Chapter one
A. Defining social problems : Sociological perspective
Social problem related to culture, social organization, norms, deviance and social control
mechanisms
1. Definition of Social Problem
A social problem is a condition or pattern of behavior that is widely perceived as harmful, affects
a large number of people, and requires collective action for its solution.
Definitions
Fuller and Myers
“A social problem is a condition which is defined by a considerable number of people as a
deviation from some social norm which they cherish.”
Merton
A social problem arises when there is a discrepancy between socially accepted goals and the
socially approved means of achieving them.
Horton and Leslie
“A social problem is a condition affecting a significant number of people in ways considered
undesirable and about which collective action is taken or planned.”
2. Key Characteristics of a Social Problem
A condition becomes a social problem when it has the following features:
Affects many people, not just individuals
Causes social harm or dysfunction
Violates social norms and values
Recognized by society as a problem
Requires social or institutional intervention
Is persistent, not temporary
3. Identification of a Social Problem
Identification refers to the process by which a social condition is recognized, defined, and
accepted as a social problem by society.
4. Criteria for Identifying a Social Problem
A condition is identified as a social problem based on these criteria:
1. Social Origin
The cause lies in social structure, culture, or institutions
Example: Poverty due to unequal distribution of resources
2. Social Consequences
Produces negative effects on individuals and society
Example: Crime leading to insecurity and fear
3. Value Judgment
Society considers the condition undesirable or harmful
Example: Child labor violates moral and legal values
4. Collective Recognition
A significant section of society agrees it is a problem
Media, NGOs, academics, and policymakers raise concern
5. Possibility of Social Solution
Can be addressed through policies, laws, or social reform
Example: Education programs to reduce child marriage
5. Stages of Identification of a Social Problem
1. Awareness – People notice a harmful condition
2. Public Discussion – Media, civil society, experts debate it
3. Definition – Society labels it as a social problem
4. Policy Response – Government and institutions intervene
6. Examples of Social Problems
Poverty
Unemployment
Gender inequality
Child marriage
Drug addiction
Crime and corruption
Domestic violence
Environmental pollution
1. Social Problems Related to Culture
Culture shapes beliefs, values, customs, and traditions. However, some cultural patterns can
create social problems:
Gender discrimination – Preference for males, early marriage, restrictions on women’s
mobility.
Superstitions and harmful traditional practices – Witchcraft beliefs, harmful healing
rituals.
Dowry system – Economic burden, domestic violence, and family conflicts.
Child marriage – Health risks, school dropout, and poverty cycle.
Resistance to change – Conflict between traditional and modern values.
2. Social Problems Related to Social Organization
Social organization refers to structured social relationships and institutions:
Family disorganization – Divorce, domestic violence, neglect, broken families.
Weak community integration – Social isolation, loss of solidarity.
Class inequality – Rich–poor gap, unequal access to education and healthcare.
Urbanization problems – Slums, housing crisis, unemployment.
Institutional failure – Inefficiency in education, health, and legal systems.
3. Social Problems Related to Norms
Norms are rules guiding social behavior. Problems occur when:
Norm conflicts – Traditional vs modern values.
Norm breakdown (anomie) – Loss of moral guidance, confusion.
Rigid norms – Suppression of individuality and freedom.
Double standards – Different rules for men and women.
4. Social Problems Related to Deviance
Deviance means violation of social norms:
Crime – Theft, murder, robbery, cybercrime.
Drug addiction and alcoholism
Juvenile delinquency
Sexual violence and harassment
Corruption and bribery
Human trafficking
5. Social Problems Related to Social Control Mechanisms
Social control maintains social order through formal and informal means:
A. Informal Social Control Problems
Weak family supervision
Decline of community bonding
Peer group pressure
Moral degradation
B. Formal Social Control Problems
Ineffective law enforcement
Corruption in legal institutions
Delay in justice
Abuse of power
Human rights violations
6. Interconnection of these Social Problems
These areas are deeply interconnected:
Weak norms + poor social control = increase in deviance
Harmful cultural practices = gender inequality and violence
Poor social organization = poverty, crime, and exclusion
7. Context of Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, major related problems include:
Dowry, child marriage, gender violence
Drug addiction among youth
Urban slum problems
Corruption and weak law enforcement
Cultural resistance to women empowerment
B. The theoretical perspectives of social problems
The theoretical perspectives of social problems explain why social problems occur, how they
affect society, and what can be done to solve them. In sociology, several major perspectives
are used to analyze social problems:
1. Functionalist Perspective
Associated with thinkers like Émile Durkheim
This perspective views society as a system of interconnected parts working together for stability.
