Social Problems and Inequality

Social Problems and Inequality explores integrated and root-cause-based explanations of complex social problems. Written in clear and understandable language, allowing it to be used for classroom purposes, it addresses the most fundamental principles of how humans, acting through social units, create, and eventually can remedy, social problems. With a central focus on the problem of inequality and the manner in which this is manifested in crime, social class and stratification, this book examines the key theoretical perspectives relevant to the study and solution of social problems, whilst drawing upon rich illustrations and case studies from the US and Europe to offer a thorough examination of the nature, common root causes and social remedies of social problems. Providing discussions of both theoretical approaches and concrete applications, Social Problems and Inequality investigates the sources of various prejudices and attitudes that contribute to social problems and the associated issues of globalization, economic greed and imperialism. Accessible in style and comprehensive in its coverage, this book will appeal to students and scholars of social problems across the social sciences.

John C. Alessio is Academic Dean and Professor of Sociology at Minnesota State University, Mankato, USA

1: The Systematic Study of Social Problems; 2: Macro Sociological Theory and Analyzing Social Problems; 3: Micro Sociological Analysis of Social Problems; 4: Probable Roots and Current Manifestations of Inequality; 5: Inequality and Social Disorganization; 6: Social Class and Stratification; 7: Gender, Race, Ethnicity, and the Isms; 8: Inequality and the Social Construction of Reality; 9: Criminology and Criminal Justice; 10: Corporations, Nation-States, and Economic Globalization: Impact on Inequality; 11: Political Economy and Social Change; 12: Micro and Macro Solutions to Global Problems