Social Problems: A Down-to-Earth Approach

This theoretically balanced text provides the latest research findings and a consistent structure to help students analyze major social problems facing the United States.  The authors present both sides of an argument with a neutral voice and use a "down-to-earth" writing style.

When students complete this text, not only do they gain a sociological understanding of social problems, but also they are able to explore–and evaluate–their own opinions about specific social problems. They will gain a greater awareness of the social forces that shape their orientations to social problems and their perspectives on social life. The ideas in this book, then, can penetrate students’ thinking and give shape to their views of the world.

James M. Henslin, who was born in Minnesota, graduated from high school and junior college in California and from college in Indiana. Awarded scholarships, he earned his Master’s and doctorate degrees in sociology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. After this, he was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from the National Institute of Mental Health, and spent a year studying how people adjust to the suicide of a family member. His primary interests in sociology are the sociology of everyday life, deviance, and international relations. Among his numerous books are Sociology: A-Down-to-Earth Approach (Allyn & Bacon, available in three versions); Social Problems (Allyn & Bacon); and Down-to-Earth Sociology: Introductory Readings (Free Press). He has also published widely in sociology journals, including Social Problems and American Journal of Sociology.

While a graduate student, Jim Henslin taught at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. After completing his doctorate, he joined the faculty at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, where he is Professor Emeritus of Sociology. His two favorite activities are writing and traveling. He especially enjoys visiting and living in other cultures, for this brings him face to face with behaviors and ways of thinking that he cannot take for granted, experiences that “make sociological principles come alive.”

Lori Ann Fowler is a tenured, Full Professor of Sociology at Tarrant County College. She received her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of North Texas in 2008, and an MA and BA in Sociology from California State University, Fullerton. In addition to TCC, Dr. Fowler has taught at Texas Christian University and the University of Texas at Arlington. Lori began teaching Sociology courses in the fall of 1995. She has published numerous academic works, and has served more than 500 volunteer service hours among numerous non-profit organizations: the Alliance for Children, the Samaritan House, the Union Gospel Mission, Open Arms, the Battered Women’s Shelter, the Northeast Emergency Distribution Center, Women for Women, Christmas Providers, and the American Red Cross.

Lori has been very active in administration and leadership development as a member of the Consortium Leadership and Renewal Academy, the Service Learning Inter-Institute Collaborative, the Leadership Institute and the Speakers Bureau. She is a member of the American Sociological Association, the Pacific Sociological Association, the Alliance Education and Consulting Institute, TCCTA, Phi Theta Kappa, and North Texas Exes.  Her research areas include cosmetic surgery and homelessness. She has been nominated a Piper Professor three times, received the NISOD Excellence Award, received Outstanding Teacher of the Year, won Best Lecturer, and has been nominated Who’s Who among America’s Teachers eight years in a row.