Prospects for the Sociological Study of Social Problems*

doi:10.1017/9781108656184.011

Chapter 10 - Prospects for the Sociological Study of Social Problems*

from Part I - General Concerns and Orientations in the Study of Social Problems

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 16 March 2018

Joel Best and

Donileen R. Loseke

Edited by

A. Javier Treviño

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A. Javier Treviño: Affiliation:
Wheaton College, Massachusetts

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Summary

Although there is a large body of research examining aspects of specific social conditions that are evaluated as “social problems,” social constructionism is the only coherent theory of the concept of social problems. Therefore, while it is both possible and desirable that rival social theories may emerge and be useful in understanding one or another condition called a “social problem,” discussion of the prospects for social problems theory and the sociological study of social problems must concentrate on opportunities to extend the constructionist perspective. We explore differences between objectivist theories of social problems and social construction perspectives as well as varieties of constructionist perspectives. We then focus on the future: constructionism emerged within the particular historical and social context of American sociology during the 1970s, and these roots shaped the evolution of the theory. In order to become less ethnocentric and be capable of addressing the consequences of changing social and political conditions, constructionist studies of social problems must expand their geographic and temporal range, seek opportunities for collaboration across disciplines, develop new methodologies, build grounded theories upon existing research, be responsive to changes in the culture and social structure, and strive to reach publics beyond the confines of academia.

Type: Chapter
Information: The Cambridge Handbook of Social Problems , pp. 169 - 182

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108656184.011 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2018

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