The social problems essay
It is not a secret that social problems form the basis of social policies. According to researchers, “it is impossible to talk about social policy history, analysis and provisions without referring to the social problems those policies are designed to address”(Ginsberg & Miller-Cribbs, 2005, p. 56). There are many severe social problems that have a strong impact on the lifestyle and development of each member of American society. Some of these problems include unemployment, high incarceration rates, school dropout rates, concentrated poverty, drug trade, health problems, low marriage rates, high divorce rates, discrimination against gays and lesbians, etc. (Korgen & Furst, 2012). African American communities are among minority groups which are eminently influenced by social problems that are “partly the result of past and present racial discrimination against black people” (Shelby, 2013, p. 241). The problem of high divorce rates among African Americans is really an actual social problem, which requires prompt and comprehensive solutions. Thesis statement: The problem of high divorce rates among African Americans caused by a variety of factors, including unemployment, should be addressed by comprehensive social policies, aimed at providing support to families at risk of divorce.
Description of the selected social problem
The social problem selected for the discussion is the problem of high divorce rates among African Americans. This problem can be qualified as a social problem because it is caused by “general patterns of human behavior or social conditions that are perceived to be threats to society by significant numbers of the population, powerful groups, or charismatic individuals and that could be resolved or remedied” (Maris, 1988, p. 62). In other words, this problem requires social response in order to avoid violation of social norms and values.
The nature of the problem lies in the fact that Black men and women are less likely to remain married than other minority groups, such as Hispanics and Asians. As a result, there is evidence that Black children have to live in sole-parent families. According to the statistical data, approximately 66% of Black children live in single-parent households compared with only 24% of White children (McRoy & Griffin, 2010). In addition, “African American divorce rates are higher than those for Whites or Hispanics” (McRoy & Griffin, 2010, p. 164).
As a matter of fact, this social problem can be explained by some sociological theories, including symbolic interaction theory, conflict theory, feminist theory and functionalist theory. These theories can be applied to the social problem like high divorce rates among African Americans in different ways. According to researchers, high divorce rates found in minority groups is connected with certain feminist issues (Andersen et al., 2014). Women are willing to work and make serious decision by themselves. According to feminist theory, family can be conceptualized as a system of power relations, in which women are more powerful than men (Andersen et al., 2014). Symbolic interaction theory highlights the meaning of an individual’s behavior and that of other individuals as social interaction. High divorce rates can be explained by different experiences of people involved in family relations. Conflict theory “interprets the family as a system of power relations that reinforces and reflects the inequalities in society” (Andersen et al., 2014, p. 311). The problem of high divorce rates involved conflict in relations, which may be associated with inequalities in society. Functionalist theory explains family relations as a complex integrative institution, aimed at maintaining social stability. This theory can be applied to the social problem like high divorce rate because it refers to the criticism of complex family relations (Andersen et al., 2014).
Discussion of the scope and consequences of the problem
It is necessary to understand the scope of the problem of high divorce rates among African Americans. The problem suggests that there are serious problems with intimacy in intimate relations, which often lead to divorce. Statistical data show that “compared with white women, African American women are 25 % less likely ever to have been married and about half as likely to be currently married” (Besharov & West, 2010). These facts help to assess the scope of problem.
There are certain individual and social implications of the problem of high divorce rates among African Americans. There is much evidence that can be used to support the discussion of implications. To start with, researchers suggest that there are major individual implications. Divorce can become a challenging process to many individuals and family members because a single-parent family is at risk for developing a wide range of problems, including social, emotional and behavioral problems (Birditt et al., 2010). Research findings point out to the fact that Black children raised by single mothers are three-four times more likely to live below the poverty line than those children who are raised by two parents (Andersen et al., 2014; Birditt et al., 2010). They tend to have poor academic achievement, high dropout rate and serious behavioral problems.
In addition, the high divorce rates among African Americans have major social implications for the emotional and psychological development of African American children. This fact means that family structure has a strong impact on social development of children. African American communities are concerned about the overall health of the ethnic group because children who are raised in single-parent families have fewer chances to get good education and succeed in professional career (Besharov & West, 2010). Actually, three-four years after the divorce, the income of Black families remains 47 % lower than if the parents had remained married (Besharov & West, 2010).
In general, social science experts have discussed the problem of high divorce rates among African Americans. Their conclusions are methodologically sound.
Assessment of society’s responses to the problem
Social problems can be viewed as the sources for the development and implementation of specific social policies (Korgen & Furst, 2012). All members of our society should consider this problem, no matter what color of skin they have. Much can be done about this problem. Undoubtedly, public policies and other formal responses are essential for finding solutions to the existing problem. However, it would be better to involve all members of our society into implementation of concrete actions to reduce high divorce rates among African Americans. Marital education can work to reduce divorce rates.
In general, the existing societal efforts to solve the social problem are working. There are many initiatives that contribute to reducing divorce rates and improving the well-being of disadvantaged families. Community marriage initiatives are specially developed to “strengthen marriage and increase marital stability by addressing relevant laws, policies, and cultural factors” (Birch et al., 2009).
It is necessary to explain unmarried and divorced people that marriage can bring a host of benefits to them and children. On average, married African Americans look happier, earn more money, and choose healthier behaviors than their unmarried peers. As a result, their children are healthier and more satisfied with life choices (McRoy & Griffin, 2010).
Presentation of an alternative supported by scholarly research
The proper alternative should be selected to give effective response to the existing social problem. One of the effective alternatives is to provide financial support to Black families at risk of divorce (Besharov & West, 2010; Birditt et al., 2010; McRoy & Griffin, 2010). This financial support could come from governmental programs and social programs aimed at reducing unemployment. In addition to this alternative, it is necessary to address the following risk factors of divorce through effective educational programs: young age; rape; religion, education, social status, poor communication and other factors (Besharov & West, 2010; Birditt et al., 2010; McRoy & Griffin, 2010).
Undoubtedly, there may be negative consequences of the alternative response. For example, White families and Hispanic families may protest against this alternative because it addresses only African Americans. In addition, there may be certain problems with funding. Finally, there may be negative attitudes of African Americans who want to divorce anyway.
Conclusion
Thus, it is necessary to conclude that the social problem discussed in this paper requires finding the proper solutions through implementation of specific social policies and programs. Compared with White men and women, African Americans face serious problem, which may have both individual and social implications. It is very important to find adequate solutions to this problem. One of the alternatives is to provide financial support to Black families at risk of divorce and enhance educational practices aimed at addressing certain risk factors of divorce.
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