Introduction to Social Problems (6th Edition)

This book is an economical introduction to social problems with a built-in study guide, emphasizing an applied approach that looks at the interplay between research and policy in finding solutions. This book explores the nature and extent of social problems, documents the advances and setbacks that we as a society have made, and analyzes what works and what doesn't work regarding solutions to todays problems. This straightforward book helps readers study this constantly changing field by applying social science research to the solutions of some of the most difficult and controversial problems confronting the United States and the world today. Designed for those interested in social problems, sociology or social sciences.

Key Benefit: This book is about applied sociology and the use of sociological research to help solve practical problems that we confront in the world. An important theme of the book is the interplay between social research and social policy in the development of solutions to problems. Key Topics: The three major theoretical perspectives in sociology—functionalist, conflict, and interactionist perspectives—are featured as tools for the reader to use in understanding why problems arise and assessing solutions to problems.