Theoretical Approaches to Social Problems

Social Disorganization Approach
Cultural Lag Approach
Value Conflict Approach
Personal Deviation Approach
Anomie Approach

1. JAYAPRIYA D.K 19MSW024 ASSIGNMENT 1

2. Theoretical approaches to Social Problems Social Disorganization Approach Cultural Lag Approach Value Conflict Approach Personal Deviation Approach Anomie Approach

3. Social Disorganization Approach Is a condition where there is breakdown of Social Order/ social control. Lack of cooperation, unity, common values, discipline and predictability. Warren- condition involving Lack of consensus Lack of integration of institutions. Inadequate means of social control. Eg . Women paid jobs – husband and wife relationship is affected.

4. Cultural Lag Approach Some parts of a culture change at a faster rate than other related parts resulting in the disruption of integration and equilibrium of the culture. Eg . Material culture change more rapidly than non material culture in industrial societies. Cannot be accepted as universal explanation for all social problems.

5. Personal Deviation Approach personal-deviation approach, looks to the motivation and behaviour of the deviants who are instrumental in causing the problems . Persoral deviancy develops because of either (a) an individual's inability to follo w generally accepted norms, or (b) an individual's failure to accept generally accepted norms.

6. Value Conflict Approach  Incompatibility between the values of two or more groups to the extent that the role performance of individuals is interfered with is called 'value-conflict '. For example, conflict in values of workers and employers leads to industrial unrest, strikes and lockouts. Walter, Fuller, Cuber and Harper - clashes in value system are of basic importance in the origin and development of social problems.

7. Anomie Approach Merton Anomie - a condition characterised by the relative absence or weakening or confusion of norms and values in a society or a group . Anomie is a state of confusion, insecurity and normlessness . Merton's theory is an incomplete theory. All social problems cannot be perceived as the result of the responses to strains or mode of adaptauon and adjustment.

8. Stages in Development of Social Problems Fuller and Myres – three stages Awareness : In this first stage, people become convinced that the problem exists. Policy determination : As awareness spreads to larger segments of the society, possible solutions come to be discussed. Reform : As basic solutions and policies are decided

9. Herbert Blumer – five stages emergence of a problem, legitimating of a problem, mobilization of action , formulation of an official plan, and implementation of the official plan movement from one stage to other is not automatic but it depends on many contingencies.

10. Malcolm Spector and John Kitsuse –four stages Agitation : The people feel aggrieved about the existing situation in the society Legitimating and Cooptation : When the group in power or the power-holders acknowledge the existence of the problem, the problem acquires legitimacy. Bureaucratization and Reaction: The extent to which the bureaucrats look for solutions to the problem and the extent to which they are able to fobb off vested interests. Re-emergence of the Movement : The defective policies of the decision-makers and the bureaucrats and their disinterestedness in the problem rekindle the feelings of the aggrieved people and their crusaders who start a movement to force the power-holders to adopt ameliorative measures for solving the problem