Social Problems: A Critical Power-Conflict Perspective

by Joe R. Feagin

For freshman - sophomore level courses in Social Problems taught from the conflict perspective. This book’s major contribution is that it develops the critical power–conflict perspective as a necessary first step to making sense of the many crucial problems facing United States society. The book provides a well-organized application of the critical power-conflict perspective to the analysis of the roots of major societal troubles found in the patterns of class, racial, and gender stratification and subordination. This textbook shows just how closely interconnected these problems are to the historically defined patterns of classism, racism, and sexism in United States society.

552 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Joe R. Feagin is a U.S. sociologist and social theorist who has conducted extensive research on racial and gender issues, especially in regard to the United States. He is currently the Ella C. McFadden and Distinguished Professor at Texas A&M University. Feagin has taught at the University of Massachusetts (Boston), University of California (Riverside), University of Texas (Austin), University of Florida, and Texas A&M University.

Feagin has done much research work on race and ethnic relations and has served as the scholar in residence at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. He has written over 60 books, one of which (Ghetto Revolts) was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. He is the 2006 recipient of a Harvard Alumni Association achievement award and was the 1999-2000 president of the American Sociological Association.

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting look at America's social issues, however, the data is very out-of-date. I quit reading after a few chapters because the information was too old; however, I plan on looking for another similar book because the general ideas in the book are interesting.

[Jordan Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dated at this point and very dry writing. However, it's a good analysis of America through a power-conflict lens, clearly arguing that those with power write the rules by which the rest of us all must play.