Social Problems: A Canadian Perspective

The most comprehensive overview of social problems in Canada and abroad. Current and Canadian, this text explores the dynamics and consequences of social problems - such as poverty, sexism, crime, drug abuse, health, war, and terrorism - that impact Canada and the rest of the world. Each problem is examined through a variety of theoretical paradigms before its impact both on individuals and society as a whole is explored.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgements PART 1: INTRODUCTION 1. What Are Social Problems? Learning Objectives What Is a "Social Problem"? Sociology and the Study of Social Problems Social Problems and the Social Imagination Social Problems Research as a Moral Enterprise Social Problems: Then and Now (NEW!) Theoretical Perspectives on Social Problems Solutions to Social Problems Chapter Summary Questions for Critical Thought Exploring Social Problems (NEW!) Recommended Readings and Websites PART 2: INEQUALITIES 2. Class, Poverty, and Economic Inequality Learning Objectives Introduction Measuring Poverty Measuring Well-Being and Inequality Poverty in Canada Poverty as an Urban Problem The Government's Role in Reducing Poverty Theoretical Perspectives on Poverty Social Consequences of Poverty and Economic Inequality Health Consequences of Poverty and Economic Inequality Solving the Problems of Poverty and Economic Inequality Chapter Summary Questions for Critical Thought Exploring Social Problems (NEW!) Recommended Readings 3. Race and Ethnic Relations Learning Objectives Introduction Race Ethnicity Multiculturalism in Canada The Vertical Mosaic Theoretical Perspectives on Race and Ethnicity Racism and Prejudice: Social Problems Social Consequences of Race and Ethnicity Governmental and Organizational Solutions to Prejudice and Racism Chapter Summary Questions for Critical Thought Exploring Social Problems (NEW!) Recommended Readings 4. Gender Relations Learning Objectives Introduction The Battle over Gender Today Defining Sexism and Gender Inequality Factors that Reinforce Gender Inequality Problems of Structural Sexism Gender Stereotypes in the Media Theoretical Perspectives on Gender Relations and Inequality Social Consequences of Gender Inequality at Home Self-Esteem and Appearance Issues Claims-Making in Gender Relations and Sexism Policy and Institutional Solutions to Gender Inequality Chapter Summary Questions for Critical Thought Exploring Social Problems (NEW!) Recommended Readings and Websites 5. Sexualities Learning Objectives Introduction Sexual Orientation Attitudes and Laws Gay Rights Movement (NEW!) Theoretical Perspectives on Sexual Orientation Homophobia and Heterosexism Social Consequences of Homophobia Health Consequences of Homophobia Solutions to Homophobia Chapter Summary Questions for Critical Thought Exploring Social Problems (NEW!) Recommended Readings and Websites PART 3: OUTCOMES 6. Crime and Violence Learning Objectives Introduction Defining Crime, Laws, and Social Order Crime in Canada and Elsewhere The Demography of Crime Theoretical Perspectives on Crime Social Effects of Crime and Violence Economic Consequences of Crime Health Effects of Crime and Violence Solutions to the Crime and Violence Problem Chapter Summary Questions for Critical Thought Exploring Social Problems (NEW!) Recommended Readings and Websites 7. Health Issues, Addictions, and Substance-Use Disorders Learning Objectives Introduction Defining and Measuring Health Measuring Health and Illness Pandemics: Threats to Canadian and Global Health Theoretical Perspectives on Health, Illness, and Health Care The Social Determinants of Health Solutions to Problems in Health Outcomes and Health-Care Delivery Addictions and Substance-Use Disorders: Why They're a Problem How Do Drugs and Alcohol Cause Social Problems? Medicalization and the Transformation of a Problem Social and Physical Characteristics of Addictions Social Consequences of Addiction and Substance-Use Disorder Health Consequences of Addictions Solutions to Health and Addiction Problems Chapter Summary Questions for Critical Thought Exploring Social Problems (NEW!) Recommended Readings and Websites 8. Global Inequality, War, and Terrorism Learning Objectives Globalization and Global Inequality (NEW!) Theoretical Perspectives on Globalization and Global Inequality Consequences of Globalization and Global Inequality Globalization, War, and Terrorism Theoretical Perspectives on War and Terrorism Social Consequences of War Solutions to Global Inequality, War, and Terrorism Chapter Summary Questions for Critical Thought Exploring Social Problems (NEW!) Recommended Readings PART 4: DOMAINS 9. Families Learning Objectives Introduction Theoretical Perspectives on the Family Social Consequences of Family Life Health Consequences of Family Life Fertility Trends The Boomerang Effect Family Violence Solutions to Family Problems Chapter Summary Questions for Critical Thought Exploring Social Problems (NEW!) Recommended Readings and Websites 10. Aging and the Life Course Learning Objectives Introduction Cross-Cultural Attitudes to Aging The Idea of a "Life Course" Aspects of the Sociology of Aging Social Consequences of Aging Health Consequences of Aging Solutions for Problems of Aging Claims-Making and the Social Construction of Aging Chapter Summary Questions for Critical Thought Exploring Social Problems (NEW!) Recommended Readings and Websites 11. Schools Learning Objectives Introduction Defining Education and Its Social Problems Education and Gender Education and Race The Effectiveness of Schooling Theoretical Perspectives on Education Social Consequences of Education Bullying Solutions to Educational Social Problems Chapter Summary Questions for Critical Thought Exploring Social Problems (NEW!) Recommended Readings and Websites 12. Workplaces Learning Objectives Introduction Comparative Economic Systems The Bureaucratization of Work Theoretical Perspectives on Work and Unemployment Social Consequences of Work Vulnerable Populations Unemployment and Its Effects Social Consequences of Unemployment Health Consequences of Work Solutions to Unemployment Chapter Summary Questions for Critical Thought Exploring Social Problems (NEW!) Recommended Readings and Websites 13. Populations and the Natural Environment Learning Objectives Introduction World Population in Context The Demographic Transition Contrasting Perspectives on Population Change Population Density Urban Sociology: A Primer Theoretical Perspectives on Urban Life Theoretical Perspectives on Environmental Problems Social Consequences of Population Growth and Urbanization Social Consequences of Environmental Problems Solutions to Population Problems Social Responses and Solutions to Environmental Problems Chapter Summary Questions for Critical Thought Exploring Social Problems (NEW!) Recommended Readings and Websites PART 5: THE FUTURE 14. What Problems Are On the Way? Learning Objectives Introduction Theoretical Perspectives on Future Studies Technology: Making and Solving Problems (NEW!) Trends in Social Problems Projected to the Near Future Chapter Summary Questions for Critical Thought Exploring Social Problems (NEW!) Recommended Readings and Websites Glossary References Credits Index

About the Author :
LORNE TEPPERMAN is a professor of sociology at the University of Toronto. JOSH CURTIS is an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Calgary. RACHEL LA TOUCHE is an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Toronto.

Review :
"This is an accessible text for a first-year social problems course that integrates Canadian content throughout." --Scott Grills, Brandon University "Clear, inclusive and well selected topics for studying social problems. Excellent tools used to aid the student in navigating complex social issues through critical thinking questions, current Canadian cases, tables and graphs ... to make understanding social trends interesting and fun to learn." --Indira Prahst, Langara College