Course

Unit 1

Conceptual understanding of social problems:

Social Problems: Concept, Definition and Characteristics. Types of social problems: Nature and Causative Factors. Major Theories of Social Problems: Social, Psychological and Economic. Implications of Social Problems and Social Disorganization: Individual, family and society. Social Institutions: Family type, characteristics & functions: Structural Transmission of values. Social Conflict.

Unit 2

Gender and Related Concerns

Understanding gender, Gender discrimination, Gender based violence: Domestic Violence, Sexual Harassment, Rape, Economic inequalities, Sex selective abortion, Dowry, Trafficking of Women and Children- Causes, Types and Impact, Prevention, Remedy Gender and Technology: online harassment, and digital safety for women and marginalized Genders.

Unit 3

Marginal and Vulnerable Groups

Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, NT, DNTs and other invisible communities, Other Backward Classes and Minorities. Street and working children: Rag pickers, street children, Juvenile Delinquency, Child abuse- School & Family Interventions. Child Labour: causes, remedial programmes. Problem of older persons: Nature and extent. Social exclusion. Digital Divide and exclusion – Structural inequality and its impact Migration

Unit 4

Problems and Issues related to ethnic and religious dissonance

Casteism, Communalism and regionalism. Untouchability, Slavery, Beggary, Child Marriages. Problems of religious minorities – Meaning, Nature and Causes. Rise of religious fundamentalism and intolerance – Nature and Causes

Unit 5

Dealing with Social Problems

Role of Local, National and international organizations – Policy, planning and legislation. Role of CSOs (Civil Society Organizations) –NGOs: Mobilization and social action. Contemporary Developments in Indian Politics. Right to information as a democratizing force of social change. Role of communication and Technology induced change. Role of Social Workers

Text Books / References

Text books:   

1. Bhattacharya, S.K., Social Problems in India, Regency Publications, New Delhi.   2.Abidi, Azra: Hindustan meinSamajiTabdiliaurSamajiMasael (Social Change and Social Problems in India) 2015, IBS, Book Store Pvt. Limited, New Delhi   
2. Charon, Joel. M and Lee Garth Vigilant. 20012. “Social Problems: Readings with Four Questions” Fourth Edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth   

Suggested Readings:

1. Selwyn Stanley., 2004. Social Problems in India. New Delhi.Allied Publishers   
2. Anna Leon- Guerrero(2009) Contemporary reading in Social Problems: Pine Forge Press 
3. Deb, S. (2006).Contemporary Social Problems in India. New Delhi: Anmol Publication Pvt. Ltd.  
4. Donileen R. Loseke (2011): Thinking about Social Problems :Transaction Publishers   
5. S, Becker.(1966). Social Problems-A Modern Approach. New York: John Wiley and Sons  
6. Joel Best (2001): How Claims Spread: Cross-national Diffusion of Social Problems: Aldine Transaction
7. Joel Best (2016): Social Problems: W.W.Norton, Incorporated.   
8. Joel Best (2017): Images of Issues-Typifying Contemporary Social Problems , Routledge
9. Joel Best, Scott R. Harris(2012): Making Sense of Social Problems: Lynne Rienner Publishers   
10. Madan, G.R. (1981): Indian social problem, New Delhi : Allied publication    
11. Malcolm Spector (2017): Constructing Social Problems: Routledge   
12. Ram Ahuja (2014): Social problems in India, Jaipur: Rawat publication   13.Giddens Anthony (ed)., 2001. Sociology: Introductory Readings. Cambridge, Polity Press.   
13. Social Problems- Society in Crisis. Deniel J. Curran, Claire. M. Renzetti

Issues such as Illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, corruption, population growth, environmental pollution, crime, alcoholism and drug use are all labeled as ‘social problems’. Consequently, through public policy the state seeks solutions to reduce the negative impacts of these and similar harms. This course will explore the ways in which such social problems become defined and emphasize on things like the causes of social problems, consequences, and solutions.

Course Objectives

1. To provide insight into the present social problems and their magnitude and impact of social problems on social life
2. Develop an understanding of the role of social work in dealing with contemporary social concerns.
3. To enhance awareness of various problems of Contemporary Indian Society.

Course Outcome

1. To understand the magnitude of problems in the society
2. Be able to understand the genesis and manifestation of social problems
3. Be able to understand preventive and remedial measures for contemporary social problems
4. Be able to understand the role of social work in addressing social problems

CO-PO Mapping