Description

Social Problems in the UK: An Introduction contextualises the most pressing social problems of our times drawing upon the disciplines of sociology, social policy, education studies and health studies. This much-needed textbook brings together a comprehensive range of expertise in the applied social sciences to discuss the social myths and moral panics that surround many popular debates. This is an accessible text that carefully guides students through the methodology of social construction and related theories to introduce key topics in the areas of:
‘Race’ and ethnicity
The future of work
Poverty and homelessness
Inequalities in education
Health, public health and mental health
Ageing and the ‘third age’
 
This completely revised and up-to-date second edition covers the most urgent social issues facing the UK today, including an analysis of the Black Lives Matter movement, the Covid-19 health crisis and the new ‘gig’ economy. The second edition maintains the accessible style and easy-to-read format of the first edition, integrated with Key Points and Further Reading elements to further aid student learning. Situated firmly in the new post-pandemic, post-Brexit world, this text contains new chapters on all the most pressing questions raised in the media and in public debates. It will help readers understand the background and broader context of the UK’s key social problems.
 
 
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Stuart Isaacs
2. Understanding and Defining Social Problems
Stuart Isaacs
3. Black Lives Matter, Decolonisation, and the Legacy of African Enslavement
William Lez Henry
4. Health, Public Health, and Health Inequalities
Jane Thomas, Salim Vohra and Sean Tunney
5. Ageing
Norman Ginsburg
6. Issues of Gender, ‘Race’ and Social Class in Education
Jessie A. Bustillos Morales and Sandra Abegglen
7. Childhood and Education
David Blundell
8. Precarious Work, the New ‘Gig Economy’ and Unemployment
Brian McDonough
9. Poverty
Stuart Isaacs
10. Researching Social Problems
Anne Foley