Social Problems - Continuity and Change
This textbook comprises 16 chapters, delving into various aspects of social problems within sociology, criminology, and social work. Each chapter identifies the learning objectives and shows them in the beginning. At the end of each chapter, there are several sub-sections along with review questions for learners. Each chapter is comfortable to follow and addresses most of the learning objectives to provide a straightforward response to the discussion questions. In addition, each chapter covers ideas of the subject appropriately and provides an effective index and glossary.
The content is both accurate and presented in a manner that is easy to read and follow.
Despite being published in 2016, the sources and information in this textbook remain relevant for explaining various social problems. Each chapter addresses fundamental concepts crucial for students to understand issues prevalent in our society. I believe the text could be enhanced by updating the statistics, tables, and incorporating more visually appealing graphics.
The text is concise, simple, and clear, and content is informative and straight-forward.
The text maintains consistency in its terminology and framework. The author adeptly provides chapter summaries that align with the learning objectives outlined at the beginning of each chapter, enhancing comprehension and cohesion.
The well-structured chapters feature clearly demarcated subsections, which are conveniently hyperlinked for easy access. Dividing the topics into relevant sections aids students in understanding the broader scope of social concerns. Clear subheadings within the text enhance readability and direct the reader's attention to key topics. Additionally, special information that illustrates or expands on the issues is effectively differentiated from the main text, further enriching the learning experience.
The chapters follow a typical order found in textbooks on social problems, commencing with an introductory chapter covering research methods and sociological perspectives. This structure makes the text well-suited for introductory sociology or criminology courses as a prerequisite, which is ideal for exploring social problems. Subsequent chapters delve into poverty and various other forms of social inequality before addressing specific controversial areas of public life. This sequencing is optimal as it recognizes that issues of poverty and economic inequality underpin many other societal challenges, while emphasizing the central theme of social equality inherent in any course on social problems.
The online text features intuitive navigation, with clear images and charts. Chapter or section summaries are thoughtfully highlighted in boxes with color backgrounds, enhancing visual accessibility and aiding in content navigation.
There are no typos or technical/grammatical errors that I am aware of in the textbook.
I find the textbook's exploration and description of social problems regarding cultural distinctions, crime, terror, and drug issues, family and child abuse, and race/ethnicity to be comfortable and comprehensive. I appreciate the author's sensitivity and fairness in handling topics that often involve prejudicial beliefs held by students. The text consistently challenges oppressive assumptions and beliefs about minority groups by presenting factual information, and prompting reflection in a more informed, objective manner. The integration of information about the association between social problems and various demographic categories enriches the discussion, fostering a deeper understanding of their prevalence and nature. However, I believe there is room for improvement in the coverage of concerns relevant to the LGBTQI population. Given that many students have personal experiences and sensitivities regarding these issues, it's essential for the textbook to use appropriate terms and provide current information.
Overall, this book provides valuable insights into current social issues, making it suitable for undergraduate intro sociology or criminology courses (or as a prerequisite). I believe the text could be enhanced by updating the statistics and incorporating more visually appealing graphics. This would not only improve the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to a more engaging learning experience for students.