Introduction

• The concept of “social problem” is a claim that some condition, set of events, or a troublesome situation that needs to be changed. Having defined a condition as a social problem there then is a legitimate basis for bringing public resources to bear upon it.
• It is not an absolute term but relative and its explanation relatively differ from society, time interval and so on. For example, some Americans view the availability of abortion as a social problem, others view restrictions on abortion as a social problem.
• In general, something will be identified as a social problem only if it violates or interferes with cultural values that define what is good, important and desirable in a society.

The Social Context of Social Problems

1. Deviation from group values & norms
2. A decline in the effectiveness of social institutions
3. Extensive social & cultural diversity
4. The exercise of power