LECTURE TEN

SOCIAL PROBLEMS AND EDUCATION.

DEFINITION
Social problems are societal induced conditions that harms any segment of the population or acts and conditions
that violate the norms and values found in society. They are issues on behavior and relationships arising in human
societies proposed for solution Social problems are the opinion in a society, which expresses need for public
policies and requirement for social control

CHARACTERISTICS OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS

• social causation - they originate from the society
• Evaluation as a problem - It must have been observed and defined as a problem
• Citizen concern - there are a number of people in the society who express their concern about the issue
• Need for Specific Action - there are calls that something need to be done
• Affecting non-sufferers

THE HIERARCHY OF AWARENESS OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS

It is defined at three levels.

• Statistical level
 Data of victims is given but nothing is done
 Sufferers may share with each other
• Coordination level
 Victims share the problem with non-sufferers
 Many people express concern

• Communal level
 Most people agree there is need for action
 Non sufferers agitate for action
 Policy makers may formulate
 Government may pass laws
WAYS OF DEFINING A SOCIAL PROBLEM
Definition of a social problem involves moral evaluation of why the problem exists and who is responsible for the
problem. Social Problem can be defined in six broad terms, Thus;-
Social problem as a tragedy -when there is a conflict between an individual and superior or uncontrollable force
leading to calamity
• Eg. Suicide, Mental illness, Alcoholism.
• A tragedy evokes feelings of pity, strong sympathy or empathy for the sufferer.

Social problem as injustice-

Any form of unequal treatment of member of a community eg, discrimination of any form
• Sexism, racism, tribalism, poverty,
• when rich criminals get away with crime vs petty criminals
• Prejudiced beliefs against women as less important than women, or blacks vs whites

Social problem as a threat

• The threat would be to physical life, sustenance, shelter or any other fundamental right to life or happiness

• Eg overpopulation can jeopardize health of a people by malnutrition

• Illiteracy can be a threat to health by HIV/AIDS
• Overpopulation can be a threat to quality of life by misuse or abuse or exploitation of diminishing natural
resources

Social Problem as an abomination

• This is definition of something as hideous, intrinsically evil and thoroughly offensive.

• The response is overwhelming repulsion, a desire to wipe out or destroy the abominable.
• Examples are the reaction to brutality of rape, exploitation of minors in ‘child porn’ etc.
• Abomination brings out personalized punitive response
• Suicidal terror attacks makes people want to get hold of the killers, though dead

• Mass murders in Rwanda made people want to kill the perpetrators

• Mob justice is a response to an abomination

Social Problem as an arrogant presumptuous intervention

• Pressure for ‘equal rights’ may be perceived as ‘interference’ with natural ‘divinely determined’
differences between male and female
• Some people view attempts to provide family planning devices as arrogant presumptuous intervention in
the lives of men and women
Social problem as a defect of civilization
• An example is the setting up of bureaucracy that turns individuals into mechanical things that produce
goods.
• Medical advances that are used to enhance abortion of unwanted gender
• Technological advancement in scanning leads to mass killings from a safe distance

TYPES OF ACTION CONCERNING SOCIAL PROBLEMS

Intention of actions or intervention concerning a social problem is to resolve, reduce or mitigate the suffering or
eliminate the entire problem. Five main actions may be taken to deal with a social problem. Thus ;-

Social Control
• Control may lessen or eliminate the problem e.g. Courts apply ‘control’ to ‘deter’ crime by punishing the
criminals
• Social control may be informal such as forming ‘vigilante’ groups to patrol and discourage muggers

Reformist Action
This kind of method works within the established social, economic and political systems such as the Western
Countries.
• Radical action to combat social problems assumes that it is impossible to solve the problem without
changing the existing institutions Eg radical reforms of judicially was aimed at enabling the elimination of
corruption in the judicially
• Electoral reforms aims at fighting the social problem of ‘unfair distribution of resources’
• ‘Irreducible minimums’

Treatment of the problem

This is a case where the society may form some infrastructure to treat the problem e.g.

 vaccinate,
 Building rehabilitation centers etc. to treat those affected.

