Using an eclectic and comprehensive blend of theoretical viewpoints to analyze contemporary problems, the author illustrates how social problems are socially constructed, and provides many cross-cultural examples of problems in other societies. Topics that are new or updated for the sixth edition include: An expanded discussion of the sociological imagination and its role in helping to recognize and solve problems (Ch. 2). New material comparing per capita consumption in Most and Least Developed Countries, and on worldwide efforts to decrease the number of undernourished people (Ch. 3). How the threat of terrorism affects those living and working in cities (Ch. 4), an assessment of the 1996 Welfare Reform (Ch. 6), public opinion about homosexuality, civil unions, and gay adoptions (Ch. 7), legal decisions on college affirmative action policies (Ch. 8), international terrorism (Ch. 9), the stratification of health care in the U.S., and the social costs of lack of health care (Ch. 11), “club drugs” like Ecstasy, Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine (Ch. 13).