The main social problems of Russia and ways to solve them. Problems of modern society: what will be the consequences

Social problems

Social problems, public problems- issues and situations that directly or indirectly affect a person and, from the point of view of all or a significant number of members of the community, are quite serious problems that require collective efforts to overcome them.

The specific list of social problems differs in different time and in different societies, and the discourse of their perception and representation changes over time.

• violence against minors

Notes

1. Oxford Dictionary of Psychology / Ed. A. Rebera, 2002
2. Statement of the research problem Introductory part of the sociological research program // Doctor of Sociological Sciences, Professor Yuri Petrovich Averin
3. REPRESENTATION OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS IN THE RUSSIAN PRESS OF THE 90-X YEARS // BOYKO Olga Viktorovna – Candidate of Sociological Sciences, Assistant of the Department of Social Anthropology and social work Saratov State Technical University.
4. "Social problem" in the sociological lexicon // Candidate of sociological sciences. Associate Professor of the Department of Sociology of Kazansky state university. Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Sociology of KSU for Science. Deputy Director of the Center for the Sociology of Culture of KSU. Yasaveev I.
5. The main social problems of Russia in the last decade // N.P. Popov, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences Journal “Monitoring of public opinion: economic and social changes”, Moscow
6. "Sociology of social problems"

Literature

In Russian Best J. Constructionist approach to the study of social problems / Contexts of modernity - II: Reader. Comp. and general ed. S.A. Erofeev. Kazan: Kaz. un-ta, 2001. Bloomer G. Social problems as collective behavior / Contexts of modernity-II: Reader. Comp. and general ed. S.A. Erofeev. Kazan: Kaz. unta, 2001. Bogdanova E.A. Designing the problem of consumer protection // Frontier. 2003. No. 18. Brockhaus F.A., Efron I.A. encyclopedic Dictionary. SPb., 1896. Eremicheva GV, Simpura Yu. Mud: symbolic and practical dimensions of social problems in St. Petersburg // World of Russia. 1995. No. 2. Zdravomyslova E.A. From a social problem to collective action: the human rights organization "Soldier's Mothers" / Social movements in modern Russia: from social problem to collective action. Moscow: Institute of Sociology RAS, 1999. Klimov I.A. Money instead of benefits: on the social background of one reform // Social Reality. 2006. No. 2. Lenoir R. The subject of sociology and the social problem / Lenoir R., Merlier D., Pento L., Champagne P. Beginnings of practical sociology. St. Petersburg: Aleteyya, 2001. Polach D. Social problems from a constructionist point of view / Mass media and social problems : Anthology. Kazan: Kaz. un-ta, 2000. Simpura Yu., Eremicheva G.V. From dirt to crime: the dynamics of the perception of social problems by the population of St. Petersburg // World of Russia. 1997. No. 2. Spector M., Kitsuse J. Construction of social problems // Contexts of modernity - II: Reader. Comp. and general ed. S.A. Erofeev. Kazan: Kaz. University, 2001. Fuller R., Myers R. Stages of a social problem // Contexts of modernity - II: Reader. Comp. and general ed. S.A. Erofeev. Kazan: Kaz. un-ta, 2001. Hilgartner S., Bosk Ch.L. The rise and fall of social problems: the concept of public arenas // Media and social problems: Reader. Kazan: Kaz. un-ta, 2000. In foreign languages ​​Berger, R. J. Fathoming the Holocaust: A Social Problem Approach. Hawthorne, 2002. Best, J. But Seriously Folks: The Limitations of the Strict Constructionist Interpretation of Social Problems // Challenges and Choices: Constructionist Perspectives on Social Problems / Holstein, J.A., Miller, G. (eds.). Hawthorne, 2003. Best, J. Theoretical Issues in the Study of Social Problems and Deviance // Handbook of Social Problems: A Comparative International Perspective / Ritzer G. (ed.). Thousand Oaks, 2004. Contemporary Social Problems / Megton R. K., Nisbet R. (eds.), 2nd ed., N.Y., 1966. Fuller, R.C., Myers, R.R. Some Aspects of a Theory of Social Problems // American Sociological Review, 1941a, Vol. 6, Feb. Fuller, R.C., Myers, R.R. The Natural History of a Social Problem // American Sociological Review, 1941b, Vol. 6, June. Ggeen, A.W. Social Problems: Arena of Conflict, N.Y., 1975. Gusfield, J.R. Theories and Hobgoblins // Society for the Study of Social Problems Newsletter. 1985. Vol 17 (Fall). Lagerspetz, M. Constructing Post-communism. A Study in the Estonian Social Problems Discourse. Turku, 1996. Lemert, E. Social Pathology: A Systematic Approach to the Theory of Sociopathic Behavior, N.Y, 1951 Lagerspitz M. (ed.). social problems in newspapers. Helsinki: Nordic Council for Alcohol and Drug Research, 1994. Lombroso, C. L "Uomo Delinquente, Milan, 1876 Loseke, D.R. Thinking About Social Problems: An Introduction to Constructionist Perspectives. Hawthorne, 2003. Manning, N. Constructing Social Problems / / Social Problems and Welfare Ideology / Manning, N. (ed.), Aldershot, 1985. Smith, S. The Organic Analogy // The Study of Social Problems / Rubington, E., Weinberg, M. S. (eds.), N. Y. Oxford , 2003. Spector, M., Kitsuse, J.I. Constructing Social Problems. Menlo Park, 1977. Schwartz, H. On the Origin of the Phrase "Social Problems" // Social Problems. Vol. 44, N 2, May 1997. Study of Social Problems: Six Perspectives / Rubington E., Weinberg M.S. (eds.). N.Y. Oxford, 1989. Study of Social Problems: Seven Perspectives / Rubington E., Weinberg M.S. (eds.). N.Y. Oxford, 2003.

