Social Problems: An Introduction to Critical Constructionism [Paperback]

Robert Heiner (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 019512992X | ISBN-13: 978-0195129922 | Publication Date: August 16, 2001

Social Problems: An Introduction to Critical Constructionism synthesizes conflict theory and social constructionism to help students think critically about social problem construction. A concise alternative to the all-encompassing standard textbooks currently available, this book examines a single theoretical paradigm in depth and demonstrates how theory can be used to understand a breadth of real world phenomena. In six succinct chapters, it focuses on the four problems most often found in social problems courses-inequality, family problems, crime/deviance, and population/environment-analyzing each from a critical constructionist perspective. This approach, popular among many sociologists, helps students conceive of social problems not as objective situations that are "out there," but as socially constructed phenomena whose importance varies according to media attention and the needs of particular interest groups. The author makes the important connection between the power of certain interest groups and their ability to draw the public's attention toward certain problems and away from others. He recognizes the critical role that the media plays in problem construction and provides a systematic critique of media interests. A much-needed cross-cultural emphasis illustrates the range of possibilities in which social problems and their solutions can be conceived; alternative problem construction commonly used outside the United States is examined as well. Special attention is given to the effects of globalization and to the role of corporate interests in problem construction. Offering students a solid theoretical background, Social Problems: An Introduction to Critical Constructionism is intended primarily for social problems courses. Given its readability and consistent application of theory, this book can also be used in introductory sociology courses and social theory courses.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This impressive and accessible volume uses a unique theoretical framework to discuss and analyze some of the most important social problems at the dawn of the 21st century. It is packed with insightful information that will be useful to students, scholars and educated laymen alike."--William Julius Wilson, Lewis P. and Linda Geyser University Professor, Harvard University

About the Author

Robert Heiner is at Plymouth State College.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (August 16, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019512992X
• ISBN-13: 978-0195129922
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,102,245 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, February 22, 2003

By 

Dr. Mark A. Foster (Olathe, KS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Social Problems: An Introduction to Critical Constructionism (Paperback)

I will always be grateful to Oxford University Press for publishing Robert Heiner's book. Since I already use an anthology, Race, Class, and Gender (Margaret L. Anderson and Patricia Hill Collins), as the primary text for the Social Problems course I teach, I was looking for a short book (no more than around 200 pages) to serve as an introduction to the field.

Heiner's text, which combines an approach to social constructionism with critical theory, is precisely what I needed. There is, to the best of my knowledge, nothing else like it, and I have questioned just about every publisher's representative who has come by to visit my office!

I have been using this book since its first edition and will be adopting the third edition for fall of 2009. I would recommend it to anyone who would prefer a short textbook for a Social Problems course.