60 likes | 223 Views
Perspectives on Social Problems. Functionalist approach. Institutions serve needs of society Social problems: failure in functioning of individuals and institutions Sources of problems Failure of socialization Lack of consensus Mismatch between institutions and current needs of society.
E N D
Functionalist approach • Institutions serve needs of society • Social problems: failure in functioning of individuals and institutions • Sources of problems • Failure of socialization • Lack of consensus • Mismatch between institutions and current needs of society
Conflict approach • Different groups have different values and interests • Definition and response depends on power of different groups
Implications for policy • Functionalist: should try to bring institutions, individuals, and values into alignment • Focus on one problem at a time, possibility of improving conditions for all • Conflict: should try to advance the interest of oppressed groups • Focus on changing the underlying distribution of power; problems seen as connected; gain for some groups will be loss for others
Interactionist Focus on definition of social problems • Role of the media and social movements • What gets media attention • Events more than processes • Promoted by social movements or organizations • “Waves” of attention