Definition and Nature of Social Problems

Definition of Social Problems

Social problems refer to conditions or behaviors that negatively affect a large number of people within a society and are widely recognized as undesirable or harmful. These problems arise when social norms, values, or expectations are violated, creating conflicts that threaten the stability and well-being of individuals or the community as a whole. Unlike personal troubles, social problems require collective awareness and action because they stem from structural issues embedded within the society, such as inequality, poverty, discrimination, or crime.

The concept of social problems is dynamic and varies across different cultures and historical periods, as what is considered a problem in one society may be accepted in another. Social problems are also interconnected, often compounding one another—for example, unemployment can lead to poverty, which in turn may increase crime rates. Addressing social problems involves collective efforts, including policy changes, social reforms, education, and activism, aimed at improving social conditions and promoting justice and equity for affected groups.

According to Kingsley Davis (1947), a social problem is “a condition which is incompatible with the values of the society and which calls for social action to bring about change.”

The American Sociological Association defines social problems as “social conditions or patterns of behavior that harm some individuals or all of society and that require collective action to solve.”

Nature of Social Problems

·       Socially Constructed

Social problems are fundamentally socially constructed, meaning they do not exist as objective conditions but are defined and recognized as problems through collective human perception and social interpretation. What one society or group views as a social problem may be considered acceptable or even positive in another context. For instance, issues like drug use, poverty, or gender roles can be seen differently depending on cultural norms, historical periods, and social values. This construction process involves media, policymakers, interest groups, and public opinion shaping how certain conditions are framed, prioritized, and addressed. Therefore, social problems are dynamic and fluid, reflecting changing societal attitudes and power relations rather than fixed or universal realities.

·       Relative and Dynamic

Social problems are relative and dynamic, meaning their recognition and definition vary across different times, places, and societies. What is considered a social problem in one context may not be viewed the same way in another. For example, caste discrimination and untouchability were once widely accepted social norms in Nepal, but due to growing social awareness and legal reforms, their status as social problems has evolved and diminished over time. Similarly, the use of mobile phones was once seen as a disruptive or problematic behavior, but today it has become an essential part of daily life. This illustrates that social problems are not fixed or universal; they change according to social context and cultural shifts.

·       Interconnected

Social problems are often interconnected, meaning that one issue can be closely linked to or cause others, creating a complex web of challenges within society. For instance, poverty is not just an economic issue but is also connected to poor health, limited educational opportunities, crime, and social exclusion. When people lack resources, they may struggle to access healthcare or education, which in turn perpetuates the cycle of poverty and leads to further social problems like homelessness or substance abuse. This interconnectedness makes it difficult to address social problems in isolation; effective solutions require a comprehensive understanding of how these issues influence and reinforce each other.

·       Collective Impact

Social problems are not merely individual issues but affect large segments of society, requiring collective action for their resolution. For example, pollution not only harms one person’s health but also impacts entire communities and the environment. When a city experiences water pollution, the health risks extend to all its residents and hinder overall social development. Therefore, addressing social problems demands coordinated social and institutional efforts rather than isolated individual actions to implement solutions that have a widespread impact.

·       Require Social Action

Social problems inherently demand collective social action because they affect groups of people and cannot be resolved by individuals alone. Addressing these problems often requires changes in policies, laws, or community behavior. For example, the issue of child labor cannot be eliminated simply by individual efforts; it requires government intervention, legal enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and support from non-governmental organizations. Without coordinated social action, such problems persist and continue to harm vulnerable populations and society as a whole.

·       Rooted in Social Structure

Many social problems are deeply rooted in the structure of society itself. These problems are not merely the result of individual behaviors or isolated incidents but stem from systemic inequalities and injustices embedded within economic, social, political, and cultural frameworks. For example, caste discrimination and untouchability in Nepal are outcomes of structural divisions based on caste hierarchy. Such inequalities limit access to opportunities and resources, leading to social fragmentation and conflict. Understanding and addressing social problems, therefore, requires examining the underlying social structures that perpetuate these issues.

Nature of Group Problems