LibGuides: Sociology: Social Problems

Browse the Print Collection

Browse the library shelves around the call numbers that relate to your topic to find additional materials. Here are some suggested areas to browse:

HN1-995 Social history and conditions. Social problems.

Search the Lakeland Catalog

Use a Keyword or Subject search to find books about a certain topic. Some relevant terms include:

Social problems
Crime
Equality
Poverty
Racism
Social action

Featured Books on Social Problems

Social Problems: Readings by Ira Silver
Call Number: HN28 .S618
The reader features multiple readings on the following topics: crime, disaster, drugs, families, gender, health and environment, inequality, race, and violence.
Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Social Issues by Kurt Finsterbusch
Call Number: HN59.2 .F56 2019
The Taking Sides Collection on McGraw-Hill Create® includes current controversial issues in a debate-style forma designed to stimulate student interest and develop critical thinking skills.
What Is Humanity's Greatest Challenge? by Roman Espejo (Editor)
Call Number: HN18.3 .W465
Humanity faces grave challenges in this century such as nuclear proliferation, global hunger, overpopulation, the finite supply of oil, and global warming, just to name a few. This anthology thoroughly analyzes these subjects by presenting contrasting perspectives.
Whose America? : culture wars in the public schools by Jonathan Zimmerman
Call Number: LC191.4 .Z56 2022
ISBN: 9780226820392
Publication Date: 2022
Examines the history of the culture wars in the classroom—and on what our inability to find common ground might mean for our future. Provides insight into how social conflicts in public education aide in the shaping of our national identity.

Book Series on Social Problems

The Lakeland Library collection includes several book series that provide information and viewpoints on social problems. Contact a Reference Librarian for help in locating the series.

At Issue
Contemporary World Issues
Current Controversies
Information Series on Current Topics
Opposing Viewpoints
Taking Sides

Social Problems

Here are some (but by no means all) of the social issues covered within the resources listed on this page:

Poverty
Racial and Ethnic Inequality
Gender Inequality
Sexual Orientation and Inequality
Aging and Ageism
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Crime and Criminal Justice
Sexual Behavior
The Changing Family
Schools and Education
Work and the Economy
Health and Health Care
Urban and Rural Problems
Population and the Environment
War and Terrorism

Search Article Databases

Points of View Reference Source
Designed to assist researchers in understanding the full scope of controversial subjects. Students can use the database as a guide to debating, developing arguments, writing position papers, and developing critical thinking skills.
CQ Researcher
Reports written by experienced journalists, footnoted and professionally fact-checked. Full-length articles include an overview, historical background, chronology, pro/con feature, plus resources for additional research. Graphics, photos and short "sidebar" features round out the reports. Shorter "Hot Topics" articles provide a solid introduction to subjects most in demand by students.
Academic Search Complete
Index, abstracts, and full text for many scholarly publications covering all academic areas of study.
SocINDEX with Full-Text
Index, abstracts, and full text for articles and other publications in sociology.
Sociological Collection
Database covering information in all areas of sociology, including social behavior, human tendencies, interaction, relationships, community development, culture and social structure.

Search Full-Text Periodicals

Social Problems
Published by the Society for the Study of Social Problems to promote research on, and serious examination of, problems of social life.
Journal of Social Issues
Articles for the professional psychologist and allied social scientists concerned with research on the psychological aspects of important social issues.
Social Issues & Policy Review
Provides timely theoretical and empirical reviews of topics and research that directly relate to understanding and addressing social issues and public policy.

Suggested Web Resources

Social Problems (University of Minnesota)
A free online textbook from the University of Minnesota Libraries, "Social Problems: Continuity and Change" is a realistic but motivating look at the many issues that are facing our society today.
Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch investigates and reports on abuses happening in all corners of the world.
Amnesty International (What We Do)
Through detailed research and determined campaigning, Amnesty International helps fight abuses of human rights worldwide. Here is an overview of many of the issues they fight for.
Pew Research Center
Nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research.