Explain the four-stage process identified by Spector and Kituse in the identification of a social problem. Provide your own example of a social problem that has followed this four-step process.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Varies. Stage 1 "transformation process": a private trouble is transformed it into a public issue. In this stage, an influential group, activists, or advocates call attention to and define an issue as a social problem. Stage 2 "legitimization process": The manner in which social problems are handled is formalized. Stage 3 "conflict stage," when Stage 2 routines are unable to address the problem. During Stage 3, activists, advocates, and victims of the problem experience feelings of distrust and cynicism toward the formal response organizations. Stage 3 activities include readjusting the formal response system: renegotiating procedures, reforming practices, and engaging in administrative or organizational restructuring. Stage 4 begins when groups believe that they can no longer work within the established system. Advocates or activists are faced with two options: to radically change the existing system or to work outside the system. Answers to the problem may vary-the text describes how this process worked with the AIDS epidemic.