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The Social Problems Process. Who defines something as a social problem? Claims Claimsmakers What do they (try to) do about it? How does it “spread?” How does it impact those affected?. Stages of a Social Problem. Transformation process Turning a personal problem in to a social problem
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The Social Problems Process • Who defines something as a social problem? • Claims • Claimsmakers • What do they (try to) do about it? • How does it “spread?” • How does it impact those affected?
Stages of a Social Problem • Transformation process • Turning a personal problem in to a social problem • Legitimization process • Formalizing how to handle the social problem
Stages of a Social Problem • Conflict stage • Occurs when the formal response system is seen as a failure in the amelioration of a social problem. • Outside the system, or change the system? • When stakeholders feels they can no longer work within the system
The importance of Critical Thinking • Making arguments • Issues and Conclusions • Reasons and Evidence • Stated and Unstated Assumptions • Fallacies of logic
Social Class • Karl Marx’s view: • Max Weber’s view: • Our working definition:
Social Class • The four most commonly used criteria to measure class: • Other ways we measure class?
From Class to Inequality • Social Mobility • Quote, page 14 • Two causes of the drop in mobility
Inequality • The “health” of a society is also a social construction! • …based on economics
How much do they have, anyway? Ask the GINI !
Inequality • Capitalism vs. Socialism • What socialism is not • Examples of US Policies that could be defined as socialist:
Have you seen this man? • Is this man a socialist?
Inequality • Democracy DOES NOT EQUAL Freedom • Is there a difference economically between Republicans and Democrats? • The Capitalist Party System of America! • Did you know your political freedom was limited? • Our laws favor corporations and the wealthy
Inequality • Income inequality vs. Wealth inequality • Tolerated because we all think we can become wealthy • How the economy has become the dominant institution in America.
What the research shows • Hard to become rich, easier to stay rich • It takes 2 adults to provide the same standard of living one could in the 1980s • Technology increases inequality
Inequality • As a way to discriminate • Social Stratification • Prejudice and Discrimination
Class to Inequality • Rising inequality and class differences has led to negative changes in:
Poverty • Defined • Absolute vs. Relative Poverty • Evaluate levels in terms of the standard of living