essay on social issues pdf

Social Problems - Continuity and Change

(47 reviews)

ISBN 13: 9781946135230

Publisher: Saylor Foundation

Language: English

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Reviewed by Sharon Dutkowski, Faculty School of Behavioral Science, Grace College and Seminary on 8/25/24

The book is organized in a manner for students to be able to find various topics quickly. The glossary and index are readily available. read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The book is organized in a manner for students to be able to find various topics quickly. The glossary and index are readily available.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The book provides accurate information comparable to other textbooks. It is error free and appears to be unbiased. The examples are relevant and gives students an opportunity to think through current social problems based on history and events leading up to our current day.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The text focuses on relevant information in society. It expands on various social problems that other reputable textbooks do not cover. In addition examples are given to clarify the history of the social problem. The in class discussion questions will enhance the classroom experience and lend itself to critical thinking.

Clarity rating: 4

The text is written in a manner for students to understand the concept and read through the chapters quickly. There are some areas the text could offer more detailed information, this would challenge the students to think deeper on the topics.

Consistency rating: 5

The text is consistent on the setup and outcomes. It is easy to go from one chapter to another and instinctually know where to look for information.

Modularity rating: 4

When opening each chapter it is easy to see the topics. It is organized in a way that you can pick one stand alone topic in the chapter and have an understanding of the learning outcome for that section. This will make it easy for the students to read through the chapters. The concern is that students may not read each section and may skim through the text.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Each chapter is organized in the same manner, this makes it easy to find information. It also helps the reader to get into a rhythm when expecting the break down of each topic to be the same in each chapter.

Interface rating: 5

The text has clear images and charts. The online platform is easy to navigate and interpret graphs and diagrams.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

There are no concerns with the grammar in the text. The text was written at the appropriate grade level for a college level course.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The text discusses current social problems and is respectful of different races, ethnicities and backgrounds. The examples throughout the text represent all races, ethnicities and backgrounds.

Compared to the current text I use to teach social problems this text expanded on topics relevant to the current social problems. I appreciate the suggested the in class discussion questions and the call to action with the "what you can" do section at the end of the chapter.

Reviewed by Jen Cullen, Assistant Professor, Massachusetts Bay Community College on 7/8/24

This book was incredibly comprehensive. Each chapter was devoted to a sole social problem, allowing for increased depth and understanding. I was especially impressed by the organization of each chapter, with the learning objectives for each chapter on the first page, an introduction to the problem, and then illustrating how the social problem has impacted both past and present.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

While the information in this text was certainly accurate at the time of publication, this book was published in 2016. While many of the social problems outlined in this text are timeless and universal, this book suffers by not being able to address the effects of the 2016 and 2020 U.S. elections, nor the Covid-19 pandemic.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

Even though this textbook is approaching ten years old, the information it presents on society's most common social problems is comprehensive and relevant. As with accuracy above, this future editions of this book would be well served to included how social problems were impacted by world events from 2016 on, the text contains relevant information needed to understand social problems.

Clarity rating: 5

Extremely organized, detailed, and clear.

The text was well written and chapters were organized and structured similarly to each other.

Modularity rating: 5

This text was one of the better ones I have encountered in terms of modularity! Chapters are approximately 5-8 segments long, and very few pages are text only. The authors make good use of photos and tables to visually illustrate concepts in the chapters. After each segment, there is a note regarding key takeaways from the segment, and Chapters have excellent summaries.

While I have already spoken in-depth on organization throughout my review, I will again praise this text's exceptional organization and structure. This chapter layout/format makes it less challenging to learn and understand the necessary information in a comprehensive yet concise manner.

No interface issues during my review

No grammar issues during my review

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

This was one of the more culturally competent and sensitive books I have seen. The authors took great care in showing how social location/intersectionality has affected the experiences and responses of historically marginalized and oppressed populations. The book also provides a breadth of information on the disproportionate representation for these groups in various realms (Criminal Justice System, Education, Medical Care, etc.)

Reviewed by Elise Randall, Adjunct Faculty Member, Rochester Community & Technical College on 6/19/24

This book covers all of the major areas of social problems that one would typically want/need to cover in a Social Problems course. It is very easy to find the topic you're looking for and there are several articles on each topic. The glossary is... read more

The information is accurate and matches content found in textbooks from other established, reputable sources. The text is error-free and has been proofread carefully.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 3

The main flaw of this book is that the information is out-dated. The data is already more than a decade old. The data could certainly be updated because of the way the data is organized, but updates have not yet been made (at the time of writing). Social issues are something that shifts constantly, so it's extra important to keep this information updated and recent.

Overall, the text is very well-written and readable for a college audience. There is some jargon that is above the reading level of most undergraduate students and could be simplified to match the audience. (Examples: stymied, untenable)

The book uses the same terminology and theories throughout to provide a consistent frame of reference and understanding.

The text is extremely well organized. Each topic is broken into smaller portions and each page could be a stand-alone reading. Some of the readings are pretty lengthy, but they are divided into manageable chunks and are broken up with images and graphs.

The book is very well organized. You can navigate easily between readings and go back to the home page easily at anytime to select another topic. I especially like the boxes on the home page that provide easy access to the broad topic you'd like to view. From there, you can see the readings that pertain to the topic. The only downside is that the navigation on the homepage uses the same image for every topic. It would be great to have a different image/icon that represents the topic you're selecting.

Fantastic navigation! This is easier to navigate than any other OER text I've read. The charts and images create a good flow and break up the sections naturally. There were a few images that were too large for the page, but most were not.

I did not encounter grammatical errors in my reading of this textbook.

The book is culturally relevant for the most part. It is not offensive, but it will need to be updated to reflect present day terminology such as "LGBTQ+" rather than "LGBT."

Reviewed by Youngki Woo, Assistant professor, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on 5/14/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

This textbook comprises 16 chapters, delving into various aspects of social problems within sociology, criminology, and social work. Each chapter identifies the learning objectives and shows them in the beginning. At the end of each chapter, there are several sub-sections along with review questions for learners. Each chapter is comfortable to follow and addresses most of the learning objectives to provide a straightforward response to the discussion questions. In addition, each chapter covers ideas of the subject appropriately and provides an effective index and glossary.

The content is both accurate and presented in a manner that is easy to read and follow.

Despite being published in 2016, the sources and information in this textbook remain relevant for explaining various social problems. Each chapter addresses fundamental concepts crucial for students to understand issues prevalent in our society. I believe the text could be enhanced by updating the statistics, tables, and incorporating more visually appealing graphics.

The text is concise, simple, and clear, and content is informative and straight-forward.

Consistency rating: 4

The text maintains consistency in its terminology and framework. The author adeptly provides chapter summaries that align with the learning objectives outlined at the beginning of each chapter, enhancing comprehension and cohesion.

The well-structured chapters feature clearly demarcated subsections, which are conveniently hyperlinked for easy access. Dividing the topics into relevant sections aids students in understanding the broader scope of social concerns. Clear subheadings within the text enhance readability and direct the reader's attention to key topics. Additionally, special information that illustrates or expands on the issues is effectively differentiated from the main text, further enriching the learning experience.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The chapters follow a typical order found in textbooks on social problems, commencing with an introductory chapter covering research methods and sociological perspectives. This structure makes the text well-suited for introductory sociology or criminology courses as a prerequisite, which is ideal for exploring social problems. Subsequent chapters delve into poverty and various other forms of social inequality before addressing specific controversial areas of public life. This sequencing is optimal as it recognizes that issues of poverty and economic inequality underpin many other societal challenges, while emphasizing the central theme of social equality inherent in any course on social problems.

Interface rating: 4

The online text features intuitive navigation, with clear images and charts. Chapter or section summaries are thoughtfully highlighted in boxes with color backgrounds, enhancing visual accessibility and aiding in content navigation.

There are no typos or technical/grammatical errors that I am aware of in the textbook.

I find the textbook's exploration and description of social problems regarding cultural distinctions, crime, terror, and drug issues, family and child abuse, and race/ethnicity to be comfortable and comprehensive. I appreciate the author's sensitivity and fairness in handling topics that often involve prejudicial beliefs held by students. The text consistently challenges oppressive assumptions and beliefs about minority groups by presenting factual information, and prompting reflection in a more informed, objective manner. The integration of information about the association between social problems and various demographic categories enriches the discussion, fostering a deeper understanding of their prevalence and nature. However, I believe there is room for improvement in the coverage of concerns relevant to the LGBTQI population. Given that many students have personal experiences and sensitivities regarding these issues, it's essential for the textbook to use appropriate terms and provide current information.

Overall, this book provides valuable insights into current social issues, making it suitable for undergraduate intro sociology or criminology courses (or as a prerequisite). I believe the text could be enhanced by updating the statistics and incorporating more visually appealing graphics. This would not only improve the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to a more engaging learning experience for students.

Reviewed by Bodenhamer Aysha, Assistant Professor, Radford University on 1/13/23

This book offers a wide array of topics covered in great detail. The textbook has a table of contents that is easily navigable by clicking on each section; however, there is not a section for a glossary of terms. At the end of each chapter there... read more

The book offers a variety of sources cited throughout the material to support the arguments made throughout the textbook. I have not noticed any errors and the book does not appear to be biased.

Based on what I have read, the textbook is relevant and for the most part up-to-date, but I have not seen many citations beyond 2010, which means it likely hasn't been updated since then. The same can be said for most of the figures throughout the book with rely on data from 2010. There is room, especially now that we have completed the 2020 Census, to update many of the figures and add new and more relevant literature given that we have experienced a wide variety of social problems in the last decade. The text is written in a way that would make it easy to update the material and add newer examples.

I appreciate that the major concepts are in bold, followed by a clear pop-up definition. The book appears to be approachable and accessible without containing a lot of unnecessary jargon. One thing that I find distracting, however, is how the book cites references within the text. It distracts from the overall text and would be better noted as footnotes or endnotes so as not to distract the reader from the main purpose of the text.

Yes. Every chapter is well-written and researched. Some chapters, however, have more material than others, but that is to be expected, generally. The framework, definitions, summaries, and application are the same for each chapter.

Each chapter is divided into subsections that are easily demarcated and are hyperlinked for easy access. Within the text, there are clear subsections with with subheadings which help guide the reader and make it easier to focus on the major topics being discussed.

Yes. One thing that I like about the book is that it often offers a historical look at the problem first, which I think helps the reader realize that many social problems are not new, but perhaps have a longer history than many may realize. The chapters also contain a section on how the three major theoretical viewpoints (functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism) would approach each of the topics.

The interface is simple and easy to navigate; however, the charts/images are a bit small and could be enlarged. I am also unsure if a screenreader will be able to read all of the materials. I actually have a blind student this semester, so to be determined how user-friendly this textbook really is. I worry about some of the charts and tables, but again, I am unsure at this time as I do not have the software to test it. I wish it had a glossary section at the end of each chapter in addition to the summaries.

I have not noticed any grammatical mistakes.

I think cultural sensitivity is one area where this textbook excels. It does a good job of not being ethnocentric and focusing only on issues in the United States, instead in brings in global examples in multiple chapters. I appreciate the attention to Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) issues throughout the text.

There are a number of aspects that I really appreciate about this textbook. For one, it does not shy away from difficult topics, but tackles them head-on. Two, I like how well organized and easily navigable the text is. Three, I appreciate that the text offers an applied focus, ways to get involved, and ways to help alleviate some of these problems. I feel this is super important so as not to leave students feeling dismayed and hopeless, but to empower them to take action. While I like this textbook and I plan to use it this semester, I think it could be improved by updating the figures and adding more visually appealing graphics. Most of the text is plain text, which is fine, but it may leave students feeling bored and restless with the readings. I would also like for the in-text citations to be more clearly demarcated or removed from the main body of the text, and revised as endnotes or footnotes. Doing so would help make the text easier to read and less distracting. Overall, I think the material is well-constructed, and I am excited to see how students respond to it this semester.

Reviewed by Rogerson Christine, Assistant Professor, Radford University on 1/5/23

Loved the comprehensiveness of this book including the variety of topic areas! read more

Loved the comprehensiveness of this book including the variety of topic areas!

Accurate up to date information

Relevant to today's changing world

Easy to read and can be used with any level within higher education

Loved the consistency within the chapters. The way they were formatted made them easy to follow and find information.

Especially the online version, it was easy to click on modules or specific sections. This makes it easy to look back for specific information.

Clear organizational structure.

None noticed

None Noticed

Had an entire chapter on race and ethnic differences that covered historical views to today.

Reviewed by Christine Wilkey, Associate Professor of Human Services, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College on 9/30/22

This text covers topics, and issues within these topics, that are typical of texts for college-level sociology courses in social problems. Its sixteen chapters can easily be fit into a typical 8- or 16-week semester format. A glossary or... read more

I found the information provided on social problems factually correct, with no significant errors. This text has good balance between historical information about social concerns and current data on attitudes, behaviors, and issues. It is consistent with the continuity-and-change model, focusing more on the enduring issues of controversy in society than the current details about those issues.

Aside from very recent events (e.g., the Dobbs decision, the COVID pandemic), this text is up-to-date with it publication date of 2016. It uses current sources to support factual information about social problems. Almost all sources used were published prior to 2010 except for standard or historical documents.

The writing is concise, clear, and objective throughout the text. Undergraduate students will find it easy to read and comprehend.

This text has a very consistent format among the chapters. It presents the three sociological theories/perspectives in the same manner in each chapter, and with equal attention across all the chapters (as well as equal attention to each theory in each chapter). Terminology is consistent throughout. The text is quite comfortable to use because of this predictable structure.

Within the chapters, content is clearly set off into very manageable sections in a way that could easily be re-ordered or selected. Special information that illustrates or expands on the issues is clearly differentiated from the main text.

Unlike some social problems textbooks, this one is not organized using larger, general sections that set off one general type of social issue (e.g., matters of inequality, problems in social institutions) from others. Dividing the topics into relevant sections is helpful to students in their grasp of he larger picture of social concerns. It can be useful in pacing and mentally organizing a course across the semester. However, instructors who are familiar with the subject could easily frame the topics in this way in the syllabus.

Chapters are presented in a typical order for texts on social problems, beginning with an introductory chapter that describes research methods, sociological perspectives, etc. This makes the text suitable for use with an introductory sociology course as a prerequisite, which I think is ideal for a course in social problems. This is followed by a chapter on poverty, then a series of chapters on other issues of social inequality and then several chapters on specific controversial areas of public life. I feel strongly that this is the optimal sequencing for a textbook on social problems, since issues of poverty and economic inequality run through all other issues, and the struggle of social equality is a central theme that must be explored in any course on social problems.

The online text is very easy to navigate. Images and charts are clear. Chapter or section summaries are set off in boxes with color backgrounds, so it is easy to visually find one's way in the content.

I found no grammatical errors.

I am comfortable with the way this textbook explores and describes social problems in regard to cultural distinctions and designations based on women's issues and race/ethnicity. Information about the association between social problems and various demographic categories is woven throughout the discussion, inviting the reader to gain a more complete understanding of the prevalence and nature of social problems. I appreciate the sensitivity and fairness with which the author handles topics about which students often hold prejudicial beliefs; the text consistently challenges oppressive assumptions and beliefs about minority groups by identifying myths, presenting facts that contradict these beliefs, and raising questions that allow students to reflect in a more informed, objective manner. Myth-busting is an essential component of any social problems course, in my view, and this text supports this aim very well. I would prefer to see appropriate terms and a more complete discussion in regard to the concerns of the LGBTQ+ population. Most students have a great deal of sensitivity to these issues, many because of personal experience. When a textbook does not use acceptable terms or fails to provide current information about these topics, it loses credibility with students.

Instructors who choose this text will find an objective, factual approach to learning about social problems through a sociological perspective. It offers a balanced approach to learning about a broad array of social concerns and would be suitable for many learning contexts. Throughout, the text identifies common misconceptions about who experiences social problems and raises thought-provoking questions about possible reasons for disparities among social groups. This gives multiple opportunities to challenge commonly held assumptions that are inconsistent with the facts about social problems, including beliefs that contribute to prejudicial views and oppressive responses. This is done with objectivity and an emphasis on having a clear and comprehensive understanding of the issue, and without taking any obvious political or ideological point of view. With a moderate tone and only a few illustrations (most of which illustrate the concerns in a neutral way), readers may find this text a bit "flat" compared to some textbooks on this subject that present social issues in a more evocative manner. However, this makes this text a neutral canvas in which students and instructors can discover their own views and voice. For instructors who wish to supplement with additional visual materials, or have students use factual material as a basis for further individual study, this text provides an ideal introduction to these topics. The text focuses on social problems in the United States with some comparative information from around the world. It discusses opposing views on the issues, although it could more fully emphasize the social and political processes through which solutions to social concerns are sought. However, it is an entirely adequate text that students will find easy to use as they gain understanding of social problems.

Reviewed by Chelsea Starr, Associate Professor, Eastern New Mexico University on 1/10/22

It covers all the areas a sociology of social problems text should cover. read more

It covers all the areas a sociology of social problems text should cover.

It's not an accuracy problem, it's that most of the charts and graphs/data date from 2012, making it a bit dated.

Data like poverty rates etc need to be updated

It is clearly written, though full in-text citations are distracting.

It is internally consistent.

Each chapter is divided into sub-chapters.

Chapters are organized topically.

Navigation is easy.

Text is free of errors.

I didn't notice any insensitivities.

Reviewed by Mortenson Robert, Instructor, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville on 1/6/22

very thorough! read more

very thorough!

Content Accuracy rating: 2

Research citations are very dated

good job of bringing in contemporary perspectives

Wel written and organized

Covers a wide range of social issues with lots of inforation regarding each issue.

Lay out is very clear - big vs little points are easy to assess.

Chapter ordering is ideal for social problems, as many problems are framed in the context of class, race and gender

Interface rating: 3

The "using what you know" portions help students learn proactive strategies.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

Have not found any instances where editing is necessary

Discusses issues from various perspectives

Reviewed by Lisnic Rodica, Lecturer, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville on 12/31/21

The textbook discusses in great detail the various aspects of social problems. The textbook doesn't have an index and glossary. read more

The textbook discusses in great detail the various aspects of social problems. The textbook doesn't have an index and glossary.

The content is presented in an objective/scientific manner and uses relevant citations for all the information.

The textbook contains relevant data that shows general trends over the past few decades, as well as some historical data. While some data is dated and needs to be updated, the overall meaning presented is relevant to the content. Some information about recent changes in social policies and government leadership that can be crucial to contemporary understanding of social problems also needs to be included.

All the sociological terms are clearly explained and highlighted in the textbook which helps the reader pay attention to the content that is most important. The sociological concepts are also explained using existing research.

The textbook uses the main sociological theoretical frameworks to help the reader understand social problems more in-depth. These frameworks are applied consistently throughout the textbook.

The textbook chapters are easy to read because they are divided into sections that have their own learning objectives. Each section is a stand alone sub-chapter that has its own references list. This makes it easy to rearrange the sections without changing the logical flow of the content.

The chapters are organized in easy to read sub-chapters/sections that have learning objectives. These objectives help the reader focus on the most important aspects of the reading. The end of section summary and reflection/discussion questions are helpful for the reader to remember the main points of the chapter.

The textbook is relatively easy to navigate. The images and charts are clear and easy to understand. It would be helpful if the table of contents was in the same file as the textbook.

I noticed no grammatical errors in the textbook.

The textbook is culturally sensitive and inclusive of a variety of social identities.

I enjoyed reading this textbook because it contains interesting discussions about ongoing social debates regarding the many social problems that exist both within the U.S. and globally. I like the examples of research and theory that help frame these ongoing debates and can be used by students to understand the complexity and meanings of social problems.

Reviewed by Robertson Valerie, Lecturer, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville on 12/17/21

This textbook covers much the same material that my expensive textbook does. I especially appreciate how each chapter follows a consistent format, much the same as I use to write my online classes. I also like how the Learning Objectives highlight key topics at the beginning of major sections of the text. The summaries at the end of each chapter also are very helpful to students.

Would benefit from some updating, but I believe important key topics are well addressed.

The instructor should pay attention to outdated statistics. Updating should be easily implemented.

The organization of this textbook flows well. I really like the way each chapter can be free-standing. The writing is clear and I believe easy for students to understand.

As I stated before, the organization of this text is well done. It is easy to use. Topics are clearly stated and the summaries at the end of the chapter pull everything together.

Teaching online, I like the way the text can be broken up into smaller sub-sections. It looks to be very easy to teach in whatever order the instructor would like to cover and leave out chapters that they do not want to cover.

