Course overview
Why are some issues, such as gambling or domestic violence, defined as social problems which should be fixed, while others are not Which actors are involved in turning social issues into problems and what interests might they serve How does the definition of a problem shape the kinds of responses or policy interventions offered This course responds to these questions by exploring the ways in which social problems are socially created. Students learn how social problems relate to different worldviews and theoretical perspectives and develop their capacity to analyse the social-economic processes surrounding the construction of issues as problems and attempts by policymakers to address them.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply sociological theories to analyse the ways in which certain phenomena are labelled as problems requiring 'fixing' or amelioration
- Discuss the role that representations, cultural constructions and economic pressures play in framing social problems
- Critically analyse how the design of specific policy initiatives has been influenced by the representation of the problem they are meant to solve
- Demonstrate basic comprehension of sociological perspectives relating to social problems
Degree list
The following degrees include this course