Social Issues Essay -- Definition of a Social Problem

Poverty, violence, crime and racism are major social problems. If we look at the definition of what a social problem is, according to James M. Henslin,"A social problem isan aspect of society that people are concerned about and would like changed. Social problems begin with an objective condition, some aspect of society that can be measured or experienced...The second key element of a social problem is subjective concern, the concern that a significant number of people (or a number of significant people) have about the condition"(Social Problems,2003,p.3). Steinberg believes that disengagement has what it takes to not only be a general social problem but says it is as major as the issues I stated in the beginning. Steinberg (1996) states,"Although it is less visible, less dramatic, and less commented upon than other social problems involving youth...student disengagement is more pervasive and in some ways potentially more harmful to the future well being of American society"(p. 28). Steinberg explains how this problem is not just concentrated in one place, his research s...