The textbook is organized in a logical way and is easy to follow. What I particularly like is how each chapter is framed with sociological theory. This keeps the class firmly grounded in sociology.

The text utilizes a simple layout. Charts and graphs are easy to understand.

I did not find any grammatical errors

I didn't come across anything that would be culturally insensitive. I believe this book can be read and understood by a diverse audience.

One of my favorite things about this textbook is that it can be broken up easily and put into modules. I will, of course, include updated research and statistics. One of my favorite features in this textbook is the “Using What You know” feature in each chapter. This feature helps the students think critically and connects them with the chapter’s theoretical discussion and real-life problems. I would like an up-loadable test bank. I do like the chapter powerpoints provided. They are rich in content and can be easily modified to what information the instructor would like to highlight. I believe in affordable education; this is a great alternative to expensive textbooks I have used in the past. The flexibility of this text allows for the instructor to update and teach what they think is relevant. I highly recommend this text.

Reviewed by Kelli Johnson, Professor/Librarian IV, Marshall University on 10/6/21

This textbook is very comprehensive and covers topics that I traditionally cover in my class and more. Each topic is addressed in detail and the boxes in each chapter (Applying Social Research, Lessons from Other Nations etc...) make the coverage even more detailed. The book also addresses intersectionality in a way I have not seen before but that is very helpful for students.

The book is unbiased and accurate with attention to detail, statistics and examples. I hope the authors update the stats with info from the 2020 census at some point for more relevant numbers.

I hope that the authors update the statistics from the Census with 2020 data when it is available and add information from what has been a tumultuous few years. That being said, this book is very relevant as it puts events in history in context.

I am very impressed with the organization of this book which makes it very accessible and clear. As a whole, the book works well however each chapter can also be free standing.

The chapters in the book all follow the same structure making it very consistent and therefore easy to use.

As stated above, the book is organized in such a way as to lend itself to reading as a whole or picking and choosing relevant chapters.

The topics in this book are organized clearly and logically. The chapters, which can be freestanding, can also be used as needed because they are broken down into smaller, easily navigated pieces.

I was very impressed with the ease of accessing the book as well as the option for viewing online or downloading a pdf. However, a hyperlinked table of contents would make the text even more accessible.

I did not find any spelling or grammatical errors.

The text is well modulated and addresses the topics, which could be viewed as triggering or otherwise difficult, well evenly and sensitively.

I was overjoyed to find this textbook. I had been searching for a book to support a course on social movements. With only a few days to cover a lot of background related to social issues, this text which is very comprehensive yet allows for instructors to easily pick and choose chapters, or even parts of chapters, that will serve the course best. The review questions are especially helpful.

Reviewed by cheryl sclar, Adjunct Professor, Roxbury Community College on 5/31/21

The topics are easy to follow in the sequence they are in. I feel the all the relevant topics to today's world are covered. The glossary definitions are in bold face and used in context making it easy for comprehension. Each unit and chapter is able to stand on its own and the flow of the books reads well whether or not you choose to use it in the order the chapters.

The book is indeed accurate with a non-biased approach to very sensitive subject matter. Historical facts are presented void of emotion. I wish there were more current events for relatability. I do take issue in that in Chapter 12 the Great Depression was discussed and reference was made to food pantries while there is no mention of The Free Breakfast Program for School Children was started by the Black Panther Party in 1969 which "underscored the inadequacies of the federal government's then-flagging and under-resourced lunch programs in public schools across the country". Failure to include that could be seen as bias.

The content is all relevant. Up to date issues should be included from 2020 21 e: COVID, George Floyd, BLM. I do feel the statistics call for revisions. In 3.3 many issues are addressed but I do not see the words anti-racist or Anti-Semitism. I would like to see content added from the past year and even updated statistics. I am happy to see Margaret Meade (3.7) and Matthew Shephard (5.3) as part of the discussion, however, we need current information such as Betsy DeVos and The Florida Nightclub Shooting of 2016 to be part of the conversation as well.

I feel the Learning Objectives are not only easy to comprehend but they are also malleable. They can easily be adjusted and because the content is so relevant to today I can see how easy it would be to adjust statistics and add content.

The book read as if someone is speaking. This makes it easier to follow and enjoy as if it were a novel rather than a collegiate text book. The author is engaging, does not over state and invites the reader to participate. The author even states (quotes) in the beginning that the subject matter may be doom and gloom in order to identify with the reader.

The text is certainly consistent and does not deviate from providing clear objectives, key takeaways and review items. The format is clean making it easy to navigate, The statistic charts vary but this works for each chapter.

The arrangement of the book makes sense.

The book makes sense. Each chapter can stand on its own and each unit in the chapters flow well.

The wording under the charts and images can be a little larger. There are a few photos that could be swapped for more engaging relevant ones, even memes that speak to todays learner. Example: 12.3 the image of the IRS with the lamp post out front.

Image in 12.3 and 3.3 states "Latinos" should actually be Latinx to be correct by 2021 standards. Other than that I see no issues.

The book is culturally sensitive. Image in 12.3 states "Latinos" should actually be Latinx to be fair.

I think the book reads well and serves well. The Review Questions are good and easy for the Instructor to apply and even edit for their individual classroom. If I were a student who is not easily engaged in reading texts (which I was), this book would work well for me. I would like to see an updated edition of the book,

Reviewed by Alexandra Olsen, Assistant Professor, Umpqua Community College on 5/27/21

This textbook does a great job of covering a wide range of topics that are appropriate for a social problems. It gives the instructor the ability to pick and choose the topics that they'd like to cover - especially in 10 week courses. Each of the chapters does a good job presenting the topic from a sociological perspective, different theoretical perspectives from which to understand the topic, and ways of addressing social problems that are ground in empirical research. While the content covered in each of the chapters provides plenty for the instructor to discuss, this textbook also still has room for the instructor to bring in more contemporary issues or aspects of social problems not covered in the textbook.

This textbook is accurate, draws from empirical research, and is great at encouraging critical thinking. It addresses a lot of controversial social issues in a way that encourages students to think deeper about how society should approach problems rather than having bias towards a certain perspective.

The content is relevant, but a lot of the statistics and examples are outdated. Similarly, there's been more recent legal developments (like the legalization of gay marriage or the legalization of marijuana) that need to be updated. Particularly, I've found that in the chapter on sexual orientation that I have to supplement with a lot of outside material to compensate for this. All of this being said, I believe that these updates would be very easy to make!

The textbook is very easily accessible. It provides clear definitions of terms that may be unfamiliar to students. It does a great job of introducing students to sociological thinking, while still challenging them to learn new vocabulary.

The chapters are all set up similarly. All chapters discuss the social problem, discuss theoretical perspectives on the problem, highlight debates on addressing social problems, and provide suggestions from empirical research for addressing that social problem.

This book is very modular. Each chapter is broken up into smaller sub sections with clear headings. Chapters, for the most part, can be assigned in whatever order the instructor prefers. It's also easy for the instructor to cover what they think is most relevant and leave out topics or sections of a chapter that they don't want to cover.

One of the best parts of this textbook is how well it's organized. Organization is consistent and every social problem is unpacked in a similar manner.

I have not noticed any issues with the interface. It is an easy textbook to navigate and I have gotten good feedback on it from my students.

I have not noticed any grammatical errors in the textbook.

This textbook does a great job of incorporating different examples from a variety of different cultures. They often provide comparisons not only between groups in the US, but also between the US and other countries. I also appreciate that even when they aren't discussing race/class/gender/etc. explicitly, they'll still discuss how groups view and are affected differently by social problems.

Reviewed by Deidre Tyler, Professor of Sociology, Salt Lake Community College on 2/22/21

This textbook covers every social problem that is covered in a standard intro-level social problems course. read more

This textbook covers every social problem that is covered in a standard intro-level social problems course.

The citations that are used in the textbook are accurate and they are balanced with various theoretical slants.

This textbook is arranged in a way in which updates are easily made. The knowledge is general and to the point.

Students will not have any problem reading the text because it is free of jargon.

The three major perspectives are covered adequately in this textbook.

The summaries at the end of each chapter provide the student with a quick glance of what they need to know.

The topics are organized in a manner in which they add knowledge to the students.

The text has easy navigational management that does not confuse the reader.

There are no grammatical errors in the textbook.

This book does not offend any person who reads it or makes anyone feel uncomfortable.

I would highly recommend this textbook because it is written in a way that does not confuse the student and it gives the basic information.

Reviewed by Laura Trull, Assistant Professor, James Madison University on 11/30/20

This is a very comprehensive text. It begins with defining social problems and even how we define social problems. Following this definition chapter are 15 chapters each focused on a major social problem. Major US issues are discussed, though there is not often an international perspective on these issues. Each chapter follows a consistent format of introducing the topic, providing theoretical grounding, detailing more specific aspects of the problem and closing with a summary. Each subsection of the chapter has learning objectives and key takeaways. The index is perfect and many key terms are highlighted throughout.

The content included is accurate and up to date with fairly recent examples and relevant, professional, recent images. It is free of bias and causes the reader to pause and consider rather than agree or disagree.

There are fairly recent examples and unfortunately, none of these social problems is going to be solved immediately so it will be relevant for some time.

While there are some advanced concepts discussed, the reader is brought along logically to the more advanced concepts and all concepts are explained thoroughly. Review questions are often included and very useful for reflection and/or incorporating into assignments. References are recent or seminal and provided in a list at the end of each subsection. A glossary of key terms would make a wonderful addition!

The format and writing style are completely consistent throughout making this a very easy text to navigate. It is a clear and concise flow without being too brief or lacking in depth. There are no interface issues and very few grammatical or typing boo boos.

. It is easy to opt out of some sections or subsections. For example, I have used this in a sophomore level social work class and skipped many of the theoretical sections that were too in depth for this level and too sociological for our course. I could easily arrange the reading to incorporate only the sections I wanted to include, and in the order I wanted to include them.

Very well organized and logical. One knows what to expect as they navigate each chapter.

No issues whatsoever on a variety of devices.

Clear and error free. Tables and graphics really add to the content.

The text is very inclusive of a variety of culture and subculture influences.

This is really a great text. Comprehensive and clear, even to be used in a non-sociology course. While the lack of an international perspective was one weakness, the other weakness was more discipline specific. The text is about social problems, so obviously there was a negative focus to the problems – after all, they are problems. However, in social work we at least consider the strengths perspective and empowerment model – which was lacking here. I did supplement this text with some change-focused, asset-based materials to shift the focus from strictly defining problems to taking on advocacy.

Reviewed by Marc Wagoner, Associate Professor, Worcester State University on 6/30/20

The book appears to to do a great job on covering material that can distress both individuals and the communities they are a part of. It appears to be comprehensive in it's definition and application of sociological theory and research. The content is well organized, with each chapter divided into sub-sections that make it easy for a reader to seek out specific information. As the year of publication is 2016, some of the example content is slightly out of date.

The content of the book appears to be solid and unbiased in terms of presentation of theory and its application. In addition, the explanations and examples are well-written and easy to understand.

The content from a theory and methodology standpoint is well-reviewed and organized. I think that much of that specific content will stand the test of time. However, given that it is a book that necessarily speaks so much to current events, it is challenging to have examples of application of such theory and methodology that do not have the potential to quickly shift. As such, some of the examples and references points in the book are a bit dated. This is not entirely bad from a teaching standpoint in that comparisons between present day and four years ago can be made in terms of examples of reasons for the research and applications of the theory. I do think that updates would not be too challenging to implement.

The text is well-written in a way that is easy to understand for a student. Jargon is sometimes necessary in an academic context, but the textbook does well in ensuring that any jargon written is also well-defined prior to being frequently used. I did not see any occasion in which terms were used improperly. I think the text is written in a way that invites more reading for the student.

The textbook is internally consistent. I observed no occasion where terms were defined one way and then used another in a different part of the text. Any visual aides or additional material, such as examples or reference points, seemed to be consistent with the point or argument the text was making.

The textbook is very well done in terms of modularity. There are a number of sub-sections throughout each chapter that can be read separately in order to learn something very specific. In addition, there are boxes of additional pertinent information spread throughout the book that add to what the reader can learn without actually filling up the space that is dedicated to necessary learning.

The chapters do have a topical logic to them in terms of organization, where it does make sense that the following chapter be there. While the book is dedicated to social problems and change, however, I do think it would be valuable to dedicate a chapter to strategies for researching/studying those topics before entering into the topics themselves.

In my perusal, I saw no issues with visual aides; everything looked clear and sharp. The display at large made it feel very much like a textbook on the screen. Additionally, it was a very good idea to include hotlinks to other parts of the textbook. As the content is compelling, this decision can teach the reader the important lesson of how linked and interwoven all of the content is. The final chapter also did a good job of making this clear.

I saw no grammatical errors in the text. Any use of quotes or phrases directly from or representing a source were presented properly.

I saw no culturally insensitive content in any way, and saw a clear attempt at maximal diversity. Given the purpose of the text, this becomes especially important.

Even though I am a social psychologist and not a sociologist, this is the kind of text that I have looked for to use in a psychology course on social change. Obviously, such a course on my part would feature different theoretical and methodological approach, but the content as well as the organization of the present text really does fit the bill, including the intention to speak to the interdisciplinary of quality research that does contribute to social change. This is an excellent alternative to expensive hardcopies that is now on my list for consideration.

Reviewed by Kimberly Fox, Associate Professor, Bridgewater State University on 6/29/20

The book covers all of the topics that I would like to have in a Social Problems text and is clearly and comprehensively organized. The subtopics within each chapter also cover most of what I would expect in a textbook for social problems. That being said, the material is quite out of date and more up-to-date information along with new directions in these areas would be helpful.

Content Accuracy rating: 3

While I did not see glaring errors in the textbook, many of the sections include overgeneralizations without a critical examination of the topic. For example, in the chapter on Families, the author cites research by Bradford Wilcox without including a critical lens on this political biases. Similarly, it does not include other research that challenges some of those claims. The general writing style will make it easy for students to digest but the overgeneralizations will leave students without an understanding of the debates within the field.

While the general topics and coverage are clear and cover topics that have been - and will continue to be - relevant, the research within those chapters needs to be updated. The research is at least 8 years old and so can provide a good grounding in the overview of the topic but does not keep up with the newest research. Since social problems emphasize current events and concerns, it would be helpful to have up-to-date examples in addition to more recent research to show the "continuity and change" in societal problems.

Clarity rating: 3

The book is accessibly written and clear for undergraduate students but as mentioned earlier, it is often overly general. Also, the generalizations lead to lack of context for some of the jargon. For example, the first chapter starts with a discussion of the objective and subjective aspects of social problems without providing a clear understanding of the underlying differences between them. Since this class is usually geared toward early stage undergraduates, I think it needs more specificity in the writing.

The book is mostly consistent in its organization with the chapters using the same framework and terminology. The majority of the chapters discuss the functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist theories but it is not included in the chapters that discuss race, gender, and sexual orientation without any indication of why. I generally like the chapter organization but find that odd.

The modularity of the text is good. Not only are the chapters small enough to consume but within each chapter there are subsections that can be used or skipped without loss of major points. That being said, I think it would be helpful to have the ability to reorganize it even more clearly.

The overall text is well organized with major overview topics first, followed by important identity concerns, and then necessary investigations into social institutions. The chapters flow well from one to another but could also be organized by individual faculty members without upsetting the flow.

The overall interface worked well but there were some issues with images or charts distorting or leaving too much white space before and/or after the pictures that made it somewhat awkward. Overall, it was not too disruptive.

There were no major grammatical errors.

The book includes examples from multiple racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. It covers topics sensitively and comprehensively.

I like the general sense of the book and would hope to have something similar in a Social Problems text. However, the overgeneralizations and out-dated material make it unlikely that I will adopt this book for classes at this time. I do think that a social problems book is an important one to have as an open text and hope that it will be updated in the future.

Reviewed by Ashley Palmer, Assistant Professor, University of Texas at Arlington on 1/2/20

The textbook covers foundational information on a multitude of social issues– particularly the characteristics, causes, and consequences of these issues – and could be used for both sociology and social work courses. Both historic and current examples were provided. Additionally, I appreciated that national and global perspectives were included within each chapter.

While much of the content appeared to be based in research and accurate, this was uneven across chapters. At times, statements or positions seemed a stretch from the research that had been discussed and other times, seemed like personal or professional opinion.

Some of the statistics should be updated, but the overall picture of what is being described remains relevant. The author has organized text in a manner that will require straightforward updates. As noted above, some chapters would benefit from a stronger (or more explicit) connection to social science research.

One of the major strengths of this text is the straightforward and clear way that content is presented and explained. I believe that students will appreciate the ease of read while also gaining important foundational information.

The text consistently uses the same frameworks and terminology throughout chapters.

The organization of this textbook will make it easy to utilize in blocks. That is a major strength because chapters and sections can be reorganized and complemented with other material within a course, as needed.

This textbook is organized well. Chapter 3, 6, 9, and 13 have sections that are out-of-order. This is confusing when trying to read the book straight through rather than clicking on sections.

There were no major interface issues. Minor issues included that images, charts, and tables were disjointed and made it difficult to follow. When viewing the PDF on a laptop, all images, charts, and tables were displayed well. Some of the photo images were unnecessary and did not enhance understanding or learning. Rather, the captions below them repeated what had been shared within the text.

There were no major grammatical errors. Most errors consisted of leaving a word or two out of a sentence. Though not necessarily “grammatical errors” jargon was used throughout.

While overall I believe the textbook was inclusive of diverse cultural backgrounds, there were some issues that could be enhanced. For instance, in Chapter the use of a photo of someone who was lynched seemed insensitive and abrupt ,with no trigger warning and did not add anything to the discussion. In Chapter 4 on gender inequality, gender was discussed as a social construct. Yet, non-binary or gender fluidity was not addressed, or were inequality and issues related to non-dominant gender identity. Given that the author is stating that gender is a social construct, it seems necessary to go into other identities. (This was touched on briefly in Chapter 5 on Sexual Orientation, referenced as androgynous). In Chapter 5, the references to “gays” and “straights” is vague and does not seem to be culturally appropriate terminology.

I think this textbook provides a good foundation and plenty of content to mix and complement courses related to social problem and social welfare policy analysis.

Reviewed by Kelley (Katherine) Blanck, Instructor, Michigan State University on 11/15/19

The book appears to be comprehensive, as it is 796 pages, thoroughly indexed and outlined for ease in following the progression of the content. read more

The book appears to be comprehensive, as it is 796 pages, thoroughly indexed and outlined for ease in following the progression of the content.

There is some research-basis for the text - but there seems to be significant personal opinion as well. At times, there are many areas that appear to be personal reflection and inference rather than statement of fact.

It would seem to be relevant and easy to update as needed. There is a mix of historical theory as well as present-day examples.

Clarity rating: 2

The book seems to read more like a graduate-school paper than a text book. This could be helpful for early graduate students in understanding and ingesting the content; however, professionally, there is some jargon and amateur language used throughout.

Consistency rating: 3

The book is consistent in organization, terminology, and framework.

There are clear, smaller sections that are easy to navigate and read.

The topics are organized well and presented in a clear, logical progression of content. Each chapter has take-aways and key points for reflection and class discussion.

The interface has some formatting issues - there is a lot of empty, white space, especially after pictures or charts.

Grammatical Errors rating: 3

There are minor grammatical errors, mostly pertaining to use of jargon or non-professional terminology.

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

The book does appear to incorporate cultural significance within many of the topic areas.

There are sections of this book that could be useful on their own for classroom assignments and discussion. The overall book is very long and could not reasonably be used for a single term; however, the smaller sections with the key takeaways are interesting and useful.

