Realist Approach To Social Problems Essay

1. Introduction

Realist and constructivist approaches to social problems differ on many levels, even on the way they define social problem itself. Realists believe that a social problem is defined by an objective, concrete condition, which is damaging or threatening in reality. They also believe that a social problem inflicts harm on society’s well-being and decreases quality of life and standard of living. Unlike realists, constructivists define a social problem as the extent of felt concern over a condition or problem in society. They believe that social problems should be looked at critically and not taken at face value as what is labelled as problematic is often used for specific interests. Apart from differences in defining what a social

Both approaches can be said to be helpful in understanding social problems in the present times. Although the realist approach is an older school of thought compared to the constructivist approach, both approaches can be applied to deepen our knowledge of social problems across various contexts. In addition, both approaches are similar in their view that social problems are part of a complex interlocking system in society. According to realists, social problems are interrelated and are often not distinct from each other (Durkheim, 1951 [1897]). Each social problem is also related to specific social conditions or elements such as institutions and transitions (Frank, 1925). Similarly, constructivists view social problems as being embedded in a complicated organizational and cultural competition between social arenas and models. Different arenas and models play different roles in framing and presenting social problems and have different focuses (Goode, 1994). Collectively, these social dynamics constitute conditions that are constructed as social problems, reflecting the complex interlocking system involving social problems, which is also seen in realist