HB 101
and to social institution helps socialize is and
RELATED THEORIES ON SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Social Problem – it is important to begin first
with a view on how the world works
Theory is needed so that we can understand the
relationship between society and individuals
FUNCTIONALIST PERSPECTIVE – Emile
Durkheim
- Views are held to norms, values and
common morality
- Examines the functions or
consequences of the structure of
society;
- Social problems are not analyzed in
terms of how bad they are for the
society rather if the problem has a
certain function in the society; they are
focused on the function of social
problem; we do not see how bad what
is its function
Has its own institutions; family, religion,
politics, education
- Function of society is to civilize and
control individual actions
- Human beings have the desires that
result in chaos unless society limits
them
SOCIALIZATION – helps us learn society’s rules
and the need to cooperate; as people and agree
on important norms and values
SOCIAL INTEGRATION – our ties to other people
integrate us into society and reinforce our
respect for its rules; religion and family; through
our institutions
Social order can be threatened during periods
of rapid social change
- In society also if there are sudden
changes it can affect the entire
structure of society and is prone to
social problems; if social problems
occur, it might threaten a society’s
stability which need a gradual social
reform in order to address the social
problem
Social problems might be functional in some
ways for the society; there is a purpose why
there is a social problem; not viewed as
negative
Homeless person – the problem is not the
person but the homelessness; dysfunctional
Will emerge social services and religious org
It highlights the problems of the lack of
livable wage or affordable homes
Function of crime – good for economy;
creates job for law enforcement
CONFLICT PERSPECTICE – Karl Marx,
Friedrich Engels
- Society is held together by power and
coercion for the benefit of those in
power
- Social problems emerge form the
continuing conflict between groups in
our society
- The biggest social problem from this
perspective is the system itself and
inequality it perpetuates
- Core of conflict theory / Emerged from
the economic substructure of capitalism
 conflict based on social class that is
created by the tension between the
proletariat (working class) and the
bourgeoise (owners); interested in
maintaining the position at the top of
society

Egalitarian - an equal society in terms of

class, wages

- Arising from unequal positions held by

members of society
- Emphasizes that different groups in
society have different interests
stemming from their different social
positions; lead to different views on
important social issues
- Emphasizes that the various parts of
society contribute to ongoing inequality
favors social change to reduce
inequality

Functionalist Theory – view social problem

as beneficial in the society

Conflict Perspective – view social problem

as a result of inequality / conflict in the
society