Reviewed by Cathy Beighey, Sociology Profressor, Aims Community College on 7/26/19

Comprehensiveness rating: 3 see less

Yes, each chapter covered relevant concepts, related issues, and a sociological framework to 'digest' the content. Each chapter also included ways to address or improve the social problem highlighted within the chapter, which I found to be better format than a separate, overarching 'Solutions' chapter. To further develop students’ understanding of the importance and the inherent relationship between historic, economic, cultural, and social factors in the develop and persistence of social problems, it should be more intentional as far as developing a framework from which to analyze causal factors that breed structured inequality and hence social problems. Furthermore, such connections become the building block for higher-level learning and learning retention. These components were missing: - Although capitalism, corporate power, particularly via multinational corporations, and the great wealth disparity was included in the Work & Economy chapter, there isn’t a chapter, or subunit, that directly addresses different political systems and ensuing social issues, inequitable access to political power, voter apathy, etc. - I didn’t find Immigration Patterns and Issues addressed in any chapter. It may fit nicely as a subunit in the Racial/Ethnic Inequality. - No glossary; however, key terms and concepts are highlighted within the text. (A glossary is important for easy reference). - The end of the chapter summary is helpful, but I suggest it is expanded into more targeted end-of -the chapter review questions in order to highlight and reinforce learning as a student-driven formative assessment. - The subunits within each chapter begin with three-four Learning Objectives, which are helpful; however, in some instances, I found them to be too general to truly introduce pertinent points and guide learning. To that end, I suggest the subunits’ learning objectives are: 1) reviewed for any missing pertinent learning objectives, 2) designed to capture higher-level using Bloom’s taxonomy learning such as 'synthesize', 'analyze', etc. 3) revised and created for more targeted, measurable chapter-level learning outcomes (versus objectives), and 4) directly or indirectly address the CCNS Learning Outcomes at: https://erpdnssb.cccs.edu/PRODCCCS/ccns_pub_controller.p_command_processor?pi_search_type=SB_COURSE&pi_subj_code=SOC&pi_crse_numb=215&pi_archive_date=&pi_course_status=A&pi_term_code=202020.

Yes, the pertinent trends and general patterns were thematically correct sociologically speaking; however, it would benefit from some updating.

Yes, and appropriate updates will be easily implemented. To that end, some of the poverty and demographic data (i.e., from the 2010 Census) and statistics should be updated; however, with new research generating data quickly this can be time intensive so the author has to be intentional when selecting data.

Yes, the text is clearly written in an manner that is easily understood. There were points that students would benefit from elaboration regarding the socio-economic and/or historic context of some sociological concepts and social issues in order to foster deeper thematic connections and learning retention.

Yes, very much so from beginning each chapter with “Social Problems in the News’, with subunits (i.e., 1.2, 1.3, etc.) each with a concise list of Learning Objectives, and ending each chapter with “End of the Chapter Material”.

Yes, it is broken into small subunits that can be moved and incorporated at other points in the course if the instructor finds a different arraignment more intuitive and student friendly.

Yes, I broadly ‘see’ it organized as Understanding Social Problems, Social Problems of Inequality, and then Institutional Social Problems .

No visible issues, and the graphs and charts are well done.

No significant issues.

The textbook addresses a variety of racial/ethnic backgrounds, nationalities, and offers a cross-cultural lens in the 'Lessons from Other Societies'.

Instructor Supplemental Material: There are power point slides available to the instructor, but I didn’t find them easily utilized because how to access them by chapter wasn’t very intuitive (i.e., I found myself clicking on lots of random files). For example, the Chapter #2 Poverty slides are missing, or I couldn’t find them.

Learning Tools for Students: Expand learning tools to reinforce reading comprehension, basic understanding of the concepts, and to provide formative student-driven assessment.

Reviewed by Miriam Kero, Instructor, Hibbing Community College on 5/24/19

Social Problems: Continuity and Change provides complete coverage of the main categories of problems in society today: poverty, gender, race/ethnicity, etc. The table of contents lays these out for easy access. Within each chapter, key terms are in boldface and defined; sections of each chapter are summarized with key takeaways, and discussion questions are provided. The text lacks an index and glossary at the end, however. This makes it challenging to look up key concepts without knowing in which chapter that concept was discussed.

The book is factual and well rounded in representation. Most chapters review each social problem using the three major theoretical families (functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism). This allows discussion of the social problem from multiple vantage points. Students have commented that the text seems "balanced" in its representation.

The chapter material is up to date, although statistics often reference 2010 (sometimes even earlier); now in 2019 I have found myself looking up new data to see how trends have evolved over the last decade. Have correlates continued to hold? Particularly in discussing wealth distribution, new graphics depicting the rise of the super rich are helpful to supplement the material. The text is written in a way that allows the instructor to easily supplement and update data like this while teaching; ultimately it appears that updates to text would also be easy to implement.

In review of Social Problem's writing, the text is straightforward. Any relevant terms are in bold faced and defined. Each chapter's sections begin with a learning objectives box. And as noted prior, each section has a summary. This provides the classic "tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, tell them what you told them" format that helps clarify what is important. Finally, the end of each chapter contains a summary of the whole chapter's main points.

The framework of the text has some nice consistent elements. For example, sections termed, "Perspectives on ____ (e.g. aging)" typically list the three theoretical viewpoints on the problem. Sometimes, however, these same areas are called "Explaining ______." It would be helpful for directing students if these were consistent. Also, it would be preferred if each chapter followed a similar order. For example, section one would be an introduction, section two the theoretical perspectives, section three correlates, etc. The terminology, however, is consistent.

The text is nicely segmented; sections are labeled clearly, and within each section the main concepts are identified with headings. The order of the chapters can be easily reordered; each is self-contained, and when other chapters are referenced they are hyperlinked. Following those links is not necessary, though, because key terms are redefined and concepts restated as needed.

I like the order in which the chapters are presented in Social Problems, although I do contemplate covering race and ethnicity before poverty simply because the correlates of poverty to race and ethnicity are so powerful. Within each chapter, I would prefer greater consistency in the structure of sections (e.g. section two always containing the theoretical perspectives).

The interface works very well in Chrome; not so much in Explorer. In Explorer the page navigation is just text at the bottom of the screen (rather than a box with fill and text from which the course material appears behind). This makes it difficult to read. In both browsers, though, the table of content menu is very easy to use (drop down).

I have not found grammatical errors in the text.

The text (to my "white" eyes) is not culturally insensitive, however, one of my critical-thinking Hispanic students felt that it had a tone of "looking down" upon folks for color. This could be a product of the scientific tone of sociology, but his comment is worth noting. In perusing the photo depictions within the text, it appears many are of white folks. I look for photos that match my students; I do not see much representation of Asian, Muslim, or Hispanic people. The text does make the correlates of inequality to social problems clear, however. And it notes past biological views were racist.

For a free textbook, this is a wonderful resource. It provides a solid foundation from which to grow course curriculum. Supplementing with TED talks, additional data, and ideas on what individuals can do to improve social issues makes for a well rounded introduction to social problems.

Reviewed by Carlos Lopez, FT Sociology Faculty, Chemeketa Community College on 5/22/19

The textbook is organized in the typical fashion as other social problems textbooks (with a notable exception being Joel Best's Social Problems). The expected social problems are covered, but chapters on the media, technology, and/or science would have been welcomed. The topic of guns and gun control is absent. A substantive discussion on globalization is also missing. While there is a Table of Contents (with some unfortunate numbering errors), there is no index or glossary. While not the most purely sociological approach, the increasing prominence of rational choice theory may warrant its inclusion (and critique) in the textbook. The introductory chapter serves as a clear road map to future chapters.

The content is mainly accurate (although some of the statistics are outdated), and the text is generally error-free and unbiased. While most of the URLs (detected by the .pdf reader used) worked, some links were broken. More up-to-date and sociologically relevant links could be made to student-friendly sites like The Society Pages, Contexts, and even asanet.org.

While some of the statistics are out-of-date, with sufficient time, it would not be too difficult in updating much of this data. Since each chapter is divided into 5-7 sections, it would not be too onerous to update some of the discussions, particularly the ones on policy. A more in-depth discussion on the social construction of social problems and an expanded discussion on how social policies come to be would make the textbook more relevant. A discussion on political ideologies and their relationship to the understanding of social problems and policy would also be helpful.

Since the text stays away from a lot of the technical language of sociology, students should find the text approachable. I did not run across a passage in which I thought students would not be able to understand the arguments or explanations being made.

The typical three theoretical perspectives are introduced in Chapter 1 and are consistently present in later chapters. Useful end of chapter study aids are present in all chapters. There seems to be an attempt to reduce jargon which does improve the readability of the textbook. At the same time, I think making it slightly more technical would be acceptable. Students should be reminded that sociology is a science which is distinct from other ways of knowing and distinct from other social sciences. It has its own set of vocabulary that students should be exposed to.

A clear strength of the textbook is in its modularity. Each chapter is divided into several sections that can be easily be assigned at varying points throughout the term. A select number of modules could easily serve as supplemental or background information if other texts are being used. Excessive use of subheadings is avoided.

Each chapter had a similar structure with the same end of chapter materials. Students should be able to predict the flow and structure of each of the chapters. While not explicitly indicated, chapters are grouped more or less by theme: inequalities, deviance and behavior, institutions, and social change.

The textbook was reviewed on a laptop and on an iPad in .pdf format. I found the formatting acceptable, and there was no display, formatting, or text issues that served as barriers to enjoying the textbook. Images, graphics, figures, and charts were not awkwardly embedded in the text.

There were no glaring grammatical errors or problems with usage, sentence structure, or punctuation that got in the way of the readability of the textbook.

Since this is a text on social problems from a sociological perspective, race, ethnicity, sexual identity, and other ascriptions are covered from a scientific approach. Nothing struck the reviewer as culturally insensitive, and the textbook very much read as many introductory and social problems textbooks do.

Reviewed by Nicholas Recker, Professor, Metropolitan State University of Denver on 5/22/19

This text-book offers a comprehensive look at social problems. I believe all of the important topics are addressed. read more

This text-book offers a comprehensive look at social problems. I believe all of the important topics are addressed.

The book is accurate. However, some of the statistics are getting dated.

This textbook is relevant for a social problems/social issues course. Key topics are addressed, though some statistics are getting dated.

The book clearly lays out information. Key terms are bolded and chapter summaries are offered to help ensure information does not get missed.

Organization and writing is consistent throughout the book.

The book is broken down into chapters and each chapter has manageable sub-sections. I found this easy to follow. I think it will help students by making the readings more manageable.

The book is logically organized. Important course topics are covered in a clear and logical structure. The chapters are framed with sociological theory.

Each chapter has learning objectives and bolded course terminology. This book is also available in a variety of formats (e.g. PDF, online, etc.)

Good Grammar

Appropriate for students from diverse cultural backgrounds.

This is a great book!

Reviewed by Katie Cali, Instructor of Sociology and Criminal Justice , NTCC on 4/3/19

The information presented in this textbook is comparable to a traditional, publisher distributed textbook. The presentation structure of the text is written in a comprehensive manner. Beginning with an introduction to the concept of social problems, the book presents various social problems experienced by society throughout the chapters. The chapters dissect the content through the lens of the major sociological theories.

Throughout my analysis of the chapters, I found the content to be accurately presented with well-developed explanations through the lens of the theories.

Relevancy is not an issue for this text. The examples are up-to-date and current; nonetheless, updating the textbook should be simple. The textbook presents classic examples and ideas that are just as relevant as the examples of recent, current events. The combination of historical examples and current events can assist the student as they understand the social problems in society. This text will easily be relevant for several years.

The writing is clear and easy to understand. I do not feel the author used academic jargon to the point that students will struggle to comprehend the material. As with all disciplines, some academic jargon is necessary and the author provides the necessary amount of technical terminology to expose the students to the discipline without excessive use.

Terminology use is consistent throughout the text, making the book comprehensive for students. The structure of the book is highly consistent, making textbook navigation straightforward and simple to use. I found the logic and the additional learning material, such as figures and graphs, to be consistent throughout the text.

I really like the design of this text. The reader can easily spot the title page, content and learning objectives for each chapter. Within the chapters, the author successfully uses proper headings and subheadings to guide the reader through the material. Since the modules are so well-organized, this textbook could potentially be a great resource for other OER courses.

The text is well organized. The topics are clearly stated so you know what chapter to look at when looking for specific information. ; topics are not hidden behind fancy chapter titles. Each chapter is broken down and structured appropriately. Content is written in a logical and chronological manner.

I did not find any issues with the textbooks overall interface. The text is easy to navigate, and the images are clear and consistent. When I am reading a textbook, I like additional figures and little important snippets of information that I should remember or learn. Images can enhance the learning experience and this book does exactly that.

As far as I can tell, the book appears free of grammatical errors.

Cultural sensitivity is extremely important for a Sociology textbook. Considering how controversial many of these chapters are, the author did an exceptional job presenting the information in a non-biased manner, making the textbook inclusive for students of all backgrounds, races, genders, and ethnicities.

Reviewed by Ajay Panicker, Associate Professor, St Cloud State University on 5/21/18

The textbook follows the standard practice of providing an initial understanding of Social Problems in general, and the theoretical perspectives employed to explain them, and goes on to examine in some detail a variety of social processes within which problems are identified and discussed. The text follows a method of providing a general understanding, historical background, identifies the concepts relevant to each area, and provides a range of data, particularly through visual presentation (graphs, charts, maps etc.). Additionally, the chapters in the textbook provides a comparative international perspective. In all these ways, the textbook is quite comprehensive.

The content in this textbook is accurate. It provides mostly recent data, backed by historical information. The information presented is drawn from credible sources, and the analysis presented is based on social scientifically produced knowledge. In fact, aside from being unbiased, the textbook employs sociological perspectives to identify biases prevalent in society and demonstrates how sociologically produced knowledge can dispel them.

The content is up-to-date. The data presented is mostly uptodate, and because social data doesn’t vary vastly in short to medium time scale, new data can easily replace the old data. Therefore, in my opinion, the book will remain relevant for at least 10 years. Most importantly, the historical context, theoretical perspectives, typologies, and international comparative approach employed in the text contribute to its relevance and longevity.

The text is very well written. The clarity of writing makes it accessible to lower division undergraduate students for whom the book is written. It steers clear of jargons, and when terms are used as concepts, they are clearly elaborated for students to understand their utility.

As a sociology textbook, it is remarkably consistent internally in terms of terminology employed and the framework used. Theoretical frameworks are identified and elaborated at the start, and throughout the textbook, these frameworks are employed to present varied explanations of why the social problems exist, and what can be done about them.

The textbook is divided into chapters that deal with topical areas in Social Problem studies. Each chapter, then, is divided into sections and subsections that provide certain types of information/analysis. These sections and subsections are clearly identified and, while they connect with each other in contributing to the whole of the chapter, they are also useful as stand alone pieces that provide information. Learning objectives are identified at the start of each section, and that makes it easier for students to grasp the purpose of the section.

This is a very well structured textbook. At the start, the textbook provides a clear introduction to what social problems and the various approaches to addressing them. From thereon, the text goes on to follow a consistent structure in all the chapters that deal with various topical areas in Social Problems studies. Consistency in structure of chapters make it very student friendly.

Aside from some pages having a bit too much of blank space, the pagination and interface follow the standard format. Visual information, through images, graphs, charts, maps etc., are presented clearly and consistently. I did not experience any navigation problems or notice any distortion of the visual presentation of information.

I did not see any grammatical errors. Largely well written book.

The textbook is written in a culturally sensitive manner. In fact, it addresses many of the cultural insensitivities prevalent in society and attempts to address them.

A thoughtfully developed, well written textbook that is accessible to undergraduate students of social problems.

Reviewed by D. Chanele Moore, Assistant Professor, University of Delaware on 5/21/18

The book covers all the traditional content chapters of a traditional textbook. In each chapter, theories traditionally taught in an introductory level course are discussed. read more

The book covers all the traditional content chapters of a traditional textbook. In each chapter, theories traditionally taught in an introductory level course are discussed.

The textbook presents current, "state of the art" content. I read information is presented in a balanced way so that points and counterpoints are represented.

The book is up-to-date in terms of content and ideas. The data and references do seem dated so, in time, the statistical data would need to be updated. I do not think those updates would require an overhaul of the text.

The textbook is clear and accessible. Discipline specific jargon is explained clearly and examples provide useful support in understanding the theories and concepts.

The book follows the same format for each chapter. Each chapter includes a chapter containing the following: a short introduction, context for the topic, discussion about how concept is measured, discussion of theories, recommendations for problem solving and a conclusion. I appreciate the conclusions at they provide a nice summary of the whole chapter.

The text is divided into reasonable chunks so that assigning a whole chapter or sections of a chapter are easy. The sections each have a title and there are appropriate subtitles dividing the reading. It was easy to read through each section and maintain a sense of where I am in the book.

There is no real logic to presenting topics in a social problems book. That said, the order of topics in this book is very similar to the order of topics in several other social problems text books.

I read the book using the online platform and had no problems. There is a table of contents and a home button that provide an appropriate amount of navigation. I also downloaded the book into a pdf file and was able to use the bookmark feature to navigate in the book. The bookmark feature was helpful for navigating to a certain place in the book but did not indicate when you have scrolled to different area.

I saw no grammatical issues.

I do not think the text is insensitive. However it couldn't hurt to have more images of people of color, namely Asians, Native Peoples, and Latinos.

There is a strong discussion of the sociological imagination in chapter one (which I love). That is a good feature. The book does a good job of discussing the three classical theories throughout, but I especially like that there is background content, historical context and contemporary application when the classical theories are introduced in chapter 1. The presentation of global comparisons is especially helpful. I do wish there were a stronger or fuller discussion of the constructed nature of social problems, but the discussion that exists in this book parallels other books I have used. Overall this is a solid book that is a good foundational text for teaching Social Problems.

Reviewed by Kate Noveau, Adjunct Professor, Rhode Island College on 2/1/18

This book does a nice job at giving a broad overview of some of the core societal problems that have plagued our country, and continue to do so. The material is presented at a pretty basic level - I think it would be great for introductory, undergraduate courses in a variety of fields ranging from sociology to medicine, social work to law, and so on. Frankly, it would be good for much of the general public to just read given our current social/political climate. While there is no glossary in this book, the language is pretty digestible. The table of contents is well organized and user friendly.

The content in the book was accurate and did not appear to have any errors. It is relatively unbiased; however, without knowing anything about the author, I would venture to say that he is an upper-middle class white male.

This book is HIGHLY relevant today despite being in need of an update. Areas most in need of updating are Chapter 5: Sexual Orientation and Inequality, Chapter 7: Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Chapter 13: Health and Health Care. These three areas have had rapid changes particularly in the last 5-10 years. For example, LGBT now would more commonly be LGBTQ or even LGBTQIA. In regards to substance abuse, an update regarding decriminalization and the state vs federal debates on legalization of marijuana should be included. The advances of Medical Marijuana should also be addressed in a future edition. In terms of healthcare, an update regarding Affordable Care Act would be welcomed. The author mentioned adopting "Integrated Care" as a strategy to improve healthcare and there as been a tremendous shift in this direction since this book was written. Integrated Care, Accountable Care entities etc. have rapidly developed in the last 5-10 years and I feel the author could provide a nice synopsis of these changes. The book is written in such a way that these could easily be implemented.

This book could be read by many different audiences of varying educational levels. It offers surprisingly comprehensive context in a succinct and accessible manner, and is free from a lot of technical terms/jargon.

The book uses consistent terminology and framework throughout. The "Theory Snapshot" provides a nice uniformity throughout the chapters.

The book is written in such a way that you could easily select a single chapter, or a section of a chapter, individually as a reading assignment. It could be used for a variety of different courses, selecting just the chapters that are relevant.

The book is well organized and consistent throughout. Each chapter offers the Theoretical Perspective as well as a nice summary in the End of Chapter material.

I am a person that likes BOOKS. I like turning the pages, highlighting sections, and writing notes in the margin. That being said, I do not always have the time to go to a bookstore, nor the space on the shelves to house more books, nor the patience to flip through all of the pages to find the note scrawled down a page. I am pleased to say that this text has made be a 'believer' of the Open Textbook. The interface of this book was flawless. I did not notice any errors, navigation issues, or other problems. It was available in several formats and all worked without issue.

I did not come across any issues here.

I did not come across any insensitive or offensive references in this book.

This book provides a brief, but good, overview of some of the biggest "hot topic" issues of our time. Making books like this available on Open Textbooks allows access to valuable educational resources that people might not be able to access otherwise.

Reviewed by Lori Geiselman, Adjunct, Rhode Island College on 2/1/18

Each chapter is well described. Chosen social problems are relevant and can be applied to a variety of fields. read more

Each chapter is well described. Chosen social problems are relevant and can be applied to a variety of fields.

Well balanced coverage of views. Each chapter includes several references.

Social problems addressed in this book include a brief history, present situation, and suggestions for future resolution. As written, appears one can easily update and maintain relevance over time.

Easily understood and holds interest. Great for introductory level students.

Each chapter is consistent in layout and writing style.

These chapters are extremely modular/portable. Topics may stand alone without compromise. True building blocks that may be configured to build a specific form.

Consistently well-organized throughout. Encourages critical thinking through assignment opportunities and self-reflective review.

Very clear, easy to navigate. Appreciate the low number of charts/graphs, that when overused, unnecessarily bog down a basic overview.

No problems were identified. Well written.

