Identify Any Social Problem And Analyze It Using The Objecti

Identify Any Social Problem And Analyze It Using The Objective And Sub

Identify any social problem and analyze it using the objective and subjective criteria in the first chapter of your textbook. Why does it qualify as a "social problem" as defined within sociology? You should discuss the following points: What is the shared undesirable condition faced by people who have this problem? What must they face that other people don't have to? Who are the people (the social group) who have this problem? By whom is the problem recognized as a problem? Are there others who deny that it is a problem? Your submission should be a minimum of 700 words in length and should reflect consideration of course materials and previous lessons.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Social problems are issues that significantly affect a considerable number of individuals within a society and are perceived as undesirable or harmful. These issues often draw attention because of their widespread impact and the collective efforts to address them. In this essay, I choose homelessness as the social problem for analysis, applying the objective and subjective criteria outlined in the first chapter of the textbook to clarify its sociological classification.

The Objective Criteria of a Social Problem

The objective approach to social problems involves identifying conditions that are visibly observable and measurable, such as high prevalence, detrimental effects, or societal harm. Homelessness meets these objective criteria through statistical data indicating its widespread presence and tangible consequences. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on any given night, over half a million Americans experience homelessness (HUD, 2022). The severity of homelessness manifests in inadequate shelter, exposure to harsh weather, health deterioration, and increased mortality rates among homeless populations (Burt, 2021). Such conditions clearly demonstrate an undesirable societal state that warrants concern and action.

Furthermore, homelessness contributes to social costs such as increased healthcare expenses, law enforcement interventions, and a broader destabilization of community well-being. These measurable consequences reinforce its classification as an objective social problem. The physical and mental health issues faced by homeless individuals, including malnutrition, substance abuse, and untreated medical conditions, underscore the tangible harm stemming from this condition (Fitzpatrick et al., 2020).

The Subjective Criteria of a Social Problem

The subjective perspective considers societal perception and moral judgments about a condition. When homelessness is publicly recognized as a problem, it evokes concern, empathy, or sometimes indifference, depending on societal attitudes. The subjective criteria are satisfied because communities, policymakers, and social organizations perceive homelessness as a significant issue demanding intervention.

Public discourse often frames homelessness as a moral failing, a symptom of systemic inequality, or a combination of both. Media portrayals, advocacy campaigns, and government policies reflect societal recognition of homelessness as a problem requiring solutions. Conversely, some groups deny that homelessness constitutes an issue, citing personal responsibility or questioning the effectiveness of social welfare programs. Resistance to expanding affordable housing initiatives or funding for homeless shelters may indicate denial or minimization of the problem's severity.

This societal recognition influences policymaking and resource allocation. For example, city governments implement housing-first initiatives based on the perception that homelessness is a pressing issue needing immediate address. The moral and emotional reactions toward homelessness exemplify the subjective criteria that affirm its status as a social problem.

Why Homelessness Qualifies as a Social Problem

Homelessness qualifies as a social problem according to the sociological definition because it involves conditions that are shared, undesirable, and recognized as problematic by society. It disrupts individuals' ability to secure basic needs such as shelter, health, and safety, which are fundamental for functioning within society. The problem is not solely individual but is rooted in structural issues like economic inequality, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate social safety nets (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2021).

Moreover, homelessness exemplifies how societal factors extend beyond personal shortcomings, highlighting systemic failures that perpetuate the problem. The acknowledgment and societal response to homelessness further cement its status as a true social problem as defined by sociologists.

Finally, the debate over whether homelessness is a problem or an individual failure reflects social perceptions and moral judgments, reinforcing its sociological status as a social problem. Recognizing homelessness as a societal issue rather than merely an individual problem underscores the necessity for collective intervention and policy change.

Conclusion

In summary, homelessness meets both the objective and subjective criteria for being classified as a social problem within sociology. The objective criteria illustrate its widespread prevalence and tangible consequences, while societal perceptions affirm its problematic nature. Understanding homelessness as a social problem emphasizes the importance of structural solutions and collective responsibility for addressing such pressing societal issues.

References

• Burt, M. (2021). The health impacts of homelessness. American Journal of Public Health, 111(3), 405-410.
• Fitzpatrick, K. M., et al. (2020). Mental health and homelessness: An overview. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 55(1), 123-132.
• HUD. (2022). The 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• National Coalition for the Homeless. (2021). Homelessness factsheet. NCH.
• Lee, M. A., et al. (2018). Systemic causes of homelessness: A social-structural perspective. Social Science & Medicine, 210, 86-93.
• The Marshall Project. (2020). How homelessness is shaped by structural inequality. The Marshall Project.
• Padgett, D. K. (2019). Housing First: Addressing homelessness in the United States. Health & Social Work, 44(3), 188-194.
• Cain, D. (2019). Social perceptions of homelessness. Journal of Sociology, 55(4), 585-602.
• Fitzpatrick, K., et al. (2020). Addressing health disparities among the homeless. Journal of Public Health Policy, 41(2), 151-164.
• Henwood, B. F., et al. (2017). Systemic barriers to ending homelessness. Housing Policy Debate, 27(4), 580-597.