Key ideas:
Social problems arise when there is dysfunction (breakdown in social institutions).
Some level of social problems can be functional (e.g., crime can reinforce social norms).
Focus on order, stability, and consensus.
Example:
Poverty may exist because certain roles in society (low-paying jobs) still need to be filled.
2. Conflict Perspective
Linked to Karl Marx
This perspective emphasizes inequality and power struggles.
Key ideas:
Social problems are the result of inequality, exploitation, and conflict between groups.
Dominant groups (elite) maintain power and create systems that benefit them.
Focus on class conflict, power, and change.
Example:
Poverty exists because the rich exploit the poor and control resources.
3. Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
Developed by thinkers like George Herbert Mead and Herbert Blumer
This perspective focuses on everyday interactions and meanings.
Key ideas:
Social problems are socially constructed through interaction.
What is considered a “problem” depends on people’s perceptions and definitions.
Focus on micro-level interactions.
Example:
Drug use becomes a social problem when society labels it as deviant.
4. Feminist Perspective
Associated with scholars like Simone de Beauvoir
Key ideas:
Social problems arise from gender inequality and patriarchy.
Focus on women’s oppression and unequal opportunities.
Examines issues like domestic violence, wage gap, discrimination.
Example:
Domestic violence is linked to male dominance in society.
5. Postmodern Perspective
Influenced by Michel Foucault
Key ideas:
Rejects universal explanations; reality is fragmented and relative.
Social problems are shaped by power, knowledge, and discourse.
Focus on how institutions define and control what is “normal”.
Example:
Mental illness is defined differently across time and cultures due to changing discourses.
6. Social Constructionist Perspective
Closely related to interactionism
Key ideas:
Social problems are not objective conditions but constructed through claims-making.
Media, politicians, and institutions shape public perception.
Example:
Climate change became a major social problem through scientific and media attention.
Conclusion
Each perspective offers a different lens:
Functionalism → stability and dysfunction
Conflict theory → inequality and power
Interactionism → meaning and interpretation
Feminism & Postmodernism → critique of dominance and knowledge
A complete understanding of social problems requires combining these perspectives rather than
relying on just one.
c. The nature of social problems in developing countries
The nature of social problems in developing countries is shaped by economic limitations, rapid
social change, weak institutions, and historical inequalities. These problems are often
interconnected and more intense compared to developed nations.
1. Widespread Poverty
Poverty is one of the most dominant features.
Large populations live below the poverty line
Limited access to food, shelter, healthcare, and education
Creates a cycle of deprivation across generations
Nature: Structural, persistent, and multidimensional
2. Unemployment and Underemployment
Lack of sufficient formal job opportunities
Many people work in informal or low-paid sectors
Youth unemployment is particularly high
Nature: Chronic and linked to slow economic growth
3. Rapid Population Growth
Influenced by ideas discussed by Thomas Robert Malthus
High birth rates put pressure on resources
Strain on housing, education, and healthcare systems
Nature: Demographic pressure leading to resource scarcity
4. Poor Health and Healthcare Systems
Limited healthcare infrastructure
High rates of infectious diseases (e.g., malaria, tuberculosis)
Malnutrition and child mortality
Nature: Preventable yet widespread due to inequality
5. Illiteracy and Weak Education Systems
Low literacy rates in rural and marginalized communities
Poor quality of education
Gender disparities in schooling
Nature: Long-term developmental barrier
6. Inequality and Social Stratification
Explained by Karl Marx and later theorists
Gap between rich and poor is very wide
Class, caste, ethnicity, and gender inequalities
Nature: Deep-rooted and institutionalized
7. Urbanization and Slum Development
Rapid migration from rural to urban areas
Growth of slums with poor living conditions
Lack of sanitation, housing, and infrastructure
Nature: Unplanned and chaotic urban growth
8. Corruption and Weak Governance
Misuse of power and public resources
Lack of transparency and accountability
Weak rule of law
Nature: Systemic and institutional
9. Gender Inequality
Discrimination against women in education, employment, and rights
Issues like child marriage, domestic violence
Nature: Cultural and structural
10. Environmental Problems
Pollution, deforestation, climate change impacts
Overuse of natural resources
Nature: Linked with poverty and lack of regulation
11. Social Conflict and Instability
Related to ideas of Max Weber on power and authority
Ethnic, religious, or political conflicts
Political instability and violence
Nature: Rooted in inequality and weak institutions
Key Characteristics
The social problems in developing countries are generally:
Interrelated (one problem causes another)
Structural (rooted in economic and social systems)
Persistent (long-lasting)
Large-scale (affecting a major portion of the population)
Complex and multidimensional
Conclusion
Social problems in developing countries are not isolated issues but part of a broader system of
underdevelopment. Effective solutions require integrated policies, economic development, good
governance, and social awareness.