Some concern that over simplification (albeit in an effort to provide basic overview) may perpetuate generalizations that limit application where more intense scrutiny is appropriate. Chapter 3: Racial and Ethnic Inequality does a nice job in regard to cultural relevance. Other chapters were less intentional in regard to culture connections embedded in the topic, and its handling of the same.

Especially enjoy the interactive component! Each chapter provides an opportunity for deeper reflection and engaging activities.

Reviewed by Naliyah Kaya, Lecturer, University of Maryland on 2/1/18

The book addresses a wide array of social issues, defines and discusses subjective and objective definitions of social problems and covers major sociological perspectives and theorists. Basically, it has what you'd generally expect to be covered in an introductory social problems book. It does not have a glossary, likely because it has a search option at the top of the screen that seems to work well.

Based on what I reviewed, I did not see any errors.

The book does a good job of discussing the persistence of many social issues over time giving past and present examples. I personally would supplement the book with specific examples that are current (they also ask for you to submit how you supplement the book) as the majority of "newer" sources seem to be from 2010-2011.

There was one link in chapter 2 for a poverty figure that no longer works, but it still takes you to the correct website.

The text does a good job of defining terms, explaining concepts and providing easy to understand examples. I don't think a student would find it difficult to understand even with no prior sociological knowledge. They break down some of the main theoretical perspectives and how they apply to sociology in a very digestible way.

I did not find any issues with the consistency of the book.

The book does an excellent job with regard to modularity. Each chapter has a box with learning objectives. The modules in each chapter are concise with good examples. There are boxes at the end that list key takeaways, provide review activities and references for the individual section/chapter. There is a good " at a glance" chart on theoretical perspectives in the beginning that explains the major assumptions of each and how each perspective views social problems. I also love the drop-down index that makes it incredibly easy to jump to chapters and sections of chapters as well as the term search box.

The information is presented in a clear logical manner. The first chapter does a good job of laying the foundational groundwork needed to discuss the social problems in the following chapters. Each chapter does a good job of explaining how issues have been framed in the past as well as present and how different frameworks have been used over time.

I did not find any issues with the interface.

I did come across any grammatical errors.

While the book is likely going by past racial categories on the census I would add in Middle Eastern and Multiracial experiences in the chapter on race & ethnicity, especially as the census explores the MENA category as well as how people perceived to be of Middle Eastern descent have faced increased discrimination and stereotyping post 9/11. The section on types of racism I would supplement with current material as we've seen a rise in old-fashioned racism (hate crimes) over the past year. While I like the idea of the "What You Can Do" sections at the end of the modules/chapters I think this can also be problematic if possible pitfalls of social change are not also discussed (paternalism/savior mentality, assimilation, ignoring cultural differences...). Often well-intended people get involved with issues that they are out-group members of and sometimes the impact is more harmful than helpful. This box of suggestions can unintentionally promote a helper vs. helped framework rather than teaching students how to be in community with others to solve social issues.

Reviewed by Lorena Fulton, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Ohio University-Zanesville on 2/1/18

This textbook is a thorough description of what social problems are, with detailed illustration of specific social problems. It provides a comprehensive summary for holistic education and the content is substantial enough for individuals chapters... read more

I find no discrepancy with respect to objective information.

The book is certainly relevant to the needs of higher education today. It is a good blend of history and social policy with both a micro and a macro viewpoint. The content will remain relevant for the near future.

Clarity is important in higher education because so much content is cluttered with jargon and field-specific verbose. This book does a very nice job of speaking to readers from diverse background and interests.

Each chapter follows a predictable outline that brings the content together.

My favorite feature of this book is the separation of ideas by chapter. This makes the book useful in a variety of courses, as a supplement to other material.

I found no problems with interface.

I found no problems with grammar.

The content is timely and needed for students' general education requirements.

I am more likely to use this book as individual chapters for course-relevant supplementary material than to create a course around it.

Reviewed by Aimee Krouskop, Instructor of Sociology, Portland Community College on 6/20/17

Barkan offers a solid overview of the sociological approach to social problems, and a review of established US problems leading with the context of the social constructionist view, and weaving other perspectives, historical matters, and policy approaches into the content in an accessible way. Key Takeaway sections that follow the sections provide very positive notes for relevancy. In later editions I would like to see certain social issues included, due to their potency and continued emerging urgency (specifically: human and civil rights, development and migration, cultural property, and sustainable consumption). More comparative treatments and discussion of the role of globalization plays within key social problems would add to this comprehensiveness.

I find the content of this text to be accurate, with few errors, and offers an objective approach to US society analysis.

The selection of social problems are relevant and widespread, and discussion of those carries demonstrates current treatment. However, as mentioned in "comprehensiveness" above its relevance could be improved by replacing some theoretical sections with pressing and fast-emerging social problems listed there.

This is an exceptionally clear and accessible text; very appropriate for an introduction to social problems course.

There is a reliable framework and very consistent terminology-set to this work. This adds dramatically to its accessibility.

I can see readily dividing this text into smaller reading sections and / or reorganizing or skipping sections to accommodate a specific course schedule.

The organization, structure, and flow of this text makes for a very readable and usable offering.

I find no significant interface issues.

I find no grammatical errors.

I do not find this text culturally insensitive nor offensive. Including cultural property, and comparative approaches throughout would add to its cultural relevance.

Reviewed by Carol Ann MacGregor, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Loyola University New Orleans on 6/20/17

I chose to review this book as a possible adoption for a summer online Social Problems course. I was pleased to see that all of the topics that I currently cover in the course. While there is no glossary it is easy to navigate the table of contents. read more

Although I am not a subject matter expert on each of the topics covered, the ones that focused on my areas of specialty, Schools and Education and Race and Ethnicity, were accurate and without problem.

This text has a nice balance of timeless social theory and relevant contemporary examples. The examples should not need yearly updating but may need a refresh from time to time.

The book is accessible and engaging. I think most undergraduate students would find it clear and easy to read.

In spite of the wide range of material covered, the book reads like one written by an expert in everything.

The chapter structure of the book makes sense. When I need to adapt it for an 8 week course it would be easy to just choose the 8 most relevant topics.

The book is clearly organized and the end of chapter material brings it all together.

I appreciated the streamlined/simple layout and the pops of color.

There are no issues here.

I did not find any offensive references and the book attempts to enhance our appreciate of race, gender, and sexual diversity

A really wonderful alternative to an expensive social problems text. Covers all the material in an accessible way and leaves room for instructors to supplement as needed.

Reviewed by Cindy Hager, Instructor, Sociology, Alexandria Technical and Community College on 4/11/17

The text covers a comprehensive look at social problems and provides an examination of discipline specific material as well as statistical information on how each social problem is currently experienced throughout the world. The Key Takeways and... read more

The overall content is accurate although statistical information needs to be updated (see relevance/longetivity).

Relevance/Longevity rating: 2

In regards to discipline specific material the text is highly relevant. However, sociology is a discipline that benefits from having recent statistics. Having more recent statistical information is important to understanding the current state of various social problems and providing an accurate understanding of social problems. In order to effectively use the text, the statistical information needs to be updated.

The text is easy to understand and the language effectively reaches students.

The text is consistent in its layout and approach. It continuously examines issues in a discipline specific manner while being culturally relevant. This is important in effectively engaging students.

This text is especially effective in it's modularity and can easily be broken into different sections. This is highly effective for student learning.

The text's flow and structure is consistent throughout. I think this is important to students specifically in an online environment who seek a rhythm to what they are learning and that a text has similar presentation from one chapter to the next.

Did not find any issues with the text's interface.

The text appears to be free of grammatical errors.

I found that the lessons section offer students the opportunity to understand the cultural impact more effectively. Information presented does not appear offensive and offers opportunities for critical analysis.

Providing quality open educational resources is important to meeting the needs of a dynamic student body. This text would be a great benefit to a Social Problems course with the addition of more recent statistical data.

Reviewed by Jolene Sundlie, Sociology Instructor, Saint Paul College on 4/11/17

This text covers all the chapters/topics you would expect in a Social Problems text. The chapters are concise at about twenty pages per chapters. The Table of Contents is comprehensive, but the is so glossary of terms or subject/name index at the... read more

I found the text to be mostly accurate. There are many statistics included in each chapter and I didn't check out each and every number provided. In the family chapter, in the section on divorce, I question the accuracy of the information provided that divorce rates rose sharply during the Great Depression and WWII. I don't believe that statement is true.

I give this section a 5 because it is very difficult to stay up-to-date in a Sociology text. Considering this book was published in 2010, there is some outdated material in it, specifically about same sex marriage. It was accurate in 2010, but is no longer relevant. If this book could be updated, it would be helpful.

I found this book to be clear and easy to follow. Most of the technical terms are explained or defined in the context of their usage.

I found each chapter to be consistent with the chapters before. The same prose is used throughout and the same major theories are consistently covered.

Each chapter is broken into sections and each section is appropriately numbered, e.g. in Chapter 10, section 1 is 10.1, section 2 is 10.2, etc...

I would reorder a couple of the chapters and combine a couple of chapters. Chapter 4 is gender inequality, Chapter 5 is sexual orientation and inequality, Chapter 6 is aging and ageism, Ch 7 is alcohol/drugs, Ch 8 crime and CJ and then Ch 9 is sexual behavior. I would either put Sexual behavior as Chapter 6 or I would simply combine Chapters 5 and 6 into one chapter. Sixteen chapters can be a bit too much to cover in a semester.

The navigation is smooth from the TOC to each chapter. One thing that I found to be a little confusing is that within the chapter, there a links to charts, photos, other chapters and they are highlighted in red. You click on it and it takes you somewhere. Key terms in each chapter are also highlighted in the exact same shade of red, so it seems like you should be able to click on the term and be taken to a glossary, but they're not links.

I found no obvious grammatical errors in the text.

I would like to see more inclusion of Native Americans and Asian Americans in the race/ ethnicity chapter and in all the charts/graphs/statistics that discuss race. Also in the race/ethnicity chapter (3.1), I think it is possible to discuss lynching without including a photograph of a lynched man. It is insensitive. Transgender is covered in Chapter 5, the chapter on sexual orientation. It should be included in the chapter on GENDER as it has nothing to do with one's sexual orientation. The term transvestite is outdated. The section on public attitudes about sexual orientation is all about the Bible - not a very diverse perspective.

Instructor resources would be a great and helpful addition to any open source book. There are none provided for this particular text. A few more end of section/chapter review or discussion questions would be great too

Reviewed by Michelle Crossley, Assistant Professor, Rhode Island College on 4/11/17

The text does a wonderful job of bringing in a vast array of social problems and related them to real world events. I am aware that it can be challenging to address every social problem, as the text indicates there may be a need for society to acknowledge these problems and then they are viewed as social problems, I found there to be many missing components that can be addressed in future editions. I would have hoped to find, at least, some information regarding the Transgender population in the Gender chapter-there was no mention of this population outside of the Sexual Orientation chapter and this was just to include the "T" in GLBT. This population is marginalized and oppressed daily and there are many real-world examples out there to consider. Also, there is little on those living with a Disability, including Mental Illness. In the future it would be great for these populations to be included as well as others that I've missed. Overall, the book was comprehensive in what it noted it would address in the index/glossary.

I appreciate how the text worked to incorporate the historical perspectives of the issues it did address. They were seemingly on-point and individuals reading could direct themselves to more recent information through the citations and website that were used. This is helpful. Content was biased by nature of the topic-the point of social justice is to make the point that there is a problem and inequality-there was little counter-point to this represented in the text.

As mentioned previously, the text does an excellent job of bringing into awareness the historical context of real-world problems. Through this information can become outdated rapidly, the issues being addressed are constant and continue to be weaved into current times. I would say that it will be relatively easy for chapters or addenda to be added as more problems emerge (i.e., Transgender rights, Disability and Mental Illness, Opiod Epidemic, etc.).

The text is clear in the purpose-to educate about Social Problems and capacity for change. Any jargon that is unfamiliar to those reading outside the field is nicely and clearly defined. Each chapter builds off another and I appreciate the consistency in language and how examples are analyzed.

The text consistently uses real-life examples and graphics throughout to help the reader better understand the severity of the Social Problems represented. I find that the reader can expect what's next in terms of analysis of the social problem using consistent theories throughout, directions for what's next, and reflection and direction of furthering the dialogue. It's a great component to add, especially when using this with Undergraduate students.

One thing that I really enjoyed about the text is how it is easily broken up into readings. Each chapter was not so long that it would overwhelm a student and topics could be broken up over multiple class periods. This can be helpful in teaching that material as it may be necessary to ensure comprehension of components before moving on to how to create change.

I found the text to flow nicely and appreciated the consistent nature of what was covered within the sub-chapters.

While navigating I did not notice any problems/distortions.

I did not notice any problems with grammar.

I would be mindful of noting certain terminology and changing as our standards of inclusive language changes (one is not Transgendered as this is not a choice). Overall, I found the text to be open about cultural differences and real-life examples of the problems of inequality that has plagued our society over many years. There may be a need for a foreward note that some of the pictures may be distressing and inclusion of a way to have a conversation about why the reader reacted in a certain manner to the graphics or content.

I appreciate this book for what it is--an introduction into learning about Social Problems throughout history. I would find this text to be helpful in teaching both Undergraduate and Graduate students focused on advocacy and social change work. These conversations are not easy ones to have, and I would suggest anyone using the book to take the time to develop skills to handle some of the interpersonal challenges of dialogue and strong values/beliefs that may emerge from these conversations. There are some components that are missing from the problems identified, though these can be supplemented through literature and examples in society. The structure that is provided in the text is easily replicated to create a "lesson" on those factors missed.

Reviewed by Cheryl Wright, Associate Professor, University of Utah on 2/15/17

The book is very comprehensive and covers the contemporary and important social problems in our society. It is up-to-date. It is high quality production from an established publisher. read more

The book is very comprehensive and covers the contemporary and important social problems in our society. It is up-to-date. It is high quality production from an established publisher.

The information is very up-to-date.

Up-to-date but there will be a need for periodic updates of national trends in these topical areas.

The text is easy to read and visually appealing. It has sections - key takeaways, review, what you can do that will be engaging for undergraduate students.

The book is very consistent in framework and organization.

This is the strength of the book - text is broken up in an organized way that will be appeal to visual learners.

Organization is very clear and consistent and easy to follow.

I did not see any interface problems.

No grammar issues.

This book is very culturally relevant and many of the topics focus on cultural and diversity issues.

Reviewed by Victoria Blanchard, Instructional Faculty, Virginia Tech on 2/8/17

The range of topics covered by the text is appropriate, and the concepts covered within the subjects are, overall, appropriate for an introduction to social problems. From what I can tell, sex trafficking gets one brief mention in chapter 4... read more

The range of topics covered by the text is appropriate, and the concepts covered within the subjects are, overall, appropriate for an introduction to social problems.

From what I can tell, sex trafficking gets one brief mention in chapter 4 (Gender) but no mention in chapter 9 on sexual behavior. The mention it does get, also represents it as the problem of a few countries globally. In reality, sex trafficking is a huge problem worldwide, including the United States. Even if the topic is not addressed in depth in this text, the failure to acknowledge and represent it accurately is a big problem. It is particularly an issue because the connection between sex trafficking and prostitution is not made. Many prostitutes have been or are victims of sex trafficking. This further complicates discussion of the topic of prostitution, but it is important to represent this complexity.

In chapter 10 when family violence is discussed, I was surprised to not see reference Johnson's typology of types of intimate partner violence (IPV). This typology helps address the conflict between various perspectives on what causes IPV and the form it takes. There is a huge difference between intimate terrorism and situational couple violence, and I think this should at least be alluded to. This was acknowledged a bit in the discussion of gendered violence, but not as clearly as it could, and I think should, be.

Page 598: author reports that TFR is misunderstood more often than other fertility measures but does not explain why/how. Without explanation, this seems to me to be an unnecessary detail.

The section on Mortality and Death rates on page 600 is woefully inadequate. At a minimum, there should be some brief discussion of how and whey mortality rates have changed over time in the United States, and why and how similar changes are or are not occurring in other countries. It would also be relevant to mention that our infant mortality rate is not comparable to that of many nations that we are peers with in other areas.

I see no index or glossary, which could make the text harder to use, particularly when students are trying to review concepts they have read earlier.

In chapter 5 on sexual orientation, I am concerned that the terms "transgendered" and "homosexuality" are used. Most major news sources have follow GLAAD's request to not use these terms (https://www.glaad.org/reference). This terminology should be updated to reflect more sensitivity to this population.

I love how in each chapter, the sections are separated and have their own reference lists. This is so practical, in terms of implementing changes in the future, and I think it will be helpful to students in organizing the information they take in from reading it. This text also does a nice job integrating historical perspectives on issues with related current events and concerns. I think overall the book hits the mark on overall relevance and longevity.

The text clearly defines key terms and jargon as they are used (although an index and/or glossary would be an important addition). The prose is very accessible---exactly what I would expect a college student to be able to read without struggling and comprehend without confusion.

I do not see any problems with internal consistency. The author did a nice job of representing functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interaction perspectives within the various topics.

YES. This is one of my favorite things about this text. I love how each chapter has such distinct sections. It's like all these complicated topics have been cut into bite-size pieces for the reader, which is so important in terms of accessibility and facilitating comprehension. Well done!

I like the overall organization of topics in the book. In the class I teach that correlates best with this text, I cover the various topics in a quite similar order. I also find the organization within chapters logical.

(PDF version of text) Pages 140, 180: Image at the bottom of page, caption is on the top of the following page Some of the images in the text are quite good, some are just ok, and some look staged or somewhat irrelevant to the topic at hand. However, I have a MAJOR problem with the divorce cake picture on page 408. I think it is not only in poor taste, but it also reinforces a host of (often gender-related) stereotypes and assumptions associated with divorce. I'll admit to being particularly sensitive to this issue as I am a divorced woman. But I'd like to hope that others would see the problems with this image that I see. There are some really great divorce cakes out there, and I'm all for you using an image of one in the text. But not this one.

Page 224: heading for title, blank below, table that follows goes for over a page, but is very narrow. I would suggest reformatting this. Pages 251, 434: Marijuana heading should just begin on the next page Pages 254, 261, 397: heading for table should be on same page as table Pages 261: source info for table should appear on the same page as the table Pages 320, 472, 559: caption for photo should be on same page as photo Pages 346, 358, 364, 499, 501, 560, 654: image is so large that a big gap is left on previous page. Pages 571: text here is smaller than everywhere else Pages 575, 663: keep bulleted lists on the same page

I'm sure there are some (there always are), but in my review, I did not find any.

Overall, it's pretty good. Like I mentioned before, I don't like listing only a few countries as having sex trafficking as a major problem. But this is the only specific example I can think of where I felt like certain countries were called out inappropriately. The issues with gender and sexuality terminology that I mentioned in item 2 are a big concern for me, however.

I definitely will refer to this text for general reviews of certain issues I'm not as familiar with and for using the discussion questions. I may use parts of it with my students, as well. If the issues I brought up were addressed, I would most definitely integrate at least parts of it in the readings I use in certain courses.

Reviewed by Komal Dhillon, Adjunct Professor, Virginia Tech on 2/8/17

Social Problems: Continuity and Change reads as an introductory text that exposes readers to a wide array of social issues. As such, the breadth of the text is impressive as many significant areas relating to social problems are discussed. However, due to the wide range of of topics, the depth in which each area is covered is relatively less, and is therefore more appropriate for an introductory class. That being said, the ideas that are considered in the text are done so in a critical and insightful manner and encourage further discussion (such as in a classroom setting) and thought. The table of contents that is provided is extremely useful and easy to navigate. A glossary of terms is not included, but would be helpful to readers for easy reference.

One of the most important features of Social Problems is the author's approach to providing information in the most objective way possible. Many of the issues discussed include various theoretical frameworks for understanding the why and how aspects. These often include the most prominent responses to social problems, including a brief genealogy of the problem presented in an informative way. Absent from this discussion is the author's viewpoints, thus allowing the reader to form their own conclusions.

The content is accurate and up-to-date with current sociological perspectives and includes contemporary examples, which help make it more relevant to undergraduates. Historical examples are also included in order to better conceptualize the origins and development of the issues. The text will have staying power for years to come, but occasionally adding recent examples will also be beneficial as it will help students relate to the material more easily and demonstrate the continuity of the problem.

