The 24 articles in this brief reader show how the collective actions of ordinary people can solve social problems and reform social institutions. The authors examine progressive social movements that have sought to redress social problems such as barriers to class, race and gender equality, democratic practices, economic advancement, and social justice. The format of this book is that each chapter introduces the topic, followed by selected readings that describe particular movements generally, their leadership, or other manifestations of a successful movement.
Solutions to Social Problems from the Bottom Up: Successful Social Movements
D. Stanley Eitzen
Kenneth Stewart
ISBN: 0-205-46884-5
Composed of 25 readings, this brief reader focuses on how solutions to social problems have emerged from people who have joined together. The authors examine progressive social movements that have sought to redress social problems such as barriers to class, race, and gender equality; democratic practices; economic advancement; and social justice.
The text is divided into six chapters:
- Chapter 1 incorporates articles on the importance of social movements.
- Chapter 2 looks at social movements that have promoted race, class, and gender equality.
- Chapter 3 examines those movements that enhanced democracy and equal access to power.
- Chapter 4 focuses on movements that pressed for corporate social responsibility.
- Chapter 5 describes a new generation of social movements seeking to advance social justice in today’s globalized world.
- Chapter 6 discusses the importance of citizen activism for the benefit of the common good.