Module 2: Causes & Consequences of Social Problems

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of the module, students will be able to:

  1. Understand the developmental stages of social problems and their transformation over time.
  2. Analyze the meaning of social problems through various definitions.
  3. Recognize and analyze distortions in the understanding of social problems.
  4. Evaluate arguments and identify fallacies in reasoning related to social issues.
  5. Apply rational thinking and scientific methodologies to investigate social problems.
  6. Recognize and mitigate cognitive biases in analyzing social phenomena.

KEY TERMS & CONCEPTS

Define and offer real-world illustrations of the fundamental terms and concepts as you read the module to encourage active participation and learning.

  • Abstract issues
  • Analogical arguments
  • Ambiguity
  • Argument
  • Category mistake
  • Circular reasoning
  • Claims-making process
  • Clustering illusion
  • Cognitive biases
  • Communication skills
  • Conclusion
  • Confirmation bias
  • Control group
  • Declarative sentences
  • Deductively valid argument
  • Definiendum
  • Definien
  • Distortion
  • Empty statement
  • Experimental group
  • Experiments
  • Fallacies
  • Fallacies of inappropriate presumption
  • Fallacies of inconsistency
  • Fallacies of insufficiency
  • Fallacies of relevance
  • Fallacy of appeal to ignorance
  • Framing bias
  • Formal logic
  • Gambler’s fallacy
  • Hidden assumptions
  • Imperative sentences
  • Implicit assumption
  • Inappropriate appeals
  • Incomplete meaning
  • Inductively strong arguments
  • Informal logic
  • Interrogative sentences
  • Lexical ambiguity
  • Lexical definition
  • Literal meaning
  • Logic
  • Meaning
  • Modus ponens
  • Naturalistic fallacy
  • Necessary condition
  • Neglecting relevant considerations
  • Nomologically impossible
  • Non-contingency
  • Non-participant observation
  • Objectivity
  • Obscurity
  • Overconfidence effect
  • Participant observation
  • Persuasive definition
  • Plausibility
  • Precising definition
  • Premises
  • Random sampling
  • Referential ambiguity
  • Reification
  • Reportive definition
  • Rhetorical question
  • Scientific development
  • Secondary data analysis
  • Self-defeating statement
  • Societal norms
  • Sound argument
  • Stipulative definitions
  • Sufficient condition
  • Surveys
  • Syntactic ambiguity
  • Tautology
  • Topic-neutrality
  • Vague
  • Validity
  • Verbal disputes
  • Weasel words

INTRODUCTION

When studying the origins and repercussions of social problems, individuals investigate the foundational elements contributing to the emergence and persistence of these issues. This exploration entails an examination of power dynamics, inequalities, and discriminatory patterns ingrained within societal frameworks. It involves a thorough study of human behavior, social interactions, norms, and values that shape the prevalence and impact of the issue. Additionally, individuals assess the ramifications of social problems on individuals, families, communities, and society at large. Recognizing the interconnected nature of social problems, people scrutinize the overlaps in their causes and consequences, aiming for a comprehensive understanding of the broader social context and implications. To address social problems, it is crucial to explore potential solutions and interventions, involving the evaluation of existing policies, programs, and initiatives. This process includes advocating for structural changes that advance social justice and equity. The study and resolution of social problems demand a diverse set of skills, including critical thinking, empathy, analytical prowess, effective communication, and a steadfast commitment to social justice. By cultivating these skills and competencies, individuals, like you, can effectively engage with complex social issues, advocate for positive change, and contribute to building more equitable and inclusive societies. In this module, we will review the development and transformation of social problems, as well as the skills and competencies necessary for understanding and addressing them effectively.

License

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Developing a Social Analytic Mind Copyright © by Vera Kennedy and Cintia Quesada is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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