This is one of the more accessible social problems text I have read. One does not need to have completed a prerequisite course in order to understand the concepts and ideas in Social Problems: Continuity and Change. Terms and ideas specific to the field of sociology are sufficiently elaborated upon in a clear and concise style. Yet, the information is also not too basic as to be deemed common-sense or intuitive. The language used is appropriate for the undergraduate level as it is easy to follow, yet at the same contributes to language development through the use of new terms (and terms used in new, non-conventional ways). The author has struck the important balance between accessibility and using the appropriate amount of jargon (while providing more than adequate context).

I found the book to be very consistent, particularly with terminology. For example, in the initial discussion of the connotative differences between the terms sex and gender, the author clarifies that the two are not interchangeable. When referencing either of these terms in other areas of the book, the author uses them in a manner consistent with the distinction provided. The same can also be said of the terms race and ethnicity as well.

There are numerous sections within each chapter that are organized similarly across all chapters. None of the individual sections are lengthy, yet they provide the reader with an appropriate amount of information, including historical perspectives, theoretical frameworks, examples, and solutions. Each chapter can be assigned out of order as the text is not overly self-referential, but the sections within the chapter are best read together and chronologically for maximum comprehension.

The reader is able to anticipate the organization of each chapter. This is particularly helpful with a book that discussed such a large variety of topics as it lends clarity and cohesiveness to the text. Moreover, the preface does a good job of outlining the structure of each chapter, while the table of contents also provides a useful quick reference.

I did not experience any interface issues. The links within the table of contents perfectly redirected the reader to the respective section. The images, photos, charts, graphs, and other displays were also clear and appropriate in size and relevance.

I noticed a few minor grammatical issues (missing period (one or two), absent commas, improper apostrophes, etc). I did not see any misspellings or major issues in sentence structure.

By and large, the author does an exceptional job of being inclusive (which is extremely important for a text that discusses cultural sensitive topics such as race, sex, feminism, age, ethnicity, class, etc.). The examples provided in the book draw from diverse groups, though the main focus is often on issues within the Unites States (and the Western world), with less attention given to global matters. Some of the images used to reference other cultures (for example, in section 4.3, under the heading, "The Global Inequality of Women) seem ahistorical and overly simplistic. In the example cited, the captions states that brides in Pakistan and India are killed every year due to inadequate dowries. This problem of violence against women in these states is much more complicated than the caption allows. Furthermore, the image used could also be viewed as essentializing of Indian women as traditional, rural, stuck in time, and even backwards and is not representative of most Indian women (who wear Western style clothing, do not do farm work, etc.).

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Social Problems: Continuity and Change and believe that it is an important text that is relevant to students of every discipline.

Reviewed by Megan Kuykendoll, Instructor, Miami University on 8/21/16

This text provides a VERY comprehensive look at overall social problems within the United States and provides a well-defined section on a variety of specific issues. This open text would be an excellent supplement to a large variety of course subjects when used in parts, but it would also be very useful in its entirety for a sociology or other related course. The comprehensiveness of topics lends itself to a wider use across disciplines than a more sociology- or psychology-specific focused text. For example, one could use the chapters on gender inequality and the changing family of this text in a women's studies course, while a criminal justice course might use the chapters covering crime and substance abuse instead. While the text does not appear to provide a specific index or glossary, it does provide appropriate links and citations where applicable. I might suggest including these features in the next revision of this text.

Content appears to be accurate and uses current sources where applicable. Images were also notably very current in several sections. No errors were noticed and the text is reasonably unbiased in its review of US/American society.

Given that this is a text written about societal problems and current issues, it generally lends itself to needing more updating than other subject matter. With that being said, this book would have relatively good longevity (several years) before significant additions would need to be made. Again, this would depend on any significant changes to cultural perceptions or legislative measures (for example, recent legalization of same-sex marriage).

This is a particular strength of this book. It starts each chapter with clear learning objectives and ends with a recap and key take-aways. I think this significantly adds to the student experience and helps to provide important scaffolding for the knowledge they are building. Excessively technical terms are avoided or explained where needed.

This text presents topics in a consistent manner and helps students to contextualize each topic within the broader society. Another helpful aspect is the continual redirection to ways students can get involved (volunteering, activism, etc). I find this particularly noteworthy because students may often feel dismayed at the breadth and depth of societal problems, but this part of each chapter helps them begin to move from discomfort and despair to action and positive contributions to their communities.

This book seems to have excellent modularity. I could see this text being used in parts very easily with little to no adjustment needed. Chapters can be presented in a different order than shown in the book without incident.

The consistency of structure in each chapter provides a great framework for students to become comfortable with what to expect for each topic. The flow created by the various sub-sections helps to understand the material in a larger context.

Overall the online interface has worked well. As mentioned previously, I would suggest adding an index and/or glossary with links to the appropriate sections. The table of contents is effective for navigation between chapters and sub-sections.

I have not noticed any grammatical errors in my review of this book.

Since this book addresses many cultural "hot topics", it's particularly important that those topics be discussed in a sensitive manner. This text takes a very matter-of-fact tone with the reader and uses research and historical context to help understand issues like race, gender, and sexuality. Where applicable, examples of cultures or communities outside of the United States are given to further examine the specific topic.

Reviewed by Rosalie Schofield, Associate Professor, Temple University on 8/21/16

The text offers a broad overview of key social problem areas that will be of interest to students. It offers a table of contents that details the approach to each problem. Each topic includes an historical perspective as well as an explanation of what key terms mean. The author follows a standardized approach in each chapter of defining the problem, presenting a range of data disaggregated by numerous characteristics including age, race, and sex. He provides statistics on the problem including easy to comprehend graphic presentations. offers competing theories that offer different explanations for why the problems exist, identifies individuals and approaches that have helped ameliorate the problems. The author also engages students in thinking about how they could contribute to alleviating or eliminating the problem.

I found the text to be accurate overall although the latest research and statistics are primarily from 2010 and 2011. One would want to supplement with updated research findings and data but other than that the content was correct. It appeared to be to be error-free and offered a balanced perspective. The ranking below is a 3 only because of the currency of the research and statistics.

The content of the book is still pertinent. The framing of the various problems, presentation of their key components and discussion of their different impact on specific demographic groups works well. The current event spotlighting the problem at the beginning of each chapter can easily be updated.

The text is clearly written and organized. It will be easy for students to understand. Any complex terms or theories are adequately explained. Each chapter lists takeaways at the end which will help students to retain the major points.

As discussed above, the text is organized so that the chapters follows the same schema throughout.

The text could easily be broken into blocks that corresponded to the syllabus topic for a given week. With some work, one could also easily update the content in those areas that needed more current information.

The topics are presented in an impressively clear and accessible manner. The challenge is the length of the book and the challenges of scrolling to easily locate or review previously read content. That is the nature of e-reading. For some students this is a challenge.

I didn't notice any interface problems that would distract the reader from understanding the text content other than the challenge of scrolling such lengthy material as discussed above.

I saw no grammatical errors.

Effectively presents and discusses race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation. Could be supplemented with content on transgender issues.

I could see segments of this text being used in a variety of courses that address social issues including, social policy, social work, and public health as well as intro sociology. The preface to this text on your website described it as an Introduction to Psychology but it is instead an Introduction to Sociology,

Reviewed by Hannah Liebreich, Lecturer, University of Hawaii at Manoa on 8/21/16

The overall layout of the textbook is logical and comprehensive. Additionally, the layout of each chapter is well organized and provides a wide range of topics and examples. The textbook covers an inclusive list of key terms, and the definitions are concise and to the point. However, I think that the presentation of major sociological theory could be more thorough. If I used this textbook for a course, I would likely accompany it with additional theoretical readings.

The author accurately and effectively covers material, and for the most part a variety of perspectives are presented for each topic.

Although the timeliness and relevance of material covered in a social problems class is constantly in flux, the textbook does a nice job of incorporating material from a wide range of contemporary issues. Plus, one of the perks of using a textbook from the Open Textbook Library is that you can more easily tweak the material being covered.

The language as well as the organizational structure of the writing is clear and concise. Additionally, the examples are easy to understand and complement and clarify key points.

Each chapter follows a similar and consistent layout, which makes the material easier for students to retain.

Modularity rating: 2

I can see how the overall structure as well as the organization of each chapter is well designed for class modules. For example, the “Social Problems in the News” section that starts each chapter is great for generating class dialogue and so are the “For Your Review” questions.

The organization of the chapters has a logical flow. Additionally, I like how the preface explains the layout of the chapters (i.e. the bullet points), I’m sure this is especially useful when students are studying for midterms.

Charts, graphs, visualizations, etc. are easy to understand and complement the text.

There does not appear to be grammatical or mechanical errors, and the textbook is accessible to readers.

The author presents a variety of examples and perspectives. However, I think the textbook could benefit from a more intersectional approach.

I’m a firm believer that higher education should be more affordable for students so I am pleased that this textbook, as well as others in the Open Textbook Library, offer quality sociological reading material.

Reviewed by Heidi Esbensen, Adjunct/Part-time Faculty, Portland Community College/Portland State University on 1/7/16

This text covers a broad spectrum of social problems coherently and thoroughly. One of the strengths of this text is the manner in which it provides examples that can connect the reader, students, to the issues in a way that matters to them. There are relevant examples throughout that are intermingled with theoretical lenses that connect the reality to academia, or vice versa. Each chapter focuses on one area of social problems and ties them to broader areas of oppression and intersections such as race, class, gender, etc. This is not easily accomplished across such a broad range of topics, but is nicely done here and is central in the first few chapters, setting a stage of perspective for the rest of the book.

Concepts and theories are accurate and clearly described, as well as current and relevant. The text is also up to date and in many cases seems to present more than one angle to social problems. This is taking into consideration a natural bias in social sciences when looking at social problems, but this text seems to, in most cases, lessen this to a great extent.

Prefacing the book with ‘classic theory’ and incorporating current events will maintain that the text is relevant for a long time. The ability to update the current events and areas of the chapters should be simple and will keep it current and lively!

Easy to read and comprehend, and the chapters were clear in their intent and purpose. The language used and writing style is very well managed in a way that presents the material clearly and concisely, while keeping readers attention.

Seemed consistent throughout, in both terminology and framework.

While reading this it was clear that there was a structure to create modules of learning to accompany. This would be easy to organize into discussions and lectures from the text layout. Also within chapters there was clear sub sections that were also laid out in modular organization. This text could easily be divided into subunits and sets of chapters for multiple subjects. This is a very strong point of this text.

The layout and structure seemed well thought out and the sections and sub sections were clear and followed each other well. There is no way to judge what social problem should come before another in presentation, and if it were desired to change the flow, one could easily assign different topic chapters in a different order.

Easily accessible, downloadable and all text, images and graphs were clear. As someone who is typically not drawn to online reading and would prefer in hand reading, this was easy and simple to navigate.

No grammatical errors were found.

Given the inclusion of current events and obvious attempt at intersectionality, this seems culturally relevant and easily graces the reader with the ability to see this. The text is appropriate and respectful of diverse backgrounds and lives.

I am not one to subscribe to online texts per se, but will definitely consider this after taking the time to read Social Problems: Continuity and Change, I was impressed by how comprehensive and well-presented it was. I think that given the vast amount of information, that this text could be very useful in full or in part for teaching, and given the format, a more socially conscious choice. There were chapters that would not only be good as part of the whole text, but used as an introductory to a more specific subject course. I think one of the strengths of the text is the language and the manner in which it really does provide opportunity for students to connect closely through pictures and examples presented.

Reviewed by Gordon Walker, Instructor, Portland Community College on 1/7/16

The book is extremely comprehensive, covering major challenges society is facing in the 21st Century, and would serve well as a reference book and as a place to go to begin research on today’s social problems. Extensive references are helpful... read more

The book is generally well researched, with many references in each chapter, although some of the references are ten years old or more. More recent research would add legitimacy to the accuracy of the book. For example, the section on marijuana (pp 322-324) is inaccurate and needs updating due to recent legalization, medicinal usage, rising potency of the drug, and also due to new research on cannabis and its effects. Both assertions in the statement “marijuana is generally not physiologically addictive, (and) it does not reduce ambition and motivation” (p. 323) have been shown through research to be untrue. The DSM 5 now recognizes that there are both physical and mental symptoms associated with marijuana withdrawal, and studies have shown that “amotivational” behavior occurs in those who chronically use marijuana. Actually, I found this section on marijuana and its effects to be somewhat irresponsible—the text takes a tone that is seemingly condoning marijuana use, which in my opinion is ill-advised considering the general demographic of those who will most likely be reading this text. Check out The National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Research Report Series on marijuana for an overview of newer research: https://d14rmgtrwzf5a.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/mjrrs_9_15.pdf

The social problems discussed in the book, such as racism, poverty, drug and alcohol use, crime, and war and terrorism are both relevant to current societal concerns plaguing both the United States and the world and are also are challenges the world will be facing long into the future. The text should remain relevant with updates and inclusion of more current reseacrh and case examples.

The book is very clear in presenting its ideas in a linear and logical fashion. It presents a social problem, examines the causes and current impact of the problem, and offers suggestions for how the problems could begin to be ameliorated. The book is written in understandable language.

The chapters are very consistent in their presentations. The social problems herein are examined in the same manner in each chapter, which allows the book to flow well. The reader knows what to expect and what learning objectives are meant to occur.

The book is very well organized and the individual chapters can stand alone. If an instructor wanted to only teach portions of the book, this could be easily achieved. The chapters are also broken up into smaller sections, which make it easy to read small chunks at a time while also gaining increased knowledge of the subject matter.

The book flows well. I found the structure and the presentation helpful, as my interest in the topics grew the more I read.

I noted no problems with the book’s interface. Graphics were simply presented and understandable.

No grammar problems were noted. The writing was easy to follow and understand.

The text is very culturally conscience and relevant. Many (if not all) of the social problems in the world involve racism, discrimination, and conflicts between cultures, and the text does a good job of pointed out how culture affects and is affected by the social maladies covered. I did not perceive the text to be culturally insensitive in any way, although I am a privileged white male and have my own blind spots, so it’s possible I missed something an individual of another culture or demographic might see differently.

Overall, I found this text to be an excellent overview of problems with which modern society is confronted and which college students will continue to face as they grow older. Although I am familiar with many of the subjects discussed in the book, I enjoyed reading the text and found my interest growing in the subjects due to the manner in which topics were presented and the examples used to demonstrate them. I also appreciated that the book encouraged students to strive for social justice and not lose hope that they can contribute to the amelioration or resolution of these social problems.

Reviewed by Vanessa Jones, Lecturer, Cleveland State University on 6/10/15

Through the text, Barkan provides a comprehensive definition of social problems and policy processes, overview of critical current issues and theoretical perspectives, and history of problems affecting the social context of the United States and how such have been and can be addressed. There are also helpful sections that provide a global look at some social issues. While there is no index, glossary, or table of contents, the text is formatted effectively to highlight key terms, definitions, and concepts. Having nearly 900 pages of comprehensive coverage of social problems limits opportunities for instructors to assign additional readings and expose students to a variety of authors and research.

The content provided is not only comprehensive, but is also accurate and current. Barkan provides multiple perspectives on social problems, which effectively limits bias. Readers are exposed to opposing public and political views within a socio-historical context, allowing for readers to form their own educated assessments on the various social issues.

The content is current, and the text makes use of relevant news stories. It is arranged in such a way that and has a digital format whereby these news stories, supporting resources, and text can be easily replaced and/or updated.

Barkan’s writing style falls between informal and formal registers, utilizing clear, accessible language and avoiding the use of jargon (including academic, scholarly, and technical terminology) without providing an adequate explanation. The information is presented in a manner appropriate for some high school classes in addition to the post secondary level.

The terminology and framework of the text are internally consistent, incorporating the theoretical perspective of social constructivism throughout. It has a user-friendly and engaging chapter/section format that includes several types of pedagogical features and text blocks for application of social problems in the news, in relation to youth, with respect to change, various activities and scenarios, as well as succinctly summarized objectives, takeaways, and review.

The text is successfully divided into modules whereby each chapter contains smaller reading sections, complete with the aforementioned pedagogical features and text blocks. This arrangement is particularly useful when structuring reading assignments for courses in which the entire text may not be used or may be supplemented with additional journal articles. The included subheadings are also useful to guide readers and instructors through the content. Sections of text can be easily reorganized and assigned without disrupting the meaning and delivery of the content.

The chapters and topics within each chapter are presented in a clear and logical manner. The modularity of the text is structured in such a way that flows consistently with the subject matter while leaving flexibility for re-organization to fit the needs of individual instructors.

Interface rating: 2

While the text appears to be free of significant interface issues, navigation through the text is challenging. The comprehensive nature of the text makes it lengthy, and the addition of interactive table of contents, index, and glossary as well as a list of the charts and figures would be helpful to allow readers to navigate through the text. Currently, navigation through the text is a bit cumbersome, limited to scrolling through nearly 900 pages to locate information. The images are appropriate and engaging. While they contain helpful information, the charts used could be more visually sophisticated. None of the display features appear to be distracting or confusing.

Barkan does an excellent job of addressing social problems, which by nature can be controversial, in a manner that is neither culturally insensitive nor offensive. Barkan uses examples that are diverse, multicultural, and inclusive.

Social Problems: Continuity and Change is a well written, organized, and comprehensive textbook presentation of social issues and transformation. The author skillfully provides multiple perspectives on a wide range of issues, typically controversial in nature, thus promoting cultural sensitivity and relevance while avoiding bias. Though lengthy, the modular format of the text is ideal for modification for use in post-secondary as well as some secondary settings. Because the author so thoroughly covers the landscape of social problems, this text is an excellent resource even if not adopted in entirety.

Reviewed by David McLeod, Assistant Professor, University of Oklahoma on 1/12/15

Attempting to comprehensively cover all aspects of social problems, with the extensiveness of marginalization, diversity, and oppression that exists in modern American society, is a daunting task. While I think the aim of this book is not for complete comprehensiveness, it’s almost 900 pages provide an extensive overview and set the stage well for opening students eyes to the differences that exist between the version(s) of the world they have experienced first hand, and the versions of the world that others experience. One of the key strengths of the text is in how it not only provides an overview of social problems in American society, but it also how it grounds the interpretations of these social problems through theoretical and paradigmatic lenses. Discussions of Structural Functionalism or Critical theories are highly useful in setting the stage for the investigation of social problems, and this text handles that well. Additionally the text provides examples throughout the chapters for how these types of problems may be viewed or dealt with in different cultures around the world. These pieces, along with discussions of opportunity for change and action, add to the comprehensiveness of the text by fostering conversations that could bring the students full circle to where they are not only enlightened about problems they may not have known existed prior to engagement in the course, but are also equipped to take steps toward addressing those problems.

The content of the text appears to be relatively error free. However, all positions concerning social problems are by their nature inherently biased. By simply deciding what constitutes a problem we have identified a position in which we stand. This is not bench science where generalizable truth is easier to quantify. Thankfully the author acknowledges this early in the text by explaining the differential nature by which people ascribe meaning to the world around them, and the theme is carried throughout, thus giving the reader the ability to interpret the identified problems from multiple viewpoints.

The contents of this text appear to be very up to date. I would expect this (digital) format to be an incredible asset to helping to keep the discussion of these social problems a contemporary one. Due to the structure and compartmentalization of the text I would expect updates to be easily added to the text.

The author has done a wonderful job at making the text easy to read and accessible. There is a minimum use of highly scientific or jargon terms, and students should find it easily digestible.

The text is consistent. For example throughout the text various social problems are examined using the same theoretical perspectives. Also there are social research sections throughout the text and key takeaways and discussion topics are at the end of every section. The structure and organization of the book, as well as concepts, terminology, and theories used, are consistent.

The modularity of the text would lend it to be easily taken apart and reassembled to suit particular classes. Further, the text with almost 900 pages total, appears to have been constructed with this in mind. Each chapter is self contained and could be used standing alone, and the sections within chapters are relatively self sustaining as well. The text has a good use of headings and is well organized.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 3

The topics are presented in a fairly logical progression. Inside the chapters, content layout is highly logical and clear.

The text has an excellent interface. Charts, illustrations and figures are vibrant and helpful. One thing that may be helpful would be quick links (in a condensed table of contents) in the pdf file that could take you straight to a chapter rather than having to scroll through to find it.

The text contains no grammatical errors.

The author appears to have worked to make the text as culturally sensitive as possible considering the subject matter.

Reviewed by Katherine MacTavish, Associate Professor, Oregon State University on 9/29/14

The book takes a comprehensive approach to social problems addressing major social institutions (family, school, work and health care) and including an emphasis on race/ethnicity, age, rural/urban, and global concerns such as war and terrorism. I was also delighted to see a chapter on the environment. In particular I appreciate the first chapters that clearly lay out the definition and evolution of a social problem along with theoretical perspectives on social problems. This setup provides a very useful framework for understanding what is to come in individual issues focused chapters. The books is filled with examples and illustrations along with application- the why does it matter bit that students so appreciate.

