Identifying Social Problems The definition of a social problem varies greatly depending on whether an objectivist or constructionist approach is adopted. This is because sociologists who adopt these unique perspectives will differ in how they view the nature of a social problem. The objectivist definition of a social problem is perhaps more common sense because it "suggests that the essence of social problems lies in objective social conditions and that some conditions are problems." [1] This definition focuses on evaluating conditions in society to decide whether they are harmful to individuals or society, and then defining them as social problems. If a condition does not meet a given harm criterion, then it would not be considered a social problem. While this process of defining social problems in terms of objective conditions may seem adequate, further analysis reveals serious flaws. First of all, it "minimizes or even ignores the subjective nature of social problems." [2] This becomes evident when taking into account that not all harmful conditions are considered social problems, such as the nutritional concerns of a high-fat diet. Another flaw in viewing social problems as the result of objective conditions of harm is that "the objective conditions that people define as social problems have relatively little in common." [3] A list of social problems will have a wide variety of topics with no common theme, nor common causes and effects. It may seem that social problems are inevitably subjective and that a more valid definition can be found in the constructionist perspective. The constructionist perspective of social problems focused... at the center of the paper... abuse could simply be a symptom of a larger problem such as family breakdown, and focus its intervention here instead. Whatever conclusion is suggested, it is always based on statements of reasons and is justified through the use of warrants. Bibliography: [1] Best regards, Joel. Problem images that characterize contemporary social problems. 2nd edition. Aldine de Gruyter, New York. 1995, 3.[2] Migliore, 1995, 4.[3] Best, 1995, 5.[4] Best, 1995, 6.[5] Best, 1995, 6.[6] Best, 1995, 8.[7] Migliore, 1995, 342.[8] Migliore, 1995, 345.[9] Sgroi, Suzanne M. Clinical intervention manual on childhood sexual abuse. Lexington Books, Toronto, 1982. 9.[10] Kendall, Diana et al. Sociology in our times. ITP Nelson and Co. Toronto, 1997. 126.[11] Better, Joel. Rhetoric in reports of missing children. 1990, 31.