Overview
The lecture explores Herbert Blumer's theory that social problems are products of collective behavior, emphasizing the processes by which societies define and address these issues.
Herbert Blumer and Symbolic Interactionism
- Herbert Blumer was an American sociologist known for symbolic interactionism.
- He served as the 46th President of the American Sociological Association.
Social Problems and Collective Behavior
- Social problems are conditions recognized by society as issues needing attention (e.g., poverty, crime).
- Collective behavior refers to group actions in response to situations, not just individual reactions.
Blumer’s Approach to Social Problems
- Social problems exist when society collectively defines them as such, not just when conditions are present.
- Sociologists should focus on the processes that create social problems.
- Traditional concepts like deviance, dysfunction, and structural strain lack clear benchmarks for identifying social problems.
Critiques of Conventional Sociology
- Sociologists often misidentify problems by focusing on objective conditions instead of societal recognition.
- Assuming objective analysis alone produces solutions is flawed; social problems involve conflicting interests and goals.
Five Stages of Social Problems Process
- Emergence: The problem must be recognized by society.
- Legitimation: The problem gains credibility in arenas like media, government, and civic organizations.
- Mobilization of Action: Organized efforts to address the problem begin.
- Formation of an Official Plan: An official response or policy is established.
- Implementation: The plan is put into action, often altered by conflicting interests or unintended outcomes.
Criticisms and Examples
- Historical issues like poverty, racial injustice, pollution, and gender inequality illustrate shifting public attention and definitions.
- Sociological approaches must evolve as social contexts change.
Q&A Highlights
- Blumer criticizes sociologists for neglecting the processes through which problems are collectively defined and addressed.
- The collective definition process ensures society recognizes and responds to significant, lasting issues.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Social Problem — A condition recognized by society as needing intervention.
- Collective Behavior — Group actions in response to events or issues.
- Deviance — Behavior violating social norms.
- Dysfunction — Breakdown or abnormal functioning within society.
- Structural Strain — Stressors preventing people from fulfilling roles.
- Legitimation — Process of granting credibility to an issue.
- Mobilization — Organizing actions to address a problem.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the five stages of social problems for deeper understanding.
- Prepare to discuss examples of social problems and how they go through Blumer’s five stages.