This theoretically balanced text provides the latest research findings and a consistent structure to help students analyze major social problems facing the United States. The authors present both sides of an argument with a neutral voice and use a "down to earth" writing style.

When students complete this text, not only do they gain a sociological understanding of social problems, but also they are able to explore and evaluate their own opinions about specific social problems. They will gain a greater awareness of the social forces that shape their orientations to social problems and their perspectives on social life. The ideas in this book, then, can penetrate students’ thinking and give shape to their views of the world.

Budding with new insight, this top selling, proactive book probes the nature and causes of each major social problem confronting citizens today, and, with historical and multicultural sensitivity, delves into the social control and social action issues inherent to each particular problem.

Balancing viewpoints and supporting material with research and policy, each chapter covers topics in a micro to macro format, pointing out the interrelationships among today's social problems and the possibility of approaching them from several perspectives.

Chapter topics include sociological perspectives on social problems; problems of physical health; mental illness; sex related social problems; alcohol and other drugs; crime and criminals; violence; poverty amid affluence; racism, prejudice, and discrimination; sex roles and inequality; an aging society; the changing family; problems of education; problems of work and the economy; urban problems; population and immigration; technology and the environment; and war and terrorism. For individuals looking to understand today's social problems and help solve them.