Internet addiction. Cell-phone-distracted drivers. Teen suicide. Economic recession. The health risks of trans fats. The carefully selected collection of case studies in Making Sense of Social Problems is designed to help students understand and critically evaluate a wide range of contemporary social issues.

The cases are organised to highlight a series of key elements:

• why "objective" claims deserve critical attention
• how advocates bring attention to issues
• why expert interpretations may change over time
• the role of the media in shaping or distorting concerns
• the consequences of public policy

The introduction, conclusion, and section notes provide a coherent framework for the text. Reflecting the promise of the constructionist approach, the result is a powerful set of tools for systematically investigating social problems. It can be used to advantage as a "stand-alone," as well as with such texts as Joel Best's Social Problems.

About the Author
Joel Best is professor of sociology and criminal justice at the University of Delaware, USA.

Scott R. Harris is professor of sociology at Saint Louis University, USA.

Reviews
Well suited for an introductory sociology course, particularly one focused on Social Problems.... [It] offers sociology students a wide variety of cases to develop their critical thinking skills. Thoughtful, accessible, and engaging.... This volume shows readers the power and value of the constructionist approach to social problems. Uses cutting-edge case studies to explore how social problems come to be regarded as such. There really is nothing else like this on the market.



Book Information
ISBN 9781588268808
Author Joel Best
Format Paperback
Page Count 463
Imprint Lynne Rienner Publishers Inc
Publisher Lynne Rienner Publishers Inc