The sociological viewpoint of social problem sees it as conditions that influence the quality of life of a considerable population, or aspects that deprive the society of its cherished values. According to this view, the government of the existing authority can influence the outcome of the social problems by limiting the chances of the society to fall in these problems (Sternheimer, 2013). On the other hand, popular culture tends to have numerous definitions for social problems. Some of the views include social problems results from cultural aspects such as bullying would influence crime rate, or poverty results from poor governance. Notably, the difference between the sociological viewpoint and popular culture is that the sociological viewpoint tends to define the social problems by looking at the contribution of various factors surrounding the problem, whereas general culture has no distinct definition for the social problems.
The sociologist relies on the definition of the social problems in seeking solutions to such problems, whereas the popular culture does not apply the definition in seeking the solution of the problems (Biddle, 2001). Additionally, the popular culture tends to cite non-consistent statements about social problems whereas the sociologist tends to argue from a certain viewpoint. In seeking solutions to the problems, the sociological viewpoint tends to provide the platform for seeking solutions. Arguably, since the popular culture does not use a single definition, relying on the on popular view limits the ability of the society to address the problems. Moreover, since the popular arguments vary with the culture, they are bound to change. In conclusion, the sociological view of social problem explores all the avenues, which contributes social problems, whereas popular view depends on the common view.
References
Sternheimer, K. (2013). Connecting Social Problems and Popular Culture: Why Media is Not the Answer. New York: Westview Press.
Biddle, J. B. (2001). Social Class, Poverty, and Education: Policy and Practice. New York: Psychology Press.
