Social Problems (14th Edition)

Specifications

Book Description

“Social Problems [RENTAL EDITION], 14th Edition” by D. Stanley Eitzen, along with co-authors Maxine Baca Zinn and Kelly Eitzen Smith, is a comprehensive textbook that examines the various social issues and problems facing contemporary society. The book takes a sociological perspective, providing readers with the tools to understand and analyze the root causes and consequences of social problems. Here are some key features and elements you might expect to find in this edition:

1. **Comprehensive Coverage:** The textbook covers a wide range of social problems, including poverty, inequality, race and ethnic relations, gender issues, crime, environmental problems, and more. Each chapter focuses on a specific issue, providing a thorough examination of its causes, effects, and potential solutions.

2. **Sociological Perspective:** The authors use a sociological lens to analyze social problems, emphasizing the structural and systemic factors that contribute to these issues. This perspective helps readers understand the broader social context in which problems occur.

3. **Current and Relevant Examples:** The 14th edition includes up-to-date examples and case studies that reflect the current state of social problems in the United States and around the world. These examples help to illustrate key concepts and make the material more relatable for students.

4. **Theoretical Frameworks:** The book introduces and applies various sociological theories and frameworks to the study of social problems. This includes functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist perspectives, among others.

5. **Critical Thinking:** The authors encourage critical thinking by presenting multiple viewpoints on each issue and discussing the complexities and controversies surrounding social problems. Discussion questions and exercises at the end of each chapter prompt readers to think deeply about the material.

6. **Policy Implications:** Each chapter discusses the policy implications of social problems and examines potential solutions. The book considers the roles of government, organizations, and individuals in addressing social issues.

7. **Global Perspective:** While focusing primarily on the United States, the book also includes a global perspective on social problems. It highlights how social issues are interconnected and the ways in which global forces influence local problems.

8. **Pedagogical Features:** The textbook includes various pedagogical features designed to enhance learning, such as chapter summaries, key terms, review questions, and suggested readings. These features help reinforce the material and support student comprehension.

9. **Visual Aids:** The book is richly illustrated with photographs, charts, graphs, and tables that help to visualize data and concepts. These visual aids make the content more engaging and easier to understand.

10. **Focus on Inequality:** A central theme of the book is the examination of inequality and its role in creating and perpetuating social problems. The authors explore how social class, race, ethnicity, gender, and other factors contribute to disparities in society.

11. **Research-Based:** The content is based on current research and empirical data, providing readers with a solid foundation of evidence-based knowledge. The authors cite relevant studies and data to support their analysis of social problems.

12. **Accessible Writing Style:** The authors write in a clear and accessible style, making complex sociological concepts understandable for students at various levels. The book is suitable for undergraduate courses in sociology, social work, and related fields.

13. **Interdisciplinary Approach:** The textbook incorporates insights from other disciplines, such as economics, political science, and psychology, to provide a well-rounded understanding of social problems.

14. **Instructor Resources:** For educators, the book may come with supplementary resources such as lecture slides, test banks, and teaching guides to support effective instruction.

“Social Problems [RENTAL EDITION], 14th Edition” by Eitzen, Zinn, and Smith is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social issues that affect contemporary society. Through a combination of theoretical analysis, empirical data, and real-world examples, the book equips readers with the tools to critically analyze social problems and consider potential solutions.