Definition of Social Problems/ for phyllis young only

Definition of Social Problems

Write a short paper (maximum three pages, double spaced) analyzing the definition of social problems in the United States. Consider using a specific social problem (such as mental illness, family structure, youth violence, hunger or food insecurity, or one of the areas of focus from Glassner) as a foundation for your paper.

In your paper:

1. Define and discuss social definitions of social problems in the United States.
   • What are the claims (the assumptions, evidence, and conclusions) about social problems and the impact of marginalized populations on society?
   • Who or what makes or shapes these claims?
   • What does social opinion suggest as methods to reduce, prevent, or remedy social problems and who should do it?
   • What philosophies or beliefs about what society should do versus what individuals should do drive the practice of social work around identified social problems and marginalized populations?
   • How are disadvantage, discrimination, and risk for marginalization dealt with?
2. Provide an example of how society has defined a "social problem" compared to how social work research and practice defines the issue (examples: suicide and depression, or chronic pain and addiction).