This book's logical organization—essential concepts, troubled institutions, inequality, deviance, and global problems—in a concise, paperback format, helps readers gain a coherent understanding of social problems.There are strongly worded debates in each chapter on controversial problems related to the family, the political economy, education, the poor, ethnic minorities, health and illness, drug use, and crime. "Personal Perspectives" boxes give first person accounts of experiences such as single motherhood and "Signs of Hope" boxes show progress and solutions to problems.For those interested in a comprehensive look at—and a global perspective of—the social problems of America and other countries, as well as their causes and attempted solutions.