Understanding social problems

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Social problems are defined as social conditions or patterns of behaviour that result in negative consequences for individuals, our social world, or our physical world; they can be local, societal, or global. When they threaten the wellbeing of many members of society, they become defined as social problems and prompt intervention. Sociology offers an objective and systematic approach to understanding the causes of social problems. In this course, students will learn about social problems from a sociological perspective. The course explores questions such as what are social problems; who defines them; what are their causes and their consequences on society? We will examine contemporary social issues in global, regional and Qatar contexts. We will delve into topics that include: poverty and its offshoots, gender inequalities (covering domestic violence and forms of sexism), crime and delinquency, (cyber)bullying, digital addiction, and population aging. We will touch upon other issues that arise from discussions or students’ interests, and consider responses to each social problem at policy and community-based levels. Guest speakers will present real-life case studies of local or global initiative responses to social problems.