The book's content appears accurate. Theories and concepts are well explained.

The book connects relevant and up-to-date sources with classics. Each chapter starts off with "social problems in the news" section highlighting a timely connection to the issue.. I should imagine the book will remain useful for some years to come!

I found the writing to be very clear and approachable. Appropriate terminology was used but always with a clear explanation illustrated with examples.

The books format and content appear consistent. Chapters are laid out to include similar elements (my favorite of which is the applying social research). Colorful graphs, illustrations and photos support the text. the theoretical perspectives introduced in the front matter are pulled throughout.

The book was clearly developed with an eye for modularity. Combined with the front matter chapters and even subsections of chapters easily stand alone. I could imagine using sections of this book in several courses in our undergraduate program (including families in poverty, family, school and community collaboration, critical thinking, and health disparities). I could also see using sections of the book as supplements to workshops and training.

The flow seemed logical. I appreciate the development of clear subsections within each chapter.

I found no issues interfacing with the pdf. Graphs, images and and text were clear.

Seemed fine.

The book seems to strive to be inclusive of perspectives outside of majority culture. The privilege of social class and geographic location that bring about opportunity gaps were well acknowledged in explanations of inequality.

I came in to this review a skeptic. I was sure that a free online textbook would somehow be an inferior product. My mind has been changed!

Chapter 1: Understanding Social Problems
Chapter 2: Poverty
Chapter 3: Racial and Ethnic Inequality
Chapter 4: Gender Inequality
Chapter 5: Sexual Orientation and Inequality
Chapter 6: Aging and Ageism
Chapter 7: Alcohol and Other Drugs
Chapter 8: Crime and Criminal Justice
Chapter 9: Sexual Behavior
Chapter 10: The Changing Family
Chapter 11: Schools and Education
Chapter 12: Work and the Economy
Chapter 13: Health and Health Care
Chapter 14: Urban and Rural Problems
Chapter 15: Population and the Environment
Chapter 16: War and Terrorism

Ancillary Material

Independent

About the Book

Social Problems: Continuity and Change is a realistic but motivating look at the many issues that are facing our society today. As this book's subtitle, Continuity and Change, implies, social problems are persistent, but they have also improved in the past and can be improved in the present and future, provided that our nation has the wisdom and will to address them.

It is easy for students to read a social problems textbook and come away feeling frustrated by the enormity of the many social problems facing us today. Social Problems: Continuity and Change certainly does not minimize the persistence of social problems, but neither does it overlook the possibilities for change offered by social research and by the activities of everyday citizens working to make a difference. Readers the book will find many examples of how social problems have been improved and of strategies that hold great potential for solving them today and in the future.

You will find several pedagogical features help to convey the “continuity and change” theme of this text and the service sociology vision in which it is grounded: Each chapter begins with a “Social Problems in the News” story related to the social problem discussed in that chapter. These stories provide an interesting starting point for the chapter's discussion and show its relevance for real-life issues. Three types of boxes in each chapter provide examples of how social problems have been changed and can be changed. In no particular order,

A first box, “Applying Social Research,” discusses how the findings from sociological and other social science research have either contributed to public policy related to the chapter's social problem or have the potential of doing so.

A second box, “Lessons from Other Nations,” discusses how another nation or nations have successfully addressed the social problem of that chapter.

A third box, “People Making a Difference,” discusses efforts by individuals, non-profit organizations or social change groups, or social movements relating to the chapter's social problem. Students will see many examples in this box of how ordinary people can indeed make a difference.

A fourth box in each chapter, “Children and Our Future,” examines how the social problem discussed in that chapter particularly affects children, and it outlines the problem's repercussions for their lives as adolescents and adults. This box reinforces for students the impact of social problems on children and the importance of addressing these problems for their well-being as well as for the nation's well-being. Each chapter ends with a “Using What You Know” feature that presents students with a scenario involving the social problem from the chapter and that puts them in a decision-making role. This feature helps connect the chapter's theoretical discussion with potential real-life situations.

Each chapter also ends with a “What You Can Do” feature that suggests several activities, strategies, or other efforts that students might undertake to learn more about and/or to address the social problem examined in the chapter. Like other aspects of the book, this feature helps counter “doom and gloom” feelings that little can be done about social problems.

Other pedagogical features in each chapter include Learning Objectives at the beginning of a major section that highlight key topics to be learned; Key Takeaways at the end of a major section that highlight important points that were discussed in the section; For Your Review questions, also at the end of a major section, that have students think critically about that section's discussion; and a Summary that reviews the major points made in the chapter.

The founders of American sociology a century or more ago in cities like Atlanta and Chicago wanted to reduce social inequality, to improve the lives of people of color, and more generally to find solutions to the most vexing social problems of their times. A former president of the Society for the Study of Social Problems, A. Javier Treviño, has used the term service sociology to characterize their vision of their new discipline. Social Problems: Continuity and Change is grounded in this vision by offering a sociological understanding of today's social problems and of possible solutions to these problems.

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839 Social Issues Essay Topics, Lists, & Good Ideas

Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
Icon Page 7051 words
Icon Clock 32 min read

Social issues essay topics mean contemporary matters that affect society at large. They encompass many subjects, including poverty, racial and gender inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, climate change, and gun control. These topics offer an in-depth exploration of societal constructs, systems, and beliefs that shape the human world, encouraging critical thinking and fostering empathy toward diverse perspectives. Moreover, discussing hot issues allows people to identify societal imbalances and injustices while proposing solutions for a better and inclusive future. Thus, social issues essay topics can foster personal growth, broaden horizons, and serve as a platform to initiate dialogue and action on pressing problems or challenges in the global community.

Best Social Issues Essay Topics

Racial Profiling and Its Impact on Modern Society
Addressing Gender Inequality in the Workplace
Implications of Cyberbullying in the Digital Age
The Effect of Mass Media on Body Image
Balancing Privacy Rights and National Security in Surveillance
Modern-Day Human Trafficking: A Hidden Crime
Climate Change: Examining Environmental Racism
Immigration Policies: Social and Economic Impacts
Cultural Appropriation in Fashion and Entertainment
Violence in Video Games: Correlation to Real-World Aggression
Youth Unemployment: A Rising Social Issue
Religious Freedom vs. Societal Safety: The Thin Line
Universal Basic Income: Solution for Poverty?
Decriminalizing Drugs: The Portuguese Model
Impacts of Technological Advancements on the Job Market
Examining the Glass Ceiling Phenomenon
Body Shaming: A Social Media Issue
Exploring Mental Health Stigma in Society
Consumerism and Its Effect on Climate Change
Evaluating LGBTQ+ Rights Across Different Cultures
Dissecting the Prison Industrial Complex in the US
Effects of Single-Parenting on Child Development
Social Implications of Genetically Modified Organisms
Income Inequality: Impacts on Health and Longevity
Discrimination in the Housing Market: A Hidden Problem

Easy Social Issues Essay Topics

Economic Consequences of Child Labor
Substance Abuse: A Social or Medical Issue?
Ageism and Its Impact on Employment Opportunities
Cybersecurity Threats: A Growing Social Concern
The Digital Divide: Rural vs. Urban Internet Access
Child Obesity: The Role of School Meals
Modern Slavery: A Global Issue Hidden in Plain Sight
Understanding the Roots of Homelessness in Developed Countries
Food Insecurity in First-World Nations: Causes and Consequences
Influence of Social Media on Political Polarization
Effects of Fast Fashion on Third-World Workers
Assisted Suicide: Ethical Dilemma or Human Right?
Transgender Rights in Sports: A Critical Examination
Terrorism and Its Impact on Social Cohesion
Stereotypes and their Influence on Criminal Justice
Understanding Social Exclusion in Public Schools
Internet Censorship: Freedom of Speech vs. National Security
Affordable Housing Crisis and Its Social Implications
GMOs: A Solution for World Hunger or an Ecological Disaster?
Social and Economic Impacts of Automation on Manufacturing Jobs
Cultural Relativism: Understanding Human Rights Across Different Societies
Privacy Issues Arising From Facial Recognition Technology
Parental Rights vs. Child Protection in Medical Decisions
Disability Discrimination in Employment: A Silent Crisis

839 Social Issues Essay Topics, Lists, & Good Ideas

Interesting Social Issues Essay Topics

Social Impacts of Modernization on Indigenous Communities
Stigmatization of Sex Work: Society’s View and Legal Status
Animal Rights: Ethical Concerns Surrounding Factory Farming
Influence of Television on Children’s Behavioral Development
Political Corruption: Effects on Social Trust and Development
Internet Addiction: A 21st Century Mental Health Issue
Food Deserts: Addressing Urban Nutritional Inequality
Ethical Dilemmas in Biomedical Engineering and Cloning
Social Consequences of Aging Populations in Developed Countries
Regulating Big Tech: Balancing Innovation and Privacy
Analyzing Sexism in the Advertising Industry
Impacts of Remote Work on Social Interaction and Mental Health
Capital Punishment: A Justified Measure or a Human Rights Violation?
Global Water Crisis: Social and Health Impacts
Adoption Laws: Discrimination Against Single and LGBTQ+ Parents
Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Humanitarian or Security Issue?
Waste Management: Social and Environmental Implications
The Role of Education in Preventing Youth Crime
Social Implications of Autonomous Vehicles on Traffic and Employment
Cultural Impacts of Westernization in Non-Western Countries
Animal Assisted Therapy: Evaluating Benefits and Ethical Concerns
Euthanasia: Medical, Legal, and Ethical Perspectives

Social Issues Research Topics

Misinformation Spread: Impacts on Democracy and Public Health
Child Soldiers: An Unresolved Global Crisis
Identity Theft: The Growing Concern in Digital Age
Pandemic and Its Impact on Mental Health
Reality TV: Influence on Perception of Body Image and Relationships
Genetic Engineering: Balancing Potential Benefits and Ethical Concerns
Deconstructing Toxic Masculinity: A Psychological Perspective
Roles of Non-Governmental Organizations in Social Change
Media’s Influence on Perception of Police Brutality
Importance of Financial Literacy in Youth Empowerment
Addressing Period Poverty: The Hidden Barrier to Education
Sports and Nationalism: The Social Impact of International Competitions
Intersectionality in Feminism: Need for Inclusion in Activism
Childhood Vaccinations: Public Health Necessity or Parental Choice?
Social Media Influencers: Impacts on Youth and Consumer Behavior
Obesity Epidemic: Fast Food Industry’s Responsibility
Parenting Styles and Their Effect on Child’s Mental Health
Impacts of Microfinance on Poverty Alleviation
Cyberstalking: The Hidden Dangers of the Internet
Juvenile Delinquency: Factors and Prevention Strategies
Examining the Ethical Implications of Human Cloning
The Changing Dynamics of Family Structure in Modern Society
Online Education: Impacts on Accessibility and Quality of Learning

Social Argumentative Essay Topics

Analyzing the Impact of Cyberbullying on Teen Mental Health
Evaluating Measures for Reducing Plastic Waste in Urban Areas
Addressing Racial Profiling Within Law Enforcement Agencies
The Role of Affordable Housing in Mitigating Homelessness
Necessity for Implementing Universal Basic Income
Exploring the Efficacy of Gun Control Legislation
Harnessing Technology for Elderly Care: An Imperative Approach
Balancing Freedom of Speech With Hate Speech Regulations
Prioritizing LGBTQ+ Rights in Contemporary Societies
Reforming Education Systems to Promote Equality
Human Trafficking: A Global Challenge Requiring Immediate Action
The Growing Threat of Food Insecurity in Developed Nations
Combatting Domestic Violence: Effectiveness of Current Legal Measures
The Stigma Around Mental Health and Its Societal Impact
Mandatory Vaccinations: A Necessary Evil or a Personal Choice?
Unveiling Hidden Poverty in Affluent Societies
Addressing Racial Disparities in Health Care Delivery
Gender Pay Gap: A Persistent Social Issue
Bridging the Digital Divide: Strategies and Solutions
Potential Dangers of Unregulated AI Technologies
Climate Change Denial: An Analysis of Its Sociopolitical Impact
Child Labor in Developing Countries: Causes and Solutions
Public Health Challenges of Obesity in Children
Socioeconomic Impacts of Drug Addiction

Persuasive Speech Topics on Social Issues

Restorative Justice as a Solution to Overcrowded Prisons
Empowering Women Through Microfinance in Developing Countries
Environmental Racism: An Underexplored Aspect of Social Inequality
Suicide Rates Among Veterans: A Hidden Crisis
Implementing Sustainable Practices in Urban Development
The Effect of Advertising on Consumerism and Waste Generation
Systemic Bias in the Workplace: A Closer Look
Income Inequality: Examining the Effects on Social Mobility
Substance Abuse Prevention Programs in Schools
The Consequences of Child Neglect on Future Generations
Addressing Stigmatization of HIV/AIDS Patients
Ethical Issues Surrounding Assisted Suicide Legislation
The Role of Social Structures in Perpetuating Poverty
Evaluating the Impact of Religious Discrimination on Society
The Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Academic Achievement
Advocacy for Animal Rights in Modern Industrial Farming
Transgender Rights: Overcoming Legal and Social Barriers
The Effect of Climate Change on Global Poverty
Exploring Ethical Issues in Genetic Engineering
Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Challenge for Global Cooperation
Accessibility Challenges in Public Transportation for Disabled Individuals
Overcoming Barriers to Mental Health Services for Marginalized Communities
Addressing Child Malnutrition in Low-Income Countries

Social Issues Essay Topics on Abortion

Historical Perspectives on Abortion Laws Globally
Ethical Dilemmas: The Clash Between Personal Beliefs and Abortion
Abortion Stigma: Understanding Its Roots and Effects
Abortion and Religion: A Complex Intersection
Public Policies Impacting Abortion Rights: A Comparative Analysis
Emotional Consequences Experienced Post-Abortion
Legal Implications of Restrictive Abortion Laws
Safeguarding Women’s Health: The Role of Safe Abortion Services
Evaluating the Economic Factors That Influence Abortion Decisions
Exploring Medical Advancements in Abortion Procedures
Adolescents and Abortion: Addressing the Legal and Social Implications
Diverse Perspectives on Abortion: A Multicultural Examination
Understanding the Relationship Between Abortion and Mental Health
The Battle Between Pro-Life and Pro-Choice: An Ongoing Debate
Sex Education’s Influence on Abortion Rates
Roles of Feminism in the Fight for Abortion Rights
Medical Ethics and Abortion: A Critical Examination
Abortion’s Societal Impact: A Quantitative Study
Dissecting the Stance of Various Political Parties on Abortion
Access to Abortion Services: Disparity in Urban and Rural Areas

Social Issues Essay Topics on Animal Rights & Animal Welfare

Unveiling the Truth: Animal Testing in Cosmetic Industries
Captivity vs. Conservation: The Dilemma of Zoos
From Farm to Plate: The Reality of Factory Farming
Whales in Danger: Consequences of Commercial Whaling
Shedding Light on Fur Trade: Ethical Concerns and Alternatives
Animal Rights in Fashion: Examining the Use of Leather
Exploring Ethical Dimensions: Use of Animals in Medical Research
Wild At Heart: The Controversy Surrounding Trophy Hunting
Lessons from Wildlife: The Impact of Habitat Destruction
Outlawing Animal Cruelty: Legislation Across Different Countries
Paws in Pain: The Distressing World of Puppy Mills
Silent Sufferers: Effects of Climate Change on Animals
Revealing the Dark Side: Illegal Animal Trade and Smuggling
Spotlight on Animal Welfare: Importance of Veterinary Care
Fins at Risk: Shark Finning and Its Ecological Consequences
The Stolen Freedom: Circuses and Animal Entertainment Industry
Livestock’s Long Journey: Animal Welfare in Transport
Animal Rights vs. Religious Customs: A Delicate Balance
Raising Awareness: The Role of Media in Animal Rights
Laying Bare: The Deplorable Conditions of Animal Shelters
Elephant Tusk Trade: A Dire Threat to Biodiversity

Consumption & Development Social Issues Topics

Inequities in Global Resource Distribution: The Ethical Dilemma
Technological Progress: Is It a Boon or a Bane for Sustainable Consumption?
The Dark Side of Fast Fashion: Exploitation and Waste
Climate Change: Impact on Global Food Security and Consumption
E-Waste Management: Solutions for a Growing Global Concern
Plastic Pollution: Analyzing Current Measures and Future Alternatives
Economic Growth versus Environmental Conservation: Can They Coexist?
Unchecked Tourism: Deciphering Its Impact on Natural Resources
Overpopulation and Consumption: The Unsustainable Global Footprint
Modern Agriculture’s Roles in Overconsumption and Soil Degradation
Fast Food Culture: A Critical Look at Health and Environment
Socioeconomic Disparities: How Do They Influence Consumption Patterns?
The Rise of Electric Vehicles: Assessing Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Impacts of Consumerism on Mental Health: Unmasking the Materialistic Culture
Consumption in the Digital Age: E-Commerce and Its Environmental Consequences
Urban Sprawl: Analyzing Its Effects on Natural Resources and Wildlife
Influences of Advertising on Consumer Behavior: A Critical Analysis
Access to Clean Water: A Global Crisis of Consumption and Pollution
Global Supply Chains: Assessing Labor Exploitation and Sustainability
The Role of Government Policies in Controlling Resource Overconsumption

Social Issues Topics on Cultural Appropriation & Stereotyping

Identifying the Line Between Cultural Appreciation and Cultural Appropriation
Stereotypes and Their Impact on Multicultural Relationships
Consequences of Racial Stereotypes in Media Representation
Commercialization and Exploitation of Indigenous Artifacts: Is It Cultural Appropriation?
Stereotyping in Advertising: A Social Issue Worth Investigating
Cultural Appropriation in the Fashion Industry: A Matter of Concern?
Dissecting the Influence of Stereotypes on Academic Achievement
Roles of Stereotyping in Gender Bias and Discrimination
Music Genres: The Unseen Consequences of Cultural Appropriation
Stereotypes in Children’s Books: Effects on Young Minds
Influence of Cultural Appropriation on Traditional Cuisine and Recipes
Roles of Stereotyping in Perpetuating Social Inequalities
Cultural Appropriation in Yoga and Mindfulness Practices: Is It Problematic?
Examination of Racial Stereotypes in Sports and Athletics
Analyzing the Consequences of Cultural Appropriation in Hair and Beauty Trends
Impact of Stereotyping on Mental Health and Self-Esteem
Cultural Appropriation in Hollywood: Does It Harm or Help Cultural Understanding?
Stereotypes in Video Games: Reflection of Society or Cause of Bias?
Ethics of Cultural Appropriation in Literature and Fiction
Stereotyping in Job Interviews: Its Effect on Employment Opportunities
Linguistic Stereotypes and Their Consequences on Communication

Social Issues Topics on Cultural Property

Protection of Indigenous Artifacts: Upholding Cultural Integrity
Ethics of Art Repatriation: Addressing Historical Injustices
National Museums’ Roles in Preserving Cultural Property
Legislation Governing Cultural Heritage: An International Perspective
Exploitation of Cultural Resources: Implications for Native Communities
Antiquities Trade and Cultural Property: A Critical Analysis
Cultural Patrimony: The Need for Enhanced International Cooperation
Digitization of Cultural Property: Challenges and Opportunities
Illicit Traffic of Cultural Goods: A Global Concern
Respecting Intangible Heritage: Measures for Cultural Safeguarding
Modern Architecture as Cultural Property: Preservation Challenges
Safeguarding Underwater Heritage: Issues in Maritime Archaeology
War Effects on Cultural Heritage: A Case Study
Postcolonial Dynamics in Cultural Property Ownership
Religious Institutions and the Preservation of Cultural Property
Consequences of Tourism on Cultural Sites and Artifacts
Climate Change Impact on Cultural Heritage Sites
Archaeological Excavations: Ethical Considerations in Cultural Property Handling
Historical Sites and Urban Development: A Balancing Act
Sacred Objects Repatriation: Ethical Dilemmas

