Systems of Stratification

Deviance, in a sociological context, describes actions or behaviors that violate social norms, including formally-enacted rules as well as informal violations of social norms. It is the purview of sociologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and criminologists to study how these norms are created, how they change over time and how they are enforced.

Social structure is a term used in the social sciences to refer to patterned social arrangements in society that are both emergent from and determinant of the actions of the individuals.

Individuals can also help solve social problems. An individual's skills in such activities as farming and medicine can be used to inform people and to help find solutions to global issues. Donating money and volunteering time can make a real difference. Even simple daily opportunities, such as putting a can in a recycling bin or turning off unnecessary lights, are helpful to the world as a whole. VIDEO OBJECTIVES - Describe how people can use their skills to deal with global problems - Explore examples of people who have made a difference in the world - List several small actions that can help solve global problems

Social change refers to an alteration in the social order of a society. Social change comes in the form of values, beliefs, technology and population and many times is met with resistance.

The increased life span of the average American and technical advances in medicine have both contributed to the rising cost of healthcare in the United States. Many Americans receive health coverage through their jobs, and the federal government supplements insurance coverage for the poor and for senior citizens. Although several reforms have been suggested and implemented, the strain of the high cost of health care is still proving to be a challenge for the federal government and every American citizen. VIDEO OBJECTIVES - Explain why rising health care costs are a concern for all Americans - Explore the public policy issues behind the health care debate - Describe ways that individuals are helping to improve health care in their communities