Links

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See what "Social Problems" is in other dictionaries:

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Relatively stable populations of people who have common interests, values ​​and norms of behavior that develop within the framework of a historically defined society. Each group embodies some specifics. relationships between individuals... Philosophical Encyclopedia

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Before considering the main problems of the society of modern Russia, it is necessary to understand what the concept of "social problem" includes.

Social problems, public problems - issues and situations that directly or indirectly affect a person and, from the point of view of all or a significant number of members of the community, are serious enough problems that require collective efforts to overcome them.

The phrase "social problem" appeared in Western European society at the beginning of the 19th century and was originally used to refer to one specific problem - the uneven distribution of wealth.

Currently, the most acute social problems include the following: alcoholism, banditry, poverty, the homeless, unemployment, child homelessness, high mortality, pollution environment, disability, inflation, corruption, drug addiction, violation of the rights of the child, low birth rate, the situation of refugees and internally displaced persons, the situation of prisoners and other deprived categories, the situation of people with handicapped, human and civil rights and freedoms, crime, juvenile delinquency, prostitution, the problem of the elderly, the spread of HIV infection and other diseases, the situation in the army, suicide, social inequality, terrorism, the threat of man-made disasters, living standards, extremism, fascism.

The specific list of social problems differs at different times and in different societies, and the discourse of their perception and representation changes over time.

Calling them social problems, they were considered, firstly, as some undesirable situations for society or circumstances of people's lives that should be eliminated or changed in accordance with the ideals of society and ideas about the "proper" life. Secondly, the presence in society of these undesirable conditions or circumstances began to be understood as a task for social actors that can be recognized, set and practically resolved by defining policies and implementing social reforms. Thus, social problems for the first time stood out from the field social phenomena, as that part of them that is subject to and possible for their correction by social efforts.

