2.2 Vitality & Transformation of Social Problems
Social problems, primarily characterized by their persistence, have endured for decades and even centuries without showing any indication of resolution. Given their long history, the certainty of ongoing existence, and the severe consequences they entail, it is common to feel overwhelmed when learning about them. The perception that little can be done and a tendency towards a somewhat depressed outlook may easily arise. Consequently, students taking social problems courses often depart with a somewhat pessimistic and “doom and gloom” perspective (Johnson 2005).
While it is undeniable that social problems persist, it is equally true that certain issues are less severe now than in the past, indicating the possibility of change. To illustrate, consider the working conditions in the United States, many contemporary workers face unemployment, low wages, or work in substandard and hazardous environments. However, when compared to a century ago, these workers are significantly better off, thanks to the U.S. labor movement initiated in the 1870s. Presently, workers enjoy benefits such as the eight-hour workday, the minimum wage (even though some argue it is too low), the right to strike, and workplaces that are considerably safer than during the early days of the labor movement. Similarly, people of color and women have experienced remarkable progress since the 1960s, even though racial and gender inequality persist.
What leads to change? Social science theory and research constitute one source of change in addressing social problems. Throughout the years, theories and research in sociology and other social sciences have identified the causes of social problems, potential effective approaches to tackle them, and actual policies that have succeeded in addressing certain facets of social problems. Consequently, the content of this book is rooted in robust social science theory and research. Each module showcases instances where findings from sociological and other social science research have either played a role in shaping public policies related to the social problem discussed or have the potential to do so.
The efforts of individuals and groups can also have a significant impact. Numerous individuals engage in public-service roles or volunteer in various activities related to social problems, such as assisting at a food pantry or participating in riverbank cleanup initiatives. Some adopt a more activist stance by joining small social change groups or larger social movements. The positive transformation of our nation is attributed to movements like the labor movement, the Southern civil rights movement, the women’s movement, the gay rights movement, the environmental movement, and countless other endeavors that have contributed to societal betterment.
As stated by Frances Fox Piven (2006), a former president of the American Sociological Association, it is through these endeavors that “ordinary people change America,” as indicated by the subtitle of her book on this topic. Expressing a similar perspective, anthropologist Margaret Mead once expressed, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” (National Museum of American History 2024). Change, therefore, is a challenging process, yet it is achievable and does take place. Eleanor Roosevelt (1960) acknowledged this insight when she penned, “Surely, in the light of history, it is more intelligent to hope rather than to fear, to try rather than not to try. For one thing, we know beyond all doubt: Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says, ‘It can’t be done (p. 168).’” In alignment with the optimistic sentiments of these two renowned women, this book will illustrate instances of individuals making a positive impact through their work, volunteer engagements, and participation in social change initiatives.
Change in social problems is also brought about when policymakers—whether elected, appointed officials, or other individuals—pass laws or implement policies that effectively address a social issue. This often happens in response to a social movement’s influence, but occasionally, policymakers show the foresight to act without external pressure. It’s important to acknowledge that despite the pressure from a social movement, many officials fail to take action, making those who do worthy of commendation. A recent illustration is the case of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who prioritized the legalization of same-sex marriage for his state upon taking office in January 2011. Six months later, following a narrow approval by the New York state legislature, Cuomo’s advocacy was widely acknowledged for facilitating this landmark development (Barbaro 2011).
Another catalyst for change lies in the insights drawn from the experiences of other nations in dealing with social problems. Occasionally, these lessons for the United States are positive, such as when another nation effectively addresses a social issue in a way that surpasses the U.S. approach. Conversely, these lessons can also be negative, arising when another nation faces a more severe problem than the United States and/or makes errors in addressing it. The United States can learn from both successful and unsuccessful examples of other nations. Consequently, each module in this book examines such instances. In this context, the United States can gain valuable insights from the experiences of other established democracies like Canada, Western European nations, Australia, and New Zealand. Despite its considerable wealth, the United States often ranks below many democratic counterparts on various social indicators, including poverty and health (Henderson 2019; Russell 2010). One significant factor contributing to this contrast is the greater proactivity, both in attention and expenditure, exhibited by other democratic governments compared to the U.S. federal and state governments in supporting their citizens. Given that the United States has valuable lessons to glean from their positive practices, this book explores policies that have enabled other democracies to address specific social problems much more effectively than the United States has managed to do.