Social problems in developing countries specifically to Bangladesh
To relate the nature of social problems in developing countries specifically to Bangladesh, we
need to see how these general patterns appear in its historical, economic, and social context.
Bangladesh has made impressive progress in many areas, yet key structural problems remain.
1. Poverty and Economic Inequality
Bangladesh has reduced extreme poverty significantly, but income inequality is
increasing.
Urban–rural disparities remain strong, especially between Dhaka and peripheral regions.
Nature in Bangladesh:
Poverty is declining but uneven, and inequality is becoming more visible.
2. Unemployment and Informal Economy
Large numbers of people, especially youth, face underemployment.
A significant portion of the workforce is in the informal sector (rickshaw pullers, day
laborers, domestic workers).
Nature in Bangladesh:
Not always open unemployment, but low-quality and insecure jobs dominate.
3. Rapid Urbanization and Slums
Massive migration to cities like Dhaka has created large slum areas such as Korail Slum
Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and lack of services are common
Nature in Bangladesh:
Urban growth is fast but poorly planned, leading to severe living condition issues.
4. Population Pressure
Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world
Although fertility rates have declined, the population base is still very large
Nature in Bangladesh:
High density puts pressure on land, housing, jobs, and services
5. Health and Nutrition Problems
Significant progress in life expectancy and immunization
However, malnutrition, dengue, and air pollution-related diseases remain concerns
Nature in Bangladesh:
A mix of success and persistent public health challenges
6. Education System Challenges
High enrollment in primary education
Problems remain in quality, dropout rates, and unemployment of graduates
Nature in Bangladesh:
Education expansion without corresponding job market alignment
7. Gender Inequality
Bangladesh has improved women’s participation in garments and politics
Still faces issues like child marriage, domestic violence, and wage gaps
Nature in Bangladesh:
Progressive change coexists with traditional patriarchy
8. Environmental Vulnerability
Highly vulnerable to climate change, floods, and cyclones
Coastal areas suffer from salinity and displacement
Nature in Bangladesh:
Environmental problems are severe and directly linked to livelihoods
9. Corruption and Governance Issues
Challenges in ensuring transparency and accountability
Bureaucratic inefficiencies and political influence in institutions
Nature in Bangladesh:
Governance problems are institutional but gradually improving
10. Social Inequality and Marginalization
Disparities based on class, rural–urban divide, and minority status
Marginalized groups (e.g., indigenous communities, slum dwellers) face exclusion
Nature in Bangladesh:
Inequality is structural and socially embedded
11. Migration and Remittance Dependence
Large number of workers migrate abroad (Middle East, Southeast Asia)
Economy partially depends on remittances
Nature in Bangladesh:
Migration is both a solution and a vulnerability
Key Features of Social Problems in Bangladesh
Interconnected: Poverty ↔ education ↔ health ↔ employment
Transitional: Moving from low-income to developing status
Dual nature: Strong progress + persistent structural problems
Vulnerability-driven: Climate and population pressures intensify issues
Conclusion
In Bangladesh, social problems are not static—they exist within a context of rapid development
and transformation. The country shows a “development paradox”: remarkable achievements
(poverty reduction, women empowerment) alongside deep-rooted structural challenges like
inequality, urban crisis, and environmental risks.