Sociology 150gm - Final take-home Paper Social problems

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Sociology 150gm Final take-home Paper
Social problems may be defined as conditions that damage social systems such as crime and racism. These must be critically evaluated in the view of the society and social experts so as to ascertain the problem (Best, 31). The process of defining a social problem is very crucial since it explains why and how individuals understand the condition is to be described as a social problem; this process is known as constructionist. This paper tackles the misunderstandings about social issues and discusses how these misunderstandings have shaped the public perception about these three issues, and how such perceptions have shaped attempts to create social change. It also focuses on the issue of policy developed and changed to create a positive impact.
The process of social problem starts with a claimmaker who will complain of a certain condition so that it can be recognized as a problem; the individual must state the claims as to why the problem is to recognized and addressed (Best, 33). Additionally, other people will then respond to the claim and rework it; the media then constructs and reconstructs the problem followed by the general public and policy makers. A policy developed by the policy makers is then implemented by the social workers dealing with the issues identified. The policy is then evaluated to view the policy outcomes and tackle the issue effectively (Best, 205).
The issue of drug and substance abuse is one of the social issues that has undergone this process; a claimsmaker would state the problems and negative effects of drug abuse meaning (Best, 26). This is then covered by media so as to expose the issue to the general public. After that then policy makers focus on the issue ...