Using an eclectic and comprehensive blend of theoretical viewpoints to analyze contemporary problems, the author illustrates how social problems are socially constructed, and provides many cross-cultural examples of problems in other societies. Topics that are new or updated for the sixth edition include: bull; bull;An expanded discussion of the sociological imagination and its role in helping to recognize and solve problems (Ch. 2). bull;New material comparing per capita consumption in Most and Least Developed Countries, and on worldwide efforts to decrease the number of undernourished people (Ch. 3). bull;How the threat of terrorism affects those living and working in cities (Ch. 4); an assessment of the 1996 Welfare Reform (Ch. 6); public opinion about homosexuality, civil unions, and gay adoptions (Ch. 7); legal decisions on college affirmative action policies (Ch. 8); international terrorism (Ch. 9); the stratification of health care in the U.S.; and the social costs of lack of health care (Ch. 11); ";club drugs"; like Ecstasy, Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine (Ch. 13).