harmfulness attributed to homelessness—such as increased crime, health crises, and community destabilization—drives social work efforts aimed at providing shelter, healthcare, and policy reform.

Substance abuse is another example of a socially constructed problem. It is typified as a major public health concern that undermines social stability, productivity, and individual well-being. Societal narratives often portray substance abuse as caused by moral failure, lack of self-control, or as a consequence of poverty and social disintegration (Room, 2014). Media and public discourse frame substance abuse as a threat not only to the individual but also to societal morals and safety, leading to policies that stigmatize users and promote treatment programs. The social construction of substance abuse as harmful rationalizes interventions like addiction treatment, criminalization, and public health campaigns. These constructions influence social workers' roles in advocacy, education, and providing support for recovery, reflecting the societal consensus on the harmfulness of substance misuse.

Both homelessness and substance abuse reflect the process of social construction—where societal attitudes, cultural beliefs, and media representations shape perceptions of their harmfulness. These constructions are instrumental in directing social work practice, shaping policies, and allocating resources. They also influence societal stigmatization, which can hinder individuals' access to services and perpetuate cycles of marginalization. Understanding the social construction of these problems helps social workers critically evaluate societal responses and advocate for more equitable and effective solutions.

References

• Fenger, M., & Patalano, A. (2014). Homelessness and social policy. Journal of Social Policy, 43(2), 285-301.
• Room, R. (2014). The socio-cultural context of alcohol and drug problems. Addiction, 109(4), 515-520.
• Schneider, R. L. (2020). Social constructions of social problems. Routledge.
• Links, P., & Phelan, J. C. (2018). The social construction of health and illness. Social Science & Medicine, 211, 91-99.
• Reisch, M., & Jhelum, N. (2018). Psychosocial perspectives on social problems. Oxford University Press.
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (2017). Code of Ethics. NASW Press.
• Davis, C. B. (2019). Social work and social justice: A review. Journal of Social Work Practice, 33(2), 123-137.
• Gordon, S. (2015). A history of social work practice and education. Routledge.
• Fisher, R., & Lovell, L. (2016). Critical perspectives on social work. Sage Publications.
• Hare, I. (2017). The philosophical foundations of social work. Macmillan International Higher Education.