Understanding Social Problems

Finding the Tension in the Layers: A Multi-Perspective View on Social Problems

Chapter 1 of “Understanding Social Problems: Continuity and Change” lays the framework for viewing social problems through a sociological lens. Social problems are defined as having objective empirical components and subjective perceptions of a condition. For an issue to be recognized as a social problem it must produce harmful consequences that affect a significant number of people. In which the need for change must generate enough attention and pressure to create the momentum needed for the issue to move through the natural history stages(Saylor Academy).

The concept of the sociological imaginations saturates the sociological understanding of social problem. This concept founded by C. Wright Mills (1959) takes the approach that personal troubles are often a result of the social problems in the structure of society and culture(Saylor Academy). Using Mill’s concept in his book “Blaming the Victim” Willian Ryan (1976) brought into light the harm of the blaming the victim ideology and suggested that the blame be shifted to the structural systems to be effective in successfully navigate social problems(Saylor Academy).

The main sociological theoretical perspectives: Functionalist theory, Conflict theory, and Symbolic Interactionist theory provide a multilayer view of social problems. Functionalism came out of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century with the focus on order and function for societal survival solidified by Emile Durkheim who used the function of the human body as a model for society. Conflict theory also grew out of the Industrial Revolution in the communist manifesto (1848) Kari Marx and Fredrick Engels brought awareness to the oppression caused by the unequal powers that created by capitalism. The Symbolic Interactionism is a micro level theory coined by Herbert Blumer (1937) that explains how meaning is created through interpersonal interactions(Saylor Academy).

https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_social-problems-continuity-and-change/s04-understanding-social-problems.html

https://news.gallup.com/poll/4708/Healthcare-System.aspx

2.Although the major sociological theoretical perspective of Functionalism, Conflict, and Symbolic Interactions contradict in many ways when they are layering together on the same social structure they function as complementary lenses. When layering the theories on a singular social structure or social problem the Functionalist view highlights the stability and cohesion of the social structure while the Conflict theory view exposes power imbalances and inequalities within the same social structure. Simultaneously, the Interaction theory reveals how people interpret and experience the dynamics of the said social structure. The overlapping of these theories shows where structural stability creates inequality, where power produces tension, and how meaning either reinforces or challenges the system.

To better understand let’s apply the three theories to the act of an armed robbery. Functionalism says robbery is a crime that clarifies morals and is dysfunctional because it disturbs social order. Conflict theory argues that a robbery reflects class inequality and unequal access to resources. Also, that laws are created by powerful groups to protect their property. While the Interactionist view the robbery through how society persevered the definition of the crime. By labeling the criminal, examining how the behavior is learned, and how the criminal may internalize that identity(Saylor Academy).

 

After analyzing the main sociological theories by applying them to a variety of social problems, I find myself most often relating to the Conflict theory. This theory keeps the balance in the social structures by challenging authority while simultaneously advocating. The key questions of conflict theory are: Who benefits and who is at a disadvantage? These questions directly address the role of power in shaping social inequality and challenges the hierarchical social structures. Conflict theory resonates with me because it shifts the focus away from victim blaming and on to system blaming by critically examining how systems can reproduce patterns of structural inequalities that hope life changes across generations(Saylor Academy).

3.According to the most recent Gallup polls in the “Healthcare Systems” trend page shows most of American’s are overwhelmingly dissatisfied with the total cost of healthcare in the US. The November 2025 survey reports 82% dissatisfied compared with 16% satisfied. The survey describes 82% as being the lowest satisfaction level since the 1993 survey of 90% dissatisfaction compared with 8% satisfied. Notably the survey shows American’s have had more than a 30 year long running trend of high dissatisfaction in healthcare cost.

     

These numbers matter because they confirm a long-term social problem. Analyzing the data of healthcare cost provided by the Gallop Polls, the objective condition of the cost burden measured by observing cost of deductibles, premiums, medications, out of pocket expenses, and medical debt. The subjective concern is reflected by the overwhelming majority of Americans are dissatisfied with the cost of healthcare. That is evidence of a perceived widespread harmful condition. The social construction is how we think and frame the healthcare cost problem by identifying who benefits through the following questions: Is it a market problem, or insurance problem, or fairness problem, or government policy issue?

The Gallup Poll shows a long-term negative pattern of health care reflecting a social emergence. This is when the public recognizes the issue, expresses the burden of the social problem, and the issue becomes represented in public debate. Which is a result of why we see healthcare cost as a hot debated topic during elections.

Brevard Health Alliance(BHA)  in Melbourne Fl is a Federally Qualified Health Center(FQHC) working to address the high healthcare cost. This organization acts as a safety net by providing a sliding scale based on income for medial, dental, and behavior health. BHA accepts Medicaid/Medicare and serves the uninsured residents of Brevard, Florida with clinics located in Melbourne, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Port St. John,and Titusville as well as a mobile health unit. Their website is https://www.brevardhealth.org/contact/ and phone number is 321-241-6800

Sources:

Brevard Health Alliance. Brevard Health Alliance. www.brevardhealth.org. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.

Gallup. “Healthcare Systems.” Gallup, https://news.gallup.com/poll/4708/healthcare-system.aspx.Accesssed 11 Feb. 2026

Saylor Academy. Social Problems; Continuity and Change. Saylor academy,2012