Symbolic Action
• Ceremonial actions enables a large number of individuals to display their sentiments and their evaluation of
the social problem simultaneously. .Eg parents parquetting outside a video hall
• Women walking against brew licences to protest the social problem of alcoholism
• Women demonstrating against miraa trade to fight the social problem of ‘impotence’ and ‘violence’.
• Demonstration against legislators to fight the social problem of domestic violence
• Symbolic action is effective in raising the level of awareness of a social problem to communal level
• Demonstration against media to fight the social problem of ‘the blue whale’ causing social problem of
students’ suicide
 Inaction
• Inaction may be due to self - fulfilling prophecy or vicious cycle.
• No action may be based on cost-benefit analysis, either being too risky or high potential for backfiring.
No action may be as a result of self-fulfilling prophecy of blacks being less intelligent-hence social
problem of discrimination in work place
• The blacks will work less cos they are paid less, so the prophecy is confirmed.
• Labeling of students as criminals.

CONSEQUENCES OF ACTION TAKEN CONCERNING SOCIAL PROBLEMS

Though action taken aims at resolving a social problem, Consequences are unanticipated and may include the
following;-
• Solution to the problem-i.e. the problem can be eliminated
• Confinement of the Problem, such as, it could be kept to limits that are acceptable

• Shift of focus e.g., change from focus on cure to prevention; Social problem of cancer change from
screening for treatment to education on healthy eating; Change from prosecuting alcohol brewers to
offering alternative jobs; Change from jailing drug addicts to providing safe homes
• Organization maintenance-A social problem may become chronic if there are pressures to maintain the
social problem. Organizations may be formed to assist the sufferers as mental health hospitals for drug
addicts and organization of rehabilitation centers for alcoholics etc.
• Shift of goals- Action taken may reveal a broad connection of a social problem to other problems. Eg. The
social problem of cholera epidemic led to a shift in upgrading of housing in slum areas instead of
treatment.
• Problem intensifies-This happens where the culprits creating a social problem develop other methods to
continue with a vice- e.g. the Mututho laws against consumption of alcohol may have intensified the
problem –where they invented the take away arrangements
• New problem created. The availability of free choice of an individual over abortion may create another
problem of under population. Likewise, Law allowing freedom of choice on sexual orientation may create
another problem of family structure.
It is important therefore that we discuss in more detail’s individual cases of social problem to see how they fit as
social problems. Thus;-

ALCOHOLISM AS A SOCIAL PROBLEM

DEFINITION
Alcohol is a fermented sugar-based solution intended to stimulate the drinker for the purposes of relaxation.
Alcoholism is a disease where an individual becomes addicted and loses control over alcohol intake

CAUSES OF ALCOHOLISM
1, Biological-genetic predisposition or hereditary defect where an individual would become an addict on taking
alcohol where another individual takes without the same results.
2. Accessibility and affordability
3. Mental disorder such as depression, Bipolar, Anxiety. The underlying mental deficit triggers yearning for
alcohol
4. Psychological disorder due to trauma-eg sexual abuse, rape, loss of a loved one
5. Social environment, such as living in places with a lot of alcohol or morally permissive community
6. Poverty where some drink to forget their problems and responsibilities
7. Poor judgement in choice of company-peer pressure at any age.
8. Age or stage of development-the earlier that alcohol use begins, the higher the chances in progressing to
alcoholism
9. Poor parenting e.g. absentee fathers/mothers

CONSEQUENCES OF ALCOHOLISM
• Reduction of life expectancy-10-12 years
• Poor performance at work/school
• Loss of employment/school dropout

• Lowered resistance to infection

• Brain disorders like hallucinations
• Liver cirrhosis for chronic alcoholism
• Degenerative disease of the nervous system(polyneuropathy)

• Hangover
• Numerous forms of brain damage
• Acute hepatitis

• High rates of accidents and deaths

• Diet deficiency

TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM
• In patient programs, such as rehabilitation centers
• Psychological therapy through counselling

• Organized self-help groups

 • Alcoholic Anonymous meetings (AA)
• The use of abstinence maintaining drugs such as anti-abuse

• Injections of vitamins or hormones

• Aversion therapy based on behavior modification

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOLISM ON EDUCATION

• School dropout for children of alcoholic parent/s
• Poor performance by children from alcoholic families