The final institutionalization of the concept of "social problem" was "social surveys" or, as they were also called, "social studies", which became widespread in the second half of the 19th century. initially in England, and then in other European countries and America. Social studies collected a huge amount of statistical data on the living conditions of the poorest sections of society. In addition to collecting data depicting the social problems of the poor, social research was carried out with the aim of preparing and designing future social reforms. Their data were widely used in parliamentary polemics between conservative aristocrats and liberal reformers.

The term “problem” in Greek means task. In the very general view the problem is scientific or practical question, requiring its study and permission. A social problem is a discrepancy between the goal and the result that is perceived by a person as significant for him. This discrepancy arises, as a rule, due to the lack or lack of a person's means necessary to achieve the goal, which leads to dissatisfaction of social needs.

In the process of development of any society, many problems of a general social, group, individual nature arise. They intersect, interpenetrate, giving rise to other, sometimes more complex, problems, which most often violates the habitual foundations of life, established life standards and rules of behavior, and leads to new forms. social interaction and generates the need for their purposeful resolution.

Sources of social problems

Social problems appear in connection with the emergence of a contradictory situation within the social system. They can also appear as a result of the violation of numerous social norms.

Remark 1

A social problem in its most simplified form acts as a manifestation of the individual's activity, which can lead to negative consequences.

Each person makes in the course of his life a large number of actions. Of course, guided by the basic norms and rules both at the informal and at the legislative, state level, he strives for stability and quality. But the consequences can be negative character, which leads to a problem. It can be at the intrapersonal level, when a person is in conflict with himself, but also the problem can go beyond the life of one person and be transferred to other members of society.

Exactly going beyond one person, the problem can rightfully be considered social, since it affects two or more individuals, and they already constitute a social group. Problems can also be between several social groups, leading to more extensive conflict. As key sources of social problems, researchers single out the processes of globalization and industrialization, when society does not have time to adapt to new and constantly changing conditions, and internal attitudes begin to confront new, innovative opportunities.

Claims and their inadequacy to the ability to meet existing needs, mismatch of values ​​at the individual and social levels (for example, misunderstanding of people with each other) and hatred (racial, religious, ethnic) are also distinguished as sources of social problems.

The consequences are also different, and they depend directly on the type of social problem. This is the subject of the next part of our work.

Types of social problems

Today, social problems are one of the most structured social phenomena. This fact is confirmed by the presence of a wide variety of types of social problems that give rise to the corresponding social tasks of our time.

It cannot be unequivocally asserted that social problems are only Negative influence, as their solution allows society to find new, previously unknown ways of development, and this leads to gradual progress. Among the key social problems of our time, the following types are distinguished:

1. Individual-personal (family) problems. This type of problem consists in the presence of physical and mental difficulties (health, development). It also includes well-being problems (disability, elderly age, orphanhood), loneliness and social isolation;
2. Socio-economic problems - unemployment, poverty, a large number of socially unprotected people who need support from society and authorities, but do not receive it for any reason (both objective and subjective);
3. Problems of social stratification, which are associated with the stratification of society and an insurmountable difference in the incomes of the poor and the rich. This social problem is the basis of such phenomena as social manipulation and exploitation (especially in labor collectives);
4. Behavioral social problems - deviations and asocial signs that lead to social defects and anomalies;
5. Problems of symbolization and social modeling. This type of social problems is a consequence of the distortion of social values, their substitution. A person perceives the world in a distorted way and tries to impose his vision on other members of society, which leads to contradictions and conflicts in the social sphere;
6. Socio-political problems - consist in a rather low level of activity of the population, which leads to tension in society. We often see this problem during the election period: a person does not see the point of his participation, because he believes that "his vote does not decide anything." Thus, when a certain leader or party comes to power, the same person remains dissatisfied, and such a majority. This is where a social problem arises on a political basis.

Methods for solving social problems

As we have already defined, a social problem is a mismatch desired result existing, real. Thus, a person is faced with the need to match his needs with the possibilities of satisfying them, which can lead to conflict on different levels. For example, these may be problems of unemployment, social stratification, high mortality, lack of protection among the most vulnerable segments of the population and social groups.

