The Sociological Perspective and Poverty, Essay Example

Social problems are defined as a condition or behavior that results in negative consequences for people, the social world or the physical world.  Social problems are commonly known as unemployment, drug and alcohol addiction, and diseases that can affect someone’s life or health. (Chapter 1) There is much debate about sociological problems in our society in regard to views from sociologists versus the popular culture.  According to sociologists, economic inequality is one of the most important social problems in the United States. In addition, a 2008 Pew Research Center Report analyzed results reported from Americans and indicated that most Americans do not feel that they are increasing in economic status. (Chapter 2)  However, popular culture tends to debate on numerous topics, such as health care plans, African AIDS issues, economy, homelessness and poverty, etc.  Most of the debate is based on individual opinions and life experiences and is not based on statistics or research.  (Chapter 1)

Professionals in the sociology field suggest that economic inequality is the major problem in our society. The inequality of money refers to the different amount of income and/or wealth between people. Income inequality has increased since the 1970s and continues to increase. In fact, in the year 2000, the income of Americans in the 90^th percentile increase 34%.  The increasing inequality can also results in consequences to societies, such as a growing distance between people in the social classes, as well as a decrease in the opportunities for individuals in the lower class versus the upper class.  (Chapter 3)  Although research clearly illustrates this problem, most Americans are unaware of the problem and tend to refer to the popular news, such as economy, health plans and diseases.  It is therefore important for people in our society to understand the relationship between personal experience and public issues in order to find ways to address the social problems at hand.  The author recommends the use of social imagination. Overall, it suggested that social imagination can provide a link between social issues and social solutions.

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Author Last Name, First Initial.  (year).  Name of Book.  Chapters.  Publisher.  Publisher City, State. Pages.