• Trauma and low self-esteem from children of alcoholic families

• Possible alcohol abuse by pupils from alcoholic families
• General indiscipline in schools due to poor role models
• Chronic poverty cycle among such families

• Loss of trained personnel by alcoholic teachers from alcohol related diseases or loss of jobs.
• Loss of potential talent useful to the society’s development

THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN REDUCING/ELIMINATING ALCOHOLISM

Education has the manifest function of transmitting knowledge, skills and values for the development of the
society. Therefore;
• Train teachers in teacher training institutions on issues of alcohol use and misuse
• The curriculum should include subjects that transmit knowledge about alcohol

• Guidance and counselling personnel to be trained on re-socializing learners from alcoholic families
• Psychological programs to assist traumatized learners
• Creation of awareness of biological predisposition so learners can avoid alcohol
• Programs to assist children who drop out due to parents’ problem in order to fight poverty.

• Laws banning alcohol sellers near schools should be implemented

• Age limit for alcohol users be enhanced
• Studies on social causes of alcoholism be encouraged
 DRUG ABUSE AS A SOCIAL PROBLEM
The history of the human race has also been a history of drug use. Since earliest times, herbs, roots, bark, leaves
and plants have been used to relieve pain and help control disease. In and of itself, the use of drugs does not
constitute evil; drugs properly administered have a medical component. Unfortunately, certain drugs also initially
produce side effects, such as euphoria, a sense of feeling good, elation, serenity and power. However, what began
as the use of drugs for relaxation evolved in time into a problem of dependence and abuse.

Meaning and concept of drugs, drug use, and drug-abuse

A drug is any chemical substance that, when taken into the body, can affect one or more of the
body’s functions. These include substances that are useful or harmful to the body.
Drugs can be divided into three simple types; positive, negative and hard drugs.
Positive drugs are those accepted by society. They can be bought easily from shops, chemists,
herbalist, hospitals or any other community based health centre. They are used to cure ailments.
Negative drugs are drugs taken for pleasure or for making someone feel ‘high’. Some of these
drugs are socially accepted but their effect on the user is a slow drive to permanent addiction.
Examples of some these drugs are; alcohol, Tobacco, Khat (miraa) and glue.
Hard drugs are chemically made to stimulate the user, one becomes ‘hooked’ to the habit, and
soon he/she begins to show dependence on the drugs. These drugs include Bhang, opium, heroin,
mandrax and cocaine.

Drug abuse refers to the use of drugs for purposes other than therapeutic ones. In therapeutic use,
drugs have intended effects aimed at relieving certain symptoms while the subject abusing drugs
takes them to experience some effects associated with them. This may lead to dependence where
the subject takes the drug on a continuously basis in order to experience the psychic effect or to
avoid the discomfort of not taking the drug. Not only do unpleasant physical symptoms occur
when the drug is withdrawn, but the body habituates itself to the drug’s effect and larger and larger
doses are required. Psychologically, the addict is unable to face life and its problems without the
drugs.
The addict has a chronic physical and psychological compulsion or craving to take the drugs in
order to avoid unpleasant physical and psychological effects resulting from withdrawal from the
drugs. Therefore, a drug is abused when its use causes harm to personal health, to others and to
the society.

TYPES OF DRUGS.
There are various types of drugs some of which are useful for health purposes, others for social purposes and others
for medical reasons but with proper prescriptions according to the health problem being treated or managed. The
following are examples of some of these drugs.
 a) Alcohol (ethanol);
This is a sedative hypnotic drug obtained by fermenting of carbohydrates using yeast. The active
form of alcohol is ethyl alcohol or ethanol. Alcohol includes busaa, muratina, mnazi, beer, wine
and whisky. Alcohol is a depressant, a drug that slows down the body’s functioning.

