Updated with nine new end-of-chapter case studies and more than 50 new boxed examples, the Third Edition of Joel Best's Social Problems elucidates the complex, competitive process through which social problems emerge, paying particular attention to how resources and rhetoric affect each stage of the process. Drawing on social constructionist theory, Best shows how activists, experts, and their opponents engage in claimsmaking, and how the media then report on these claims, prompting public reaction and driving policy. In order to help students connect theory to everyday life, Joel Best fills the book with colorful examples and real-world case studies.

About the Author
Joel Best is a professor of sociology and criminal justice at the University of Delaware. Best's research focuses on understanding how and why we become concerned with particular issues at particular moments in time. He's written about the ways bad statistics creep into public debates and about dubious fears, such as the mistaken belief that poisoned Halloween candy poses a serious threat to our kids. His books include Damned Lies and Statistics, Kids Gone Wild, The Student Loan Mess and Flavor of the Month.


Book Information
ISBN 9780393283419
Author Joel Best
Format Paperback
Page Count 350
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 405g
Dimensions(mm) 211mm * 142mm * 15mm