Why do people differ regarding what conditions or behaviors they consider to be social problems?
Select a major social problem and describe opposing points of view about its causes.
Using your sociological imagination, explain how a personal issue that you or someone you know experiences is affected by social forces.
Who do you think is best suited for solving social problems: the federal government, local government, private individuals working together, business people, or some other group? Does the type of social problem affect your choice? Explain your answer.
What are the major social problems on your campus? What do you think can be done about them?
Select one of today’s social institutions, such as the economy, politics and government, religion or the media. Which sociological perspective (structural functionalist, conflict or symbolic interactionist) is best suited for explaining the way this institution operates?
Pick a major social problem. Which method or methods of sociological research would you select to study this social problem?