Cannabis sativa (Bhang)

This is the scientific name for marijuana (bhang). These are relaxant drugs. The active ingredient
is called Tetro HydroCarinabinal (THC). It is used through smoking or ingested in drinks or foods
by some users

b) Amphetamines:
This is a group of behavioral stimulants that temporarily increase energy and mental alertness.
Khat (Miraa) is an example.
 c) Analgesics
These drugs relieve pain without the loss of consciousness. Such drugs include aspirin
and paracetamols.

d) Anesthetics
These drugs cause loss of sensation of feeling especially pain. They
affect the nervous system. General anaesthetics produce a sound
sleep and are used for surgical procedures. Local anaesthetics are
drugs that deaden a specific area of the body for medical procedures
such as dental extraction. Xylocaine is an example of such a drug.

e) Anti-depressant:
These are medicines used to treat patients with depressive psychological illness.

f) Anti-psychotic:
This drug produces an effect of emotional quietness and relative indifference to
one’s surroundings. These drugs are also major tranquillizers.

g) Barbiturates:
These sedative hypnotic drugs decrease the activity of the central nervous
system and depress respiration, affect the heart rate and decrease blood pressure
and temperature. They are normally used to manage mental health conditions
but may be abused for wrong purposes.

h) Caffeine
This is one of the bitter crystalline alkaloids found in coffee (Cola drinks and
chocolate). It acts as a central nervous system stimulant and mild diuretic.

i) Cocaine
It is a white, crystalline, alkaloid, which acts as a local aesthetic. It is a
dangerous, illegal stimulant. It causes increased heartbeat as well as a rise in
blood pressure. In high doses, it can cause paranoid, thought disturbances and
tachycardia. Crack or crack cocaine is the free base stable form of cocaine. It
produces a ‘high’ much more intense and rapid effect than that of normal
cocaine.

j) Codeine:
This is a sedative and pain-relieving agent found in opium and commonly used
in cough syrups and analgesics. It is abused by those who want to feel okay in
idle living
.
k) Ecstasy:
It is a designer drug that gives users a great sense of well-being affection for all
those around them, increased energy and sometimes hallucinations. Its adverse
effects can make users feel ill or experience a sense of loss of control,
dehydration and long-time memory and weight loss.
 l) Hallucinogens or Psychedelics
These substances produce profound alterations in perception. Users may see,
hear and feel things that are not there and may exhibit psychotic behavior. These
drugs include Lysergic Diethyllamide (LSD) and Mescaline

m) Hashish
A drug made by faking the resin from the stalk, leaves and flowers of the
marijuana plant and pressing it into cakes.

n) Heroin
A semi-synthetic derivative produced by the chemical modification of
morphine. It is highly addictive and potent than morphine. It exists in white or
brown powder form.
o) Khat (Miraa)
This is an evergreen plant tree botanically called catha edulis. The parts used as
drugs are the leaves and the fresh fender shoots that are plucked and then chewed
by the users. The parts contain two known chemicals referred to as cathinone
and cathine whose pharmacological properties are similar to those found in
amphetamines.

p) LSD-Lysergic Diethyl amide

This is a drug manufactured from lysergic acid, which is found in ergot, a fungus
that grows on rye and other grains. It is one of the most potent mind-changing
chemicals and is mostly ingested by placing a small square paper containing the
drug on the tongue.

q) Morphine
This is a derivative of opium, which has a depressing effect on the central
nervous system, particularly respiration. Morphine is the major sedative and
pain-relieving drug found in opium.

r) Narcotic;
Medically this is a drug that produces sleep or stupor and relieves pain. Legally,
a narcotic is any drug regulated under the Dangerous Drugs Act and should only
be obtained with a doctor’s prescription

s) Opiate:
It is a drug that is derived from the opium poppy. Morphine, codeine or heroine
are in this category. Opiates induce sleep, relieve pain and are strongly addictive.
Heroine is the most abused opiate. It produces a euphoric dream state. The user
becomes desperate to avoid withdrawal syndrome and may engage in aggressive
and risk-taking behavior.
 t) Opium:
It is an opiate derivative obtained from the juice of opium poppy. It takes the
form of dark brown chunks or of a powder, which is usually smoked or eaten.
The law strictly regulates its use and sale.

u) Robypnol:
‘Club drug’ is a tranquillizer that helps to relieve anxiety and helps in sleep. It
is prescribed for insomnia. It is popular in clubs and parties for giving a drunken
–like high. Rapists, who spike the drinks of victims, use it.