Most often, the key solutions to such problems come "from above", that is, from the side of state and governing bodies authorities and leaders. These may be decisions legislative acts, organization of special events and actions to solve a social problem that has arisen.

Another method is to use the current Internet capabilities ( social networks, Internet sites and channels). It is they who can openly declare the presence of a social problem, and viewers and users can offer their own, alternative ways to resolve them. As a rule, in modern states take into account the role of Internet sites, and rely on the opinion of users of the worldwide network.

Remark 2

There are other ways to solve social problems. One of the alternative solutions is to work on public opinion. It is produced through actions with leaders, as well as with other representatives of society. This way of solving social problems is closely related to the problem of managing complex networks, that is, networks such as cellular networks, social media and online communities that include a large number of people. They have common goals, for the achievement of which resources are important.

. Social problems: specifics, levels and solutions.

Issues for discussion:

The concept of a social problem and its origins.

Approaches to the definition of the concept of "social problem".

Types and levels of social problems.

Ways to solve social problems.

Technology for solving problems in social work.

The technological task of social work is to

identification of a social problem and with the help of the available

disposal of social services tools and funds

timely corrective actions social worker

and behavior of the object of social work to provide

to him social assistance. Charactersocial problem is

the most important factor, on which the definition

content, tools, forms and methods of social

work with the client.

social problem - this is a challenging learning task.

whose solution leads to significant theoretical

or practical results . To solve it

appropriate information about the object of social

impact, conditions, circumstances and other

factors affecting his life, condition and

behavior.

Social problems can be global in nature,

affecting the interests of a significant part of humanity. So,

demographic, ecological, technogenic, food,

energy and other problems at present

time acquire a global character, and their resolution

requires the participation of most of the states of our planet. Social

problems may concern the interests of individuals or

multiple social systems. For example, social crises

extending to individual countries, national

ethnic communities, associations, blocs or groupings.

Problems can spread to certain areas

life of a group of people or individuals. It may

be problems covering the socio-economic, socio-

political, spiritual or actually social

areas of human life.

For social work, they are of particular importance

personal problems arising in the process of interaction

personality and social environment. TO social environment refer

all factors that activate (or block) protection

social interests of the individual, the realization of his needs.

One of essential conditions solutions to a social problem

is its exact formulation. Ifproblem Right

formulated, this, firstly, allows

search for missing information in the right direction;

secondly, it ensures the choice of the optimal toolkit

social impact, and therefore efficiency

social work. One of the most important requirements for

the formulation of a social problem is its validity.

It must be based on real needs and

prerequisites. Lack of connection with real practical

or theoretical needs makes the problem arbitrary,

contrived.

A well-formulated problem is the starting point,

the initial link in a complex cognitive-analytical

activities of social services and organizers of social

work.

Practical need and significance of the social problem

not only activate the activities of social

services, mobilize their intellectual, organizational

and physical potential, but also give the search for technological

creative, innovative solutions.

In relation to the practice of social work, the concept of "social problem" can be defined as follows:this is a mismatch of expectations, needs, interests, etc. specific social subject with similar characteristics of other social subjects.

In the real practice of social life, social problems can be

view as existing on the followingorganizational levels :

- at the level of society as a whole, where society, as a phenomenon, is one

temporarily both the carrier of a specific problem and the subject of its solution,

for example, the problem of the transition of economic life;

- at the level of social community (group, layer), when the carrier of problems

we are a specific social community, for example, the problem is sharply

th decrease in the standard of living of the middle class;

- at the level of personality when the carrier of the problem is a specific person

lovek, personality, for example, problems of communication, relationships with the environment

reaping.

The area of ​​competence of social workers includes, first of all,

problems of the second and third levels of the organization. Solving social problems at the macro level is the task of social policy.

As a rule, a social worker deals with more than one social

problem, but with a whole "bouquet", a complex of such problems. For their successful solution, it is necessary to correctly prioritize, i.e., if possible, determine the degree of significance of these problems for a person or group.