Current Social Issues Topics in America

Unequal Access to Healthcare: A Crisis in American Communities
Evaluating the Implications of Police Reform Movements
Climate Change and Its Effect on US Coastal Cities
Dissecting the Racial Disparities in American Public Education
Homelessness Crisis: Solutions and Strategies for American Urban Areas
Obesity Epidemic: America’s Unseen Public Health Dilemma
Addressing the Wage Gap: Women’s Fight for Economic Equality
The Struggle for LGBTQ+ Rights and Recognition in America
Cybersecurity Threats: The Invisible War on American Infrastructure
Investigating the Opioid Epidemic: Its Socioeconomic Ramifications
The Future of Immigration Policy and Its Impact on American Society
Free Speech vs. Hate Speech: Striking a Balance in the Digital Age
Childhood Obesity: A Growing Issue in American Society
Veterans’ Struggles: The Unaddressed Trauma and Its Consequences
Gun Control and Second Amendment Rights: A Polarizing Debate
The Role of Technology in Exacerbating Income Inequality
Confronting Racism in American Sports: A Silent Scourge
Democracy and Disinformation: The Threat of Fake News
Youth Suicide Rates: The Silent Epidemic in American Schools
Implications of Artificial Intelligence on the American Job Market
Challenges Facing Indigenous Peoples: Reservations, Rights, and Resources

Social Issues Essay Topics on Disability & Accessibility

The Role of Universal Design in Fostering Inclusivity
Exploring the Physical Barriers That Hinder Accessibility
The Effect of Societal Attitudes on Disability Acceptance
Modern Technology’s Impacts on Accessibility for the Disabled
Employment Opportunities and Disability: A Global Perspective
Understanding Disability Representation in Media
Disability Rights Movements: Their Evolution and Impact
Societal Implications of Disability Stereotypes
Investigating the Intersectionality of Disability and Race
Disabilities and Education: Tackling Systemic Challenges
Mental Health and Its Relation to Disability
Accessibility in Public Transportation: An Unsolved Problem
Sports Participation and Its Significance for Disabled Individuals
Chronic Illness: Unseen Disabilities and Societal Perception
Inadequacies in Health Care Services for People With Disabilities
The Influence of Disability on Social Identity
Assessing the Current State of Assistive Technology
Cultural Perspectives on Disability: A Comparative Study
Barriers to Effective Disability Legislation: Overcoming Challenges
Disability Advocacy: Celebrating Prominent Figures and Their Contributions

Social Issues Topics on Discrimination & Prejudice

Unraveling the Causes and Consequences of Religious Discrimination in Contemporary Society
Ageism in the Workplace: An Overlooked Issue in the Modern Professional Environment
Investigating Homophobia: The Role of Media in Shaping Attitudes Toward the LGBTQ+ Community
Ethnic Prejudice in Education: Analysis of Its Impact on Minority Students’ Performance
Stereotypes in Advertising: Their Influence on Consumer Perception and Bias
Discrimination Against Immigrants: Exploring Its Socioeconomic Consequences
Intersectionality: The Complex Overlay of Gender, Race, and Class Discrimination
Roles of Legislation in Reducing Workplace Discrimination: A Comparative Study
Body Shaming: Prevalence and Impact on Mental Health in Adolescents
Cyberbullying and Online Hate Speech: The New Frontier of Discrimination
Colorism: A Forgotten Aspect of Racial Discrimination in Society
Disparity in Criminal Sentencing: Examining Racial Bias in the Justice System
Prejudice Toward Mental Health: Evaluating Society’s Misunderstandings and Fear
Parental Discrimination: The Unseen Prejudice Against Single Fathers in Society
Obesity Stigma: The Social and Psychological Impacts of Weight Discrimination
Ableism in Popular Media: Effects on Perception of Disabled Individuals
Wealth Inequality: The Role of Discrimination in the Widening Socioeconomic Gap
Transgender Rights: Unpacking Discrimination in Public Policy and Healthcare
Xenophobia and Its Influence on Nationalistic Politics
Linguistic Discrimination: The Unaddressed Bias Against Accents and Dialects
Socioeconomic Discrimination: Implications for Access to Quality Education

Social Issues Topics About Education & Access to Education

Exploring the Digital Divide: Impact on Rural Students’ Access to Education
Gender Bias in Educational Resources: A Global Perspective
Implications of Socioeconomic Status on Educational Attainment
Understanding Disability-Inclusive Policies in Modern Education Systems
Effectiveness of Online Learning for Underserved Communities
Analyzing Racial Disparities in Standardized Testing
Mitigating the Influence of Poverty on Student Performance
Unraveling the Impact of Cultural Differences in Bilingual Education
Diversity in School Curricula: The Need for Greater Representation
Cyberbullying: Its Effect on Student Mental Health and Academic Performance
Improving Immigrant Student Assimilation Through Culturally Sensitive Teaching Methods
College Affordability: The Rising Student Debt Crisis
School-to-Prison Pipeline: Effects of Zero Tolerance Policies
Inequalities in Education: Comparing Urban and Rural Schools
Reducing High School Dropout Rates: Successful Intervention Strategies
Reforming Educational Policies for LGBTQ+ Students
Evaluating Mental Health Support in Schools
Public vs. Private Education: Impact on Student Success
The Role of Technology in Modernizing Classroom Infrastructure
Promoting Female Participation in STEM Fields

Environmental Social Issues Topics

Consequences of Deforestation on Global Biodiversity
Climate Change: Its Impact on Polar Ice Caps
Analyzing Plastic Waste: Threats and Alternatives
Overpopulation: Evaluating Its Effect on Natural Resources
Water Scarcity: A Deep Dive Into Its Global Impact
Impacts of Urbanization on Natural Habitats
The Significance of Green Architecture in Reducing Carbon Footprint
Industrial Pollution: Evaluating Its Effect on Air Quality
The Importance of Sustainable Agriculture in Maintaining Soil Health
Coral Reefs: Threats and Conservation Strategies
Ocean Acidification: The Invisible Climate Threat
Endangered Species: Exploring the Role of Poaching
Genetic Modification in Agriculture: Boon or Bane for Biodiversity
E-Waste Management: A New Global Challenge
Pollution Control: Scrutinizing the Efficacy of International Laws
Landfill Dilemmas: Exploring the Potential of Waste-to-Energy Technologies
Invasive Species: Assessing Their Impact on Native Ecosystems
Food Waste: A Hidden Contributor to Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Renewable Energy: A Possible Solution to Fossil Fuel Dependence
Hydropower Projects: Weighing Environmental Costs Against Energy Benefits
Sustainable Tourism: Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Preservation

Feminism Social Issues Topics

Evolution of Feminism in the 21st Century: A Historical Perspective
Unveiling the Multidimensional Impact of Cyberfeminism
Feminist Literary Criticism: An Examination of Its Influence on Modern Literature
Intersectionality: A Pivotal Factor in Feminism
Dissecting the Representation of Women in the Media
Glass Ceiling Phenomenon: A Feminist Analysis
Analysis of Feminism’s Role in Promoting Equal Educational Opportunities
Unpacking the Implications of Feminist Legal Theory
Unveiling Men’s Roles in the Feminist Movement: A Contemporary Perspective
Analysis of Body Positivity: A Feminist Perspective
Understanding the Intersection of Feminism and Environmental Justice
Exploring the Gender Pay Gap Through the Lens of Feminism
Queer Theory and Feminism: An Unfolding Narrative
Ecofeminism: An Analysis of Its Relevance in the Modern World
Transnational Feminism: Exploring Its Impact on Global Gender Equality
Impacts of Feminist Economics on the Global Financial System
Dissecting the Influence of Feminist Activism on Social Change
Gender Stereotypes: Feminism’s Response to Societal Norms
Exploring the Role of Feminism in Promoting Reproductive Rights
Comparative Analysis of Feminist Movements Across the Globe

Social Issues Essay Topics About Gender Identity & Transgender

Understanding the Struggles of Transgender Teens in Public Schools
Intersectionality in the Transgender Community: Race, Class, and Gender
Gender Dysphoria: Psychological Perspectives and Treatment Approaches
Public Restroom Access: A Crucial Issue for Transgender Individuals
Fostering Safe Spaces: Inclusion of Transgender People in Sports
Media Representation: Portrayal of Transgender Characters in Film and Television
Debunking Myths: Unraveling Misconceptions About Non-Binary Identities
Transgender Rights: Analyzing Global Legal Landscapes
Queer Theory and Its Influence on Transgender Studies
Gender Affirmation Surgeries: Accessibility and Ethical Dilemmas
Workplace Discrimination: Challenges Faced by Transgender Employees
Religious Perspectives: Understanding Transgender Acceptance in Different Faiths
Bias in Healthcare: Addressing Transgender Medical Discrimination
Parental Support: Influence on Transgender Youth Mental Health
Evolution of Language: The Importance of Pronouns in Transgender Identities
Activism’s Role in Advancing Transgender Equality and Justice
Fashion Industry: Promoting or Hindering Transgender Inclusivity?
Racial Disparities: Exploring Transgender Experiences Within Minority Groups
Military Service: Transgender Inclusion and Barriers
Legislation Impact: Tracing Changes in Transgender Rights Over Time
Education Reform: Incorporating Gender Identity Into School Curriculum

Social Issues Topics About Gun Control & Second Amendment

Influences of Media Portrayals on Gun Control Attitudes
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Current Gun Control Measures
The Second Amendment: A Historical Perspective
School Shootings and Proposed Gun Control Solutions
Rights of Individuals vs. Societal Safety: A Critical Analysis
Roles of Firearms in Domestic Violence Cases
Arguments for Stricter Gun Control Laws in the United States
Mental Health Considerations in Gun Control Discussions
Diverse Opinions on Gun Control: A Comparative Study
Gun Control Policies: A Comparative Analysis Between States
Perspectives on Concealed Carry Laws Across America
Examining the Link Between Gun Ownership and Crime Rates
Impacts of Gun Control on Suicide Rates
Gun Shows and the Loophole in Gun Control Laws
Stand-Your-Ground Laws: An Examination of Gun Rights
Gun Control Debate: Rural vs. Urban Perspectives
Racial Disparities in Gun Control Enforcement
Influence of Political Parties on Gun Control Legislation
Constitutional Interpretations of the Second Amendment
Gun Control Laws and Their Effect on Hunting Culture

Social Issues Topics About Healthcare & Access to Healthcare

Exploring the Implications of Mental Health Stigma in Healthcare Access
Impacts of Socioeconomic Status on Quality of Medical Care
Evaluating the Role of Education in Preventive Healthcare
Assessing Challenges Faced by the Homeless in Obtaining Essential Medical Services
Childhood Obesity: Tracing the Societal and Systemic Contributors
Unpacking the Barriers to Healthcare in Rural Communities
Telemedicine: Assessing its Effect on Health Equity
Roles of Health Insurance in Shaping Healthcare Accessibility
Gender Disparities in Healthcare: A Critical Examination
Health Literacy: Its Influence on Patient-Care Provider Interactions
Analyzing the Intersectionality of Race, Gender, and Healthcare Access
Effects of Pandemics on Healthcare Inequality
Transgender Health: Overcoming Challenges in Access and Understanding
The Influence of Immigrant Status on Healthcare Access
Comparing Global Health Systems: Lessons for Improved Access
Food Insecurity and Its Link to Chronic Health Conditions
Reproductive Rights: A Deep Dive Into Accessibility and Quality of Care
Tackling Ageism in Health Services: A Study on Elderly Care
Health Disparities Among Indigenous Populations: Causes and Solutions
Holistic Healthcare: How Accessibility to Alternative Medicine Matters
Substance Abuse Treatment: A Study on Access and Stigma

Health-Related Social Issues Essay Topics

Stigma Attached to Mental Health Disorders in Society
Obesity Epidemic: Societal Factors and Solutions
Impacts of Socioeconomic Status on Nutritional Choices
Alcoholism and Its Societal Consequences
Social Implications of Ageing Population Dynamics
Vaccination Hesitancy: A Public Health Crisis
Intersection of Racism and Health Inequalities
Domestic Violence: Hidden Health Crisis in Homes
Effects of Urbanization on Public Health
Bullying and Its Influence on Adolescent Mental Health
Climate Change: Potential Impact on Global Health
Exploring Substance Abuse Within Marginalized Communities
Roles of Education in Promoting Sexual Health
Chronic Illness and Social Isolation: A Silent Dilemma
Investigating the Link Between Poverty and Disease Prevalence
Health Insurance: The Great Divide in Medical Access
Gender Disparities in Health: Biological or Societal?
Exploring the Correlation Between Illiteracy and Poor Health
HIV/AIDS Stigmatization: A Barrier to Effective Treatment
Roles of Government Policies in Obesity Prevention

Social Issues Essay Topics About Homelessness & Housing Insecurity

Addressing the Root Causes of Housing Instability: Poverty and Inequality
The Intersection of Race and Homelessness in Society
Promoting Social Inclusion for the Homeless Community
Innovative Approaches to Sheltering the Unhoused
Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness: Rehabilitation Programs
Supporting Homeless Veterans: Ensuring Their Well-Being
Substance Abuse and Its Impact on Homelessness
Rethinking Urban Development to Address Housing Insecurity
The Role of Education in Preventing Homelessness
Legal Rights and Protections for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
The Link Between Homelessness and Food Scarcity
LGBTQ+ Youth Homelessness: Upholding and Supporting Vulnerable Communities
Improving Healthcare Access to Reduce Homelessness
Overcoming Housing Challenges in Rural Areas
Gentrification and Its Effects on Housing Instability
Safe Spaces for Homeless Families With Children
Homelessness and the Aging Population: Ensuring Support and Dignity
Natural Disasters and Their Impact on Housing Insecurity
Challenging Stereotypes: Changing Perceptions of Homelessness
Collaborative Solutions to Homelessness: Public-Private Partnerships
Housing First Approach: A Pathway to Stability

Social Issues Topics About Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery

Unveiling the Dark Reality: Exploring the Causes and Consequences of Human Trafficking
International Cooperation: Strengthening Efforts to Combat Modern Slavery
Gender, Race, and Class: The Intersectionality of Human Trafficking
Shaping Public Opinion: Media’s Influence on Raising Awareness about Human Trafficking
Linkages Between Global Migration and Human Trafficking
Preventing Human Trafficking: The Vital Role of Education
Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Policies against Human Trafficking
Corporate Social Responsibility: Addressing Human Trafficking in Supply Chains
Healing and Recovery: Understanding the Psychological Impact on Human Trafficking Survivors
Complex Nexus: Exploring the Connection Between Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation
Unmasking the Hidden Reality: Investigating Human Trafficking and Forced Labor
Grassroots Movements for Change: The Role of NGOs in Combating Human Trafficking
Breaking the Cycle of Exploitation: Human Trafficking and Child Labor
Bridging the Gap: Human Trafficking and Human Rights
Emerging Challenges and Opportunities: Technology’s Impact on Human Trafficking
A Harsh Reality of Modern Warfare: Human Trafficking in Conflict Zones
Identifying and Prosecuting Human Traffickers: Law Enforcement’s Crucial Role
Addressing the Root Causes: Exploring the Role of Demand in Human Trafficking
Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Human Trafficking and Labor Migration
An Alarming Nexus: Human Trafficking and Organ Trafficking

Humanity Social Issues Topics

Gender Inequality: Challenging Societal Norms
Combating Racism and Promoting Equality in Society
Mental Health Stigma: Breaking the Silence
Human Rights Violations and the Importance of Advocacy
Overcoming Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation
Economic Disparities: Addressing Wealth Inequality
The Power of Empathy in Fostering Social Change
Access to Healthcare: Bridging the Gap
Eradicating Child Labor: A Pathway to a Better Future
Challenges of Immigration and Refugee Integration
Promoting Ethical Practices in the Business World
Social Media and Its Impact on Human Connection
Tackling Food Insecurity: A Humanitarian Imperative
Promoting Cultural Diversity in a Globalized World
Addressing Human Trafficking: Protecting the Vulnerable
Disability Rights and Inclusion: Building an Accessible Society
The Role of NGOs in Addressing Humanitarian Crises
Challenging Ageism: Valuing the Wisdom of the Elderly
Ending Domestic Violence: Empowering Survivors
Fighting Corruption: Preserving Societal Integrity
Overcoming Religious Intolerance: Promoting Interfaith Dialogue

Illiteracy Social Issues Topics

Overcoming Educational Disadvantages: Illiteracy and Poverty
Digital Divide: Overcoming Barriers to Illiteracy
Empowering Women through Literacy Education
Illiteracy and Its Effect on Health and Access to Healthcare
Education for All: Tackling Illiteracy Challenges
Harnessing Technology to Combat the Illiteracy Crisis
The Role of Parental Involvement in Reducing Illiteracy
Social Exclusion and Illiteracy: A Vicious Cycle
Bridging the Gap: Accessible Education in Rural Areas
Early Childhood Literacy Programs: Building a Strong Foundation
Illiteracy and Environmental Sustainability: Raising Awareness
Media Literacy: Breaking Illiteracy Barriers to Information
Empowering Refugees through Literacy Education
Addressing Illiteracy in the Aging Population
Illiteracy and Crime: Disrupting the Connection
Indigenous Communities and Literacy: Empowering Cultural Heritage
Innovative Approaches to Adult Literacy Programs
Illiteracy’s Role in Perpetuating Gender Inequality
Language Access in Adult Literacy Initiatives
Overcoming Stigma: Transforming Perceptions of Illiteracy

LGBT Social Issues Topics & Ideas

Intersectionality: Exploring the Experiences of LGBTQ+ People of Color
Religion and Homosexuality: Bridging the Gap
LGBTQ+ Representation in Media: Significance and Challenges
Conversion Therapy: Harmful Effects on LGBTQ+ Individuals
Aging and Healthcare Access for LGBTQ+ Individuals
Workplace Equality: Upholding LGBTQ+ Rights
Parental Acceptance and Support for LGBTQ+ Youth
Education and LGBTQ+ Inclusion: Fostering Acceptance
Homosexuality and the Criminal Justice System: Challenges and Progress
Protecting and Empowering LGBTQ+ Refugees
LGBTQ+ Activism: Historical Milestones and Future Directions
Bisexuality: Challenging Stereotypes and Biphobia
Non-Binary Identity: Embracing Gender Non-Conformity
LGBTQ+ Representation in Politics and Leadership
Transgender Healthcare: Addressing Barriers and Disparities
LGBTQ+ Families: Diverse Dynamics and Parenting
Homelessness and Housing Discrimination Among LGBTQ+ Individuals
LGBTQ+ Pride Parades: Celebration, Solidarity, and Resistance
Isolation and Support for LGBTQ+ Elders
Asexuality: Beyond the Binary Norms and Misconceptions
Combating LGBTQ+ Hate Crimes: Strengthening Legislation and Awareness

Social Issues Essay Topics on Mental Health & Mental Illness

Addressing Mental Health Disparities Among Marginalized Populations
Understanding the Relationship Between Trauma and Psychiatric Conditions
Promoting Mental Health Support in Educational Institutions
Examining the Role of Genetics in Mental Health Disorders
Integrating Mental Health Care into Primary Healthcare Systems
Challenging Gender Stereotypes and Societal Expectations Surrounding Mental Health
The Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Mental Well-Being Outcomes
Advocating for Mental Health Education in Academic Settings
Exploring the Link Between Substance Abuse and Psychiatric Disorders
The Role of Art Therapy in Enhancing Mental Health
Investigating the Connection Between Mental Health and Homelessness
Supporting Children and Adolescents Coping With Mental Health Challenges
Breaking the Cycle: Mental Health in the Criminal Justice System
Addressing Mental Health Stigma Within the LGBTQ+ Community
The Impact of Nutrition on Mental Well-Being
Exploring the Effects of Climate Change on Psychological Health
Promoting Mental Health in Rural Communities
Examining the Intersectionality of Mental Health and Disability
The Relationship Between Exercise and Emotional Wellness
Supporting Veterans Dealing With Psychological Challenges

Social Issues Topics About Migration & Immigration

Enhancing Access to Healthcare for Undocumented Individuals
Effects of Immigration Policies on Family Unity
Assessing the Link Between Immigration and Crime Rates
The Economic Contribution of Immigrant Entrepreneurs
Balancing National Security and Humanitarian Responsibility in Migration Policies
Examining the Impact of Migration on Cultural Diversity and Identity
The Role of Social Services in Assisting Migrants
Implications of Climate Change on Migration Patterns
Promoting International Cooperation in Managing Migration Flows
Explaining the Effects of Immigration on Wage Disparities
Addressing the Integration Challenges Faced by Immigrant Women
Assessing the Economic Impact of Deportation Policies
Media’s Influence on Public Perception of Immigration
The Role of Education in Immigrant Integration and Empowerment
Securing Borders and Enforcing Immigration Laws
Analyzing the Impact of Brain Drain on Developing Nations
Non-Governmental Organizations’ Assistance to Migrants
Rights and Responsibilities of Immigrants in Host Countries
The Impact of Immigration on Social Welfare Systems
Language Acquisition and Immigrant Integration
Exploring the Effects of Migration on Housing Markets

Peace and War Social Issues Topics

Healing the Wounds: Restorative Justice in Post-War Communities
Education as a Catalyst for Peaceful Coexistence
Media’s Roles in Influencing Public Perception of Conflict and Harmony
Safeguarding Human Rights in Times of Armed Strife
Environmental Degradation: Implications for Peaceful Societies
Ethics of Intervention: Balancing Sovereignty and Responsibility
Economic Disparity: A Driver of Conflict
Addressing the Underlying Causes of Strife: Social, Economic, and Political Factors
Empowering Women for Lasting Peace: Achieving Gender Equality
Religion’s Influence on Peaceful Coexistence: Bridging Divides or Exacerbating Tensions?
Cyber Warfare: Emerging Battlegrounds and the Imperative for Digital Harmony
Curbing Arms Trade: Mitigating Weapons Proliferation for Global Security
Refugee Crises: Humanitarian Responses and the Quest for Peace
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Mediating Conflict and Fostering Reconciliation
Nationalism’s Roles in International Relations: Building Bridges or Deepening Divisions?
Nuclear Disarmament: The Urgency of Global Collaboration
Ensuring Accountability for War Crimes: Pursuing Justice for Victims
Promoting Peace through Education: Instilling a Culture of Nonviolence
Complexities of Peacekeeping: Triumphs, Trials, and Lessons Learned
Art and Literature: Conveying Messages of Peace and Facilitating Healing

Social Issues Essay Topics on Police & Criminal Justice

Community Impacts of Mass Incarceration: Reevaluating Strategies
Balancing Rehabilitation and Punishment in Criminal Justice Systems
Juvenile Justice: Empowering Youth Through Rehabilitation
Examining the Consequences of Privatizing Prisons
Safeguarding Civil Liberties: Evaluating Police Militarization
Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline: Fostering Equal Opportunities
Achieving Gender Equality in the Criminal Justice System
Bridging the Gap: Mental Health Support in the Criminal Justice System
The Ethics of Capital Punishment: Alternatives and Reflections
Enhancing Public Safety: Police Training and De-Escalation Tactics
Restorative Justice: Healing Communities, Reducing Recidivism
Promoting Equity: Reforming Bail Systems
Rethinking Drug Policies: Consequences and Alternative Approaches
Collaboration and Trust: Strengthening Community Policing
Combating Cybercrime: Law Enforcement’s Evolving Role
Preserving Innocence: Addressing Wrongful Convictions
Addressing Sentencing Disparities: Pursuing Fairness
Transparency and Accountability: Police Internal Affairs
Successful Reintegration: Rehabilitation Programs for Offenders
Balancing Privacy and Security: The Impact of Technology in Policing
Combating Hate Crimes: Bias Awareness and Law Enforcement

Pornography Social Issues Topics

Addiction to Sexual Material: Understanding and Treating the Issue
Feminist Perspectives on Obscene Material and Objectification
Pornography and Its Influence on Adolescent Development
The Economic Implications of the Adult Entertainment Industry
Representations of Gender in Erotic Media and Their Impact
Media Literacy and Critical Thinking: Analyzing Sexual Content
The Connection Between Adult Material and Violence Against Women
Addressing Consent and Boundaries in Explicit Productions
Sexualized Media and Body Image Issues: Unrealistic Standards
Education’s Roles in Preventing Harmful Sexual Content Consumption
The Intersection of Pornography and Technology: Challenges and Solutions
Cultivating Healthy Sexual Expression in the Age of Explicit Material
The Erosion of Intimacy in Long-Term Relationships: Pornography’s Role
The Impact of Sexual Material on Youth Sexual Education
Addressing the Demand for Exploitative Content: Legal and Social Approaches
Media Responsibility: Portrayal of Sexuality Beyond Obscenity
Pornography and Sexual Violence: Unraveling the Connection
Rehabilitation and Support for Individuals Affected by the Adult Entertainment Industry
The Role of Social Media in the Accessibility and Consumption of Sexual Content
Educating about Consent: Empowering Individuals to Make Informed Choices

Social Issues Essay Topics About Poverty & Income Inequality

Addressing Poverty and Reducing Income Disparities
Implementing Effective Policies for Economic Equality
Ensuring Equal Opportunities for Economic Advancement
Bridging the Wealth Gap: Strategies for Equity
Alleviating Poverty Through Sustainable Development
Tackling Income Inequality: Fair Wealth Distribution
Empowering Marginalized Communities in Overcoming Poverty
Reducing Income Disparity: A Holistic Approach
Combating Poverty Through Education and Skill Development
Promoting Social Mobility to Address Income Inequality
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Empowering Future Generations
Strengthening Social Safety Nets for the Impoverished
Increasing Wages: A Step Toward Reducing Income Inequality
Raising Awareness About Poverty and Wealth Disparities
Encouraging Corporate Responsibility to Address Poverty
Advocating Affordable Housing for Poverty Alleviation
Empowering Women to Overcome Income Disparities
Promoting Financial Inclusion to Reduce Poverty
Addressing Income Inequality in Developing Nations
Overcoming Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Wealth and Poverty
Enhancing Healthcare Access for Vulnerable Populations

Racism Social Issues Topics

Uniting Communities: Building Bridges to Eradicate Racial Prejudice
Addressing Implicit Bias: Challenging Stereotypes and Racial Profiling
Racial Injustice Within the Criminal Justice System: Reforming Policies and Practices
Equality in the Workplace: Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
Eradicating Hate Speech: Promoting Respectful Communication
Racism in Healthcare: Ensuring Equitable Access and Quality Treatment
Environmental Racism: Protecting Marginalized Communities From Toxic Exposure
The Role of Education in Combating Racism: Promoting Cultural Understanding
Racism and Mental Health: Addressing the Psychological Impacts
Promoting Racial Justice in Immigration Policies
Racial Disparities in Wealth and Economic Opportunities: Bridging the Gap
Segregation in Residential Areas: Promoting Integration and Equality
Challenging Colorism: Overcoming Prejudice Based on Skin Tone
The Intersectionality of Racism and Sexism: Empowering Women of Color
Racial Profiling and Policing: Ensuring Fair and Just Law Enforcement
Inequality in Voting Rights: Safeguarding Democracy for All
Racism and Sports: Promoting Inclusivity and Fair Play
Historical Reparations for Racial Injustices: Acknowledging Past Wrongs
Addressing Racism in the Digital Sphere: Countering Online Hate
Racism in Immigration Policies: Promoting Fairness and Compassion

Social Issues Essay Topics Related to Social Media

Analyzing the Effectiveness of Social Media in Facilitating Social Movements
Shaping Public Opinion and Perception: The Role of Social Media
Recognizing and Managing the Consequences of Social Media Addiction
Empowering Marginalized Communities Through Online Activism
Unmasking Misinformation: Combating Fake News on Social Media
Exploring Social Media’s Impact on Interpersonal Connections
Transforming Education: Leveraging Social Media for Learning
Enhancing Cybersecurity on Digital Platforms: Safeguarding Users
Social Media and Online Activism: A Comparative Study
Ethics and Data Collection on Social Media: An Analytical Perspective
Bridging Political Polarization through Social Media Engagement
Analyzing the Influence of Social Media on Youth Culture and Identity
Mobilizing Communities for Change: Social Media and Civic Engagement
Fostering Inclusivity: Promoting Diversity on Digital Platforms
The Dark Side of the Internet: Cyberstalking and Online Harassment
Navigating Social Media Algorithms: Challenges and Strategies
Balancing Freedom of Expression and Hate Speech on Digital Platforms
Global Perspectives on Digital Activism: The Power of Social Media
Social Media’s Influence on Political Campaigns and Elections
Environmental Activism in the Digital Age: Leveraging Social Media
Promoting Online Safety and Digital Citizenship on Social Platforms

Justice Essay Topics on Human Rights Issues

Privacy in the Digital Age: Balancing Security and Individual Rights
Criminal Justice Reform: Addressing Systemic Injustices
Promoting LGBTQ+ Rights: Striving for Inclusion and Acceptance
Eradicating Child Labor: Protecting the Future Generation
Climate Change and Human Rights: Mitigating Environmental Injustices
Disability Rights: Promoting Inclusivity and Accessibility
Indigenous Peoples’ Rights: Recognizing and Preserving Cultural Heritage
Freedom of Speech: Navigating the Boundaries of Expression
Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Ensuring Protection and Support
The Right to Healthcare: Overcoming Barriers to Access
LGBTQ+ Adoption Rights: Fostering Loving Families
Racial Profiling: Combating Discrimination in Law Enforcement
Workers’ Rights: Empowering Labor in the Global Economy
Right to Religious Freedom: Respecting Diverse Beliefs
Genital Mutilation: Eliminating Harmful Traditional Practices
Social Media and Human Rights: Navigating the Online Landscape
The Right to Adequate Housing: Addressing Homelessness
Children’s Rights in Armed Conflict: Protecting Innocence
The Right to Water: Combating Water Scarcity and Inequality
Combatting Hate Crimes: Promoting Tolerance and Unity

Social Justice Essay Topics

Environmental Injustice: A Call for Sustainability
Eradicating Hunger: Addressing Food Insecurity
Affordable Housing: Combating Homelessness
Access to Quality Healthcare: A Social Justice Imperative
Reforming Prisons: Reducing Mass Incarceration
Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Upholding Migrant Rights
Combating Islamophobia: Promoting Religious Tolerance
Ending Exploitation of Child Labor: Ensuring Access to Education
Breaking Mental Health Stigma: Expanding Support Services
Respect for the Elderly: Combating Ageism
Safeguarding Online Spaces: Combating Cyberbullying
Equal Pay for Fair Work: Closing the Gender Wage Gap
Native American Rights: Preserving Indigenous Cultures
Combating Human Trafficking: Ensuring Justice for All
Access to Clean Water: Addressing Underserved Communities’ Needs
Animal Rights: Advocating Ethical Treatment
Protecting Religious Minority Rights: Eliminating Discrimination
Prisoners’ Rights: Rehabilitation and Reintegration
Accessible Transportation: Empowering People With Disabilities
Ensuring Voting Rights: Expanding Electoral Participation
LGBTQ+ Housing Equality: Eliminating Discrimination

Social Issues Essay Topics on Science

Socioeconomic Disparities in Access to Healthcare and Breakthroughs
Effects of Artificial Intelligence on Job Market Dynamics
Gender Equality in Science: Overcoming Stereotypes and Biases
Combating Misinformation in Scientific Research
Contributions of Science to Sustainable Development Goals
Balancing Public Interest and Corporate Influence in Science and Politics
Challenges of Science Communication in the Digital Era
Promoting Science Education and Equity in Underprivileged Communities
Advancements in Renewable Energy Sources
Technological Innovations and Social Inequality
Addressing Food Insecurity Through Agricultural Science
Ensuring Ethical Standards in Clinical Trials and Human Experimentation
Accessibility in Science: Inclusive Solutions for Persons With Disabilities
Science and Social Justice: Examining Biases in Research and Outcomes
Roles of Science in Public Health Crises, such as Pandemics
Influence of Corporate Funding on Scientific Research
Ethical Considerations in Animal Testing for Scientific Research
Science and Cultural Diversity: Recognizing Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Breakthroughs in Mental Health Treatment and Reducing Stigma
Ethics of Human Enhancement Technologies

Social Issues Topics About Substance Abuse & Addiction

Combating Human Trafficking: Addressing a Global Crisis
Overcoming Substance Dependency: The Path to Recovery
Breaking the Cycle: Ending Child Abuse
Addressing the Root Causes of Substance Abuse
Empowering Survivors: Supporting Victims of Abuse
Domestic Violence in LGBTQ+ Relationships
The Role of Education in Preventing Substance Abuse
Exploring the Link Between Childhood Trauma and Addiction
The Economic Burden of Substance Abuse on Society
Challenging Gender Stereotypes in the Context of Abuse
Effective Intervention Strategies for Combatting Substance Abuse
Elder Abuse: Protecting the Vulnerable in Society
Addiction as a Disease: Shifting Perspectives and Approaches
Raising Awareness: The Importance of Public Campaigns against Abuse
Overcoming Stigma: Supporting Individuals in Recovery
Media Influence on Substance Abuse and Violence
Healing through Art: The Therapeutic Potential for Survivors
Preventing Substance Abuse in Teenagers: A Holistic Approach
Breaking the Silence: Encouraging Reporting of Abuse Cases
Substance Abuse in the Workplace: Impacts and Solutions
Digital Abuse: Navigating the Dark Side of Social Media
Tackling Substance Abuse in Prisons: Rehabilitation vs. Punishment

Technology & Privacy Social Issues Topics

Digital Surveillance: Protecting Individual Privacy in the Digital Age
Ethical Implications of Facial Recognition Technology in Public Spaces
Cyberbullying: Addressing Online Harassment and Protecting Users
The Impact of Social Media on Privacy and Personal Relationships
Artificial Intelligence: Balancing Innovation and Privacy Concerns
Data Breaches and Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Personal Information
The Right to Be Forgotten: Ensuring Digital Privacy and Data Erasure
Online Privacy Policies: Transparency and User Consent
Privacy vs. National Security: Striking a Balance in the Digital Era
Digital Divide: Bridging the Gap in Access to Technology and Privacy Protection
Online Harassment: Combating Threats and Protecting Users’ Safety
Internet Service Providers: Preserving Net Neutrality and User Privacy
Algorithmic Bias: Examining the Ethical Implications of Automated Systems
Government Surveillance: Protecting Civil Liberties in the Digital World
Internet of Things: Privacy Challenges and Security Risks
Online Identity Theft: Preventing Fraud and Identity Misuse
Location Tracking: Privacy Implications and Personal Safety
Privacy in Health Tech: Balancing Benefits and Confidentiality
Children’s Online Privacy: Safeguarding Vulnerable Users
Privacy and Biometric Data: Ethics and Consent in Digital Identification

War & Violence Social Issues Essay Topics

Psychological Effects of War on Veterans and Their Families
Promoting Peace Education to Prevent Violence
Rebuilding Societies After Civil Wars: Challenges and Opportunities
Nonviolent Resistance Movements: Lessons From History
War Crimes and International Criminal Justice
The Arms Trade and its Influence on Global Conflicts
Ethical Considerations of Drone Warfare
Exploring the Link Between Poverty and Violence
Peacekeeping Operations: Successes and Failures
Protecting Children’s Rights in Times of War
Resolving Ethnic and Religious Conflicts Through Dialogue
Preventing Radicalization and Extremism in Post-War Societies
Diplomacy’s Roles in Conflict Resolution
Media Censorship in War Zones: Implications for Democracy
Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Former Child Soldiers
Environmental Devastation Caused by Warfare
Addressing Domestic Violence During and After Armed Conflicts
NGO Contributions to Peace and Reconciliation Efforts
Exploring the Link between Economic Inequality and Violent Conflict
Ethical Dilemmas Surrounding Torture in War
Disrupting Education Systems in Times of War

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Essays on Social Themes Essays on Social Themes

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Publisher: ATINER
Editor: Gregory Papanikos
ISBN: 978-960-9549-80-6

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Essay on Social Issues | 500+ Words

Social issues are the challenges and concerns that impact society at large. They encompass a wide range of topics, from poverty and inequality to environmental problems and human rights. In this essay, I will argue that social issues are crucial to address because they affect the well-being and future of our communities and the world.

Inequality is a pressing social issue that deserves our attention. According to Oxfam, just 1% of the world’s population holds over 44% of the world’s wealth. This vast wealth gap means that many people struggle to meet their basic needs, such as access to food, clean water, and education. Addressing inequality is not only a matter of fairness but also essential for social stability and harmony.

Poverty is a pervasive social issue that affects millions of people worldwide. The World Bank reports that over 9% of the global population lives in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $1.90 per day. Poverty leads to a lack of access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. It perpetuates cycles of disadvantage and inequality within communities.

Environmental Concerns

Social issues are closely tied to environmental challenges. Climate change, pollution, and deforestation threaten our planet and its inhabitants. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that failing to address climate change will result in devastating consequences for future generations. Environmental issues are inherently social issues because they impact our communities, health, and quality of life.

Human Rights

Human rights violations are significant social issues that require global attention. Organizations like Amnesty International work tirelessly to address issues such as discrimination, persecution, and violence against marginalized groups. Respecting and protecting human rights are fundamental for creating a just and equitable society.

Access to quality education is a critical social issue. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) estimates that over 260 million children worldwide are out of school. Education is the gateway to opportunities and empowerment. Addressing educational disparities is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality.

Healthcare Access

Healthcare access is another vital social issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of people lack access to basic healthcare services, resulting in preventable deaths and suffering. Ensuring equitable access to healthcare is not only a matter of compassion but also crucial for overall societal well-being.

Discrimination and Prejudice

Discrimination and prejudice based on race, gender, religion, or other factors are pervasive social issues. The United Nations aims to combat discrimination through various initiatives. Addressing these issues fosters inclusivity, equality, and social cohesion.

Migration and Refugees

Migration and the plight of refugees are significant social issues in today’s interconnected world. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that millions of people have been forcibly displaced due to conflict and persecution. Providing support and protection for refugees is a humanitarian imperative.

Mental Health

Mental health is a growing social issue that affects people of all ages. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the importance of mental health for overall well-being. Addressing mental health challenges reduces stigma and ensures that individuals receive the support they need.

Conclusion of Essay on Social Issues

In conclusion, social issues are not distant problems; they are deeply interconnected with our daily lives and the future of our world. Addressing these issues is not only a moral imperative but also essential for creating a just, equitable, and sustainable society. By working collectively to tackle inequality, poverty, environmental concerns, and other social issues, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.

As we reflect on the significance of social issues, let us remember that change begins with awareness and action. By advocating for social justice, supporting organizations that address these issues, and engaging in constructive dialogue, we can contribute to a more compassionate and equitable world. Social issues are not insurmountable; they are challenges waiting to be addressed by individuals and communities working together for positive change.

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An Introduction to Social Problems, Social Welfare ...
6 PART I SOCIAL PROBLEMS, THE SOCIAL WELFARE SYSTEM, AND THE ROLE OF PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORK WHAT ARE SOCIAL PROBLEMS? A social problem is an issue within the society that makes it difficult for people to achieve their full potential. Poverty, unemployment, unequal opportunity, racism, and malnutrition are examples of social problems.
Essay On Social Issues for Students and Children - Toppr
Through an essay on social issues, we will learn why they are harmful and what types of social issues we face. Social Issues is an undesirable state which opposes society or a certain part of society.
Social Issues Essay - 100, 200, 500 Words - Schools
Download PDF. Social issues are the problems that affect the masses. These are due to current situations and protracted lived disagreements and complications that are difficult to resolve due to different beliefs, viewpoints and opinions. Here are a few sample essays on ‘social issues’.
Global Warming as a Social Issue: The Impact on Humanity
Social Issue: a problem that influences many citizens within a society. It is a common problem in present-day society and one that many people strive to solve. To reframe the issue, the social implications of climate change need to be recognized and understand importance of putting into social context.
Social Problems - Continuity and Change - Open Textbook Library
The textbook covers foundational information on a multitude of social issues– particularly the characteristics, causes, and consequences of these issues – and could be used for both sociology and social work courses.
839 Social Issues Essay Topics, Lists, & Good Ideas – Wr1ter
Social issues essay topics mean contemporary matters that affect society at large. They encompass many subjects, including poverty, racial and gender inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, climate change, and gun control.
SOCIOLOGY AND THE STUDY OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES. 1.2 Identify the characteristics of a social pr. 1.3 Compare the four sociological perspectives. 1.4 Explain how sociology is a science. 1.5 Identify the role of social policy, advocacy, and innovation in addressing social problems.
(PDF) Essays on Social Themes Essays on Social Themes
The book is organized into four parts: politics and policy; education knowledge and new technologies; youth and family issues; and gender. Each part contains five to nine essays. In the...
Essay on Social Issues | 500+ Words - CBSE Academic
They encompass a wide range of topics, from poverty and inequality to environmental problems and human rights. In this essay, I will argue that social issues are crucial to address because they affect the well-being and future of our communities and the world.
Essay On Social Issues | Download Free PDF - Scribd
This document contains 8 essays of varying lengths (200-1000 words) on the topic of social issues in India. The essays define what social issues are, discuss some key social issues like poverty, gender bias, and caste discrimination.