FACTORS INFLUENCING DRUG USE IN SCHOOLS

a) Modern day rite of passage

Many adolescents get into drug use as a way of signifying to themselves,
peers and grownups that they are mature and can fit in any social group.
Adolescents who use alcohol but avoid other drugs tend to have more
self-confidence and feel less lonely than their peers who use ‘hard’ drugs.
Students may use alcohol and cigarettes as a way of hiding their true self.

a) Media
Alcohol and cigarette commercials are an integral part of
primetime television advertisements. They are advertised with tempting
and appealing languages. Given the fact that most youths spent time
watching televisions, it is inevitable that attitudes towards drinking and
smoking are reinforced. Drug abuse is rampant among the youth because
some copy role models such as musicians from the west who are
successful, although they are known drug users.

b) Peer Influence
Most youths influence others through social relationship centred on
friendship and peer groups rather than families. The need to conform to
their groups results in some indulging in actions such as drug taking to
please other youths. A group of students who smoke may influence their
peers to become partakers of drugs (Plant and Plant 1995). A student may
smoke as a means of approval or entry into a certain group.

c) Ignorance
Most youths are ignorant about the side effects of drugs. Deceptions
coupled by their ignorance are powerful weapons used to lure them into
drug taking. Uncontrolled indulgence in the so-called fun and pleasure,
are turned into pathways to share drugs. Many youths are poorly
equipped on the long time effects of various drugs. They venture into
drug use mainly for experimental purposes but later they became
addicted.
 Some parents are ignorant and passive, never imaging that their children
could abuse drugs. This assumption may prevent such parents from
discussing the danger of the vice with their children.

d) Breakdown of family unit

A breakdown of the family values and structure because parents have lost
control over their children who have freedom to experiment on alcohol
and drugs. Youths have to cope with more distressing conditions than
their counterparts a few generations ago. Without the benefit of
experience, unstable families and stressing conditions, many turn to
drugs for solace. These affects poor and affluent families.

e) Easy accessibility to drugs

Drug peddlers target schoolchildren for a sure supply market particularly
children from rich families. Drug moguls are cleverer by the day. They produce
designer drugs whose molecular structures have been altered but whose potency
is stronger than ordinary ones. With the alteration of the molecular structure, the
merchants can elude legal specifications by claiming they are not trafficking
forbidden drugs.

The drug trade involves money, police cover ups and syndicates. Some of the
law enforcers collaborate with drug peddlers. The menace starts right from the
family level. Drug peddlers gain accessibility through school fences and video
showrooms. Bhang is widely used and abused because it is obtained cheaply.
In some regions, everybody as a norm, including women and children, takes
miraa.

f. Unemployment
Unemployment among the youth is one reason why many are indulging in drug
abuse, as they are often idle. Because of lack of jobs, the adults have resorted to
selling drugs to schoolchildren to earn a living. They do not care to whom they
sell the drugs or alcohol so long as they earn a living.

g. Laxity in school management

Some school administrators do not seem to care or have administrative skills of
curbing drug abuse as a result, some of their students indulge in the vice. Some
teachers, parents and members of the community smoke openly in front of
students. This behaviour is likely to change the perception of students towards
smoking. Some may be tempted to emulate.

h. Labelling
Drug abuse can occur as a result of labelling. If a student is always referred to
as a trouble maker, ignorant, antisocial etc by teachers and fellow students, the
label is given a major status and it affects the individuals self-concept (self-
image), making the pupil prone to deviant behavior as a component of their
personality.
 I. Hostile Environment
There is too much violence, hostility, fear and uncertainty in the world we are
living in today. This has resulted in anxiety and depression among many people.
Drug taking is seen as an escape from all these as it helps reduce anxiety and
tension thus creating courage and determination. Some young people use drugs
to cool down certain pressures such as anger, stress, anxiety, fear, boredom and
depression. Young people who are vulnerable and insecure may use drugs to
boost their self-esteem and to escape from reality.

SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ABUSERS IN SCHOOLS

a) Company
When the student suddenly gets new friends, is secretive about the friends and
spends a great deal of time with these unknown persons yet is very sensitive and
almost abusive when asked about the friends.
b) Physical appearance
When the student appears drowsy and disoriented, with a cold clammy skin.
Other symptoms include excess sweating, running nose and watery eyes. The
student may have widely dilated pupils and will often wear dark glasses to
protect eyes from light and long sleeved shirts to hide injection marks. The
student may have traces of white powder around the nostril and at times scars
on the inner arm.
c) Character
The student may frequently complain of headaches and display memory loss,
such as lack of homework completion and not remembering what homework
was given. Poor concentration in class and daydreaming may be noticed. The
student may display acute irritability over minor issues, be unnecessarily
argumentative, violent yet at other times display nervousness, outbursts of
laughter and loud speech.

EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE IN SCHOOLS

a. Poor performance
Drug abuse hampers learning as those who take them lack concentration and are
always drowsy. They waste more time thinking about how to acquire the drugs
than on academics. This is a major waste on human resource.
b. Indiscipline
Most students on drugs steal from others, in order to have money for drugs.
Some are violent and bullies as they feel they always have to be defensive due
to their negative actions. Many are very untidy and often breaking school rules
such as sneaking out of the school compound. These actions result in being sent
home and missing class lessons. Many end up performing poorly in academics.
Drug abusers are likely to exhibit violent behaviour towards their fellow
students and teachers. Subsequently, such vulnerable groups spend more time
thinking about their security than studies (education). This can result in poor
performance.
 c. Dropouts
Students on drugs are more likely to drop out of school than those not on drugs
due to lack of interest in education and the need to have more money to buy the
drugs. This results in teachers and other educational facilities being
underutilized in these schools.

d. HIV/AIDS
Youths on drugs are more prone to unprotected sex and expose themselves to the risk of contracting
HIV/AIDS. Studies show that the rate of infection is usually high among the youth than other age
brackets.
e. Loss of life
There have been cases of students losing lives due to drug abusers. Cases of
students injuring or killing each other in fights after taking drugs are common.
Young drug abusers are usually more impulsive, more delinquent, more
depressed, more suicidal, less successful in school and less self-confident.

THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN ADDRESSING SOCIAL PROBLEMS OF ALCOHOL

AND DRUGS ABUSE.

Education can be used in many ways to solve or minimize the social problems of alcohol and
drug abuse. Below are relevant examples of the same, but you are encouraged to add to the list as
it is not exhaustive.

a) Job Creation
Unemployment is one of the major contributors to idleness, drug peddling and
abuse among the youth. The society and by extension the government should
erase that state of hopelessness. This could be attained through job creation.

b) Censorship of Media
The government should ensure that programmes in print and mass media do not
influence youth negatively on drug use. Police should take action on video
showrooms where drugs are sold.

c) Policies
The government should formulate policies for school heads and teachers on how
to deal with drug abuse in schools. Taxes on tobacco and its products should be
increased to make them more unaffordable and strict penalties should be given
to people selling drugs to youths.

Drug offences should not be bail able. Bars, pool centers and video shows should
be removed from residential areas. Designated places for smoking should be set
aside and it should be a crime punished by law if found violating the law.

d) Sensitization
Seminars and workshops should be held for teachers, students and parents to
sensitize them on drug abuse. Efforts should be made to minimize stress related
activities. School administrators should be in serviced on skills of detecting the
vice among students. Parents who are smokers should be sensitized to avoid
smoking in the presence of their children. Teachers should be equipped with the
skills and knowledge of identifying drug abusers and counselling them

e) Accountability
Parents should take their responsibility in childrearing seriously and ensure that
their children account for the money given. They should not abdicate their
parental roles to other agents of socialization such as peer groups, teachers and
house helps.

f) Development of Youth Talents

Public land should be repossessed and used to develop youth talents such as
sports, drama and arts. Social halls should be built where they can hold
informative seminars on ways to avoid drugs.

g) Conducive School environment

Drug abuse can be countered through making the school experience pleasurable
and rewarding. Counselling problem students rather than castigating them gives
positive results. Teachers can help the problem pupils understand their own
problems so that solutions can be arrived at. Good classroom and school
management will reduce undesirable behavior in learners. Cooperation between
schools, parents and the community will help to counter drug abuse in society.
Guidance and counselling units should be strengthened in schools.

h) Government