Thus, it can be argued that the solution of a social problem begins withanalysis of the social situation of the subject , which is understood as the allocation of parties, aspects of social reality associated with a specific situation and a specific problem field of a person or group with whom a social worker interacts. With such an approach, it is possible to consider in detail the entire set of issues related to a particular subject.

The results of the analysis of the social situation of the subject allow

They make an adequate decision regarding the timing, ways, methods and ways of solving those problems that complicate the process of the subject's life. In the very process of solving social problems, a number oftechnological stages .

First – collection, processing and comprehension of information about a person or

a group who are faced with a problem and need the help of a social worker for this reason. This stage necessarily includes activities to find and select the most appropriate and efficient methods for obtaining and processing such information.

Second - methodical, involving the formulation of the main goals

lei that can and should be achieved in the process of providing social assistance, determining the ways, methods and means of the proposed activity, which will be aimed at resolving a specific problem.

And finallythird, final is it practical or procedural

a stage that involves the direct implementation in practice of those decisions that were made in the previous two stages. This is actually the solution. perceived problem specific social entity.

Consistent implementation by specialists of each of the above

stages of activity involves the use of various social technologies. In this case, it becomes possible to classify them as follows:

Firstly, these are technologies of social analysis and social research

which allow you to deeply and in detail study a specific social situation, analyzing it at various levels. The main levels of analysis of the social situation are: individual level or level

small groups, the level of large social groups and strata, the level of territorial communities of various sizes, the national-state level, and, finally, the transnational or global level.

Such a “multi-layered” analysis allows not only to compare different

vision and perception of a social problem by subjects varying degrees

complexity, but also to identify its roots, the main causes of occurrence, point out the factors that complicate the problem, reveal some trends in its functioning and development, as well as general directions for its solution.

Secondly , it is necessary to indicate such a class of social technologies,

as technologies of social impact, which involve the organization and implementation of activities to directly address a specific problem. These include universal social technologies ( social diagnosis, social therapy, social adaptation, etc.). In addition to universal technologies, this class includes private social technologies designed to solve the problems of specific social actors (children, the disabled, the poor, etc.). If social research technologies can be effectively used at the first stage of solving a social problem, then social impact technologies are effective and efficient at the second and third stages of activity. Consideration of these technologies will be the subject of subsequent sections of the tutorial.

Technology for solving social problems. When diagnosing a social problem, one must keep in mind the stages of its development: emergence, exacerbation, resolution. In the process of diagnosis, it is necessary to determine how deep the problem is, and, depending on this, assess its importance for society, as well as justify the directions for its solution. It should be emphasized that the consequences of solving the problem, depending on what stage of development it is at, are not the same. If, in the process of purposeful influence, the problem is solved at the very beginning of its formation, then it is possible to limit the realization of the potential of its stimulating, healthy impact on society. If the problem is solved at the stage of its self-resolution, then, in fact, it is necessary to overcome its negative consequences. The threads of purposeful influence on it will be largely lost. The positive aspects of the initial existence of the problem will overlap with its negative consequences. Therefore, to solve the problem, it is important to justify the stage at which it will be most effective.

In the process of diagnosis, it is necessary to take into account the dialectical relationship between social problems. This means that the solution of this problem results in the emergence of a new or even several problems, that is, its solution is relative. For example, the solution of the problem of unemployment in the USSR in the early 1930s resulted in the emergence of such problems as inefficient employment, the problem of manual labor, the problem of discipline, etc. Moreover, practice shows that social problems cannot be solved forever. In particular, the problems that arise as a result of the operation of the law of rising needs are constantly renewed, and in this sense they are eternal. As social development through the resolution of contradictions through social management or problems are removed spontaneously, but at the same time they are reproduced at a qualitatively new level.

Diagnostics involves an assessment of the degree of severity of a given social problem, when, based on the analysis, a relationship is established different problems and it turns out among them the key one, the elimination of which leads to the solution of many problems. For example, when developing the first Soviet GOELRO plan, experts came to the conclusion that solving the problem of electrification would significantly reduce the cost of human labor and free up time for the actual social development of society, improve the qualitative characteristics of human labor (its productivity, quality of education, skill level of workers) to significantly change the way of life both in the city and in the countryside, to raise the cultural and educational level of the population. Therefore, it was assessed as a key one, and the electrification program was defined as the leading link in the plan.

The identification of a fundamental, key problem in the process of diagnosing, respectively, requires the concentration of resources for its solution. At the same time, there is a need for a distribution of resources that would ensure, although perhaps at a slower pace, the solution of other problems associated with the key one.

Raising the question of the priority and complexity of solving a particular problem, it is necessary to correlate the costs and losses that society may incur if social problems are not resolved on time. Most a prime example when society suffers great losses, is juvenile delinquency. Today, the state spends huge amounts of money on the maintenance of various types of correctional institutions for adolescents (colonies, special schools, etc.) and disproportionately little on the prevention of offenses, the creation of various teenage clubs, circles, etc.

As methods of diagnostics, one can use well-known and positively proven methods, such as observation (visual, statistical, sociological); building a problem tree; ranking problems according to the degree of relevance and significance; applied sociological research problematic situation, including the analysis of social statistics, economic parameters, materials of empirical surveys (questionnaires, interviews, etc.). Methods of forecasting, programming and planning can be used to diagnose social problems. Such, for example, as the Delphi method and program-target. Diagnosing problems, you can use the method of social samples, analogies, comparisons, historical parallels.

Directly or indirectly affecting the state of the community, as well as requiring collective efforts to solve them, it is customary to call social. In any state, regardless of how developed and progressive it is, such problems exist. Naturally, depending on the population or state policy, the list of these issues is not the same for different countries.

Many believe that a social problem is one of the issues related to the situation of poor citizens or certain categories population. However, this is too limited understanding of the issue. have a wider range and may concern not only a single state, but also the world community as a whole.

Types of social problems

Social problems can be classified according to different features. It is possible to single out economic, demographic, food, etc. Some of them are of global importance, others occur only in some countries. Problems can be divided into the following groups:

• Problems that arise in the process of human impact on nature. These include pollution of the world's oceans, depletion, environmental disasters, etc.
• Problems, the appearance of which is associated with the system of social organization (in other words, with the interaction of a person with society). These are issues such as health care, the economy, class inequality, unemployment and many others.
• intersocial problems. Problems that arise between states or ethnic groups united by common interests or ideas. This category includes the problem of local military conflicts and the economy of underdeveloped countries.

Speaking of which, of course, they include:

• Demographic. Associated with the rapid increase in the world's population.
• Food. The problem associated with the need to provide food for an ever-increasing population.
• Energy. Associated with the solution of the issue of providing people with energy and fuel at the current time and for the foreseeable future.
• Ecological. It combines the problems of pollution of the oceans and the atmosphere, disposal and processing of solid waste.

The solution of the above issues requires the joint efforts of all states and communities.

State problems in the social sphere

In addition to participating in solving problems on a planetary scale, the government of any state must also solve internal social problems, which each country has its own. The main social problems in Russia:

• Poverty of the bulk of the population and social inequality.
• Alcoholization and the spread of drug addictions of various types.
• Unemployment.
• The problem of population growth.
• The problem of corruption of the authorities and officials.

Certainly, full list The problems that exist in our state are much broader. Their solution requires constant support and funding both at the federal and regional levels.

For the implementation of the country's population, various social institutions have been formed. The activities of these organizations are aimed at providing various services to the population. Among them:

• Medical service citizens. Polyclinic services, inpatient treatment, prevention and rehabilitation.
• Compulsory free education.
• Social support. It is a set of measures aimed at supporting certain categories of the population: the provision of various benefits, subsidies, subsidies and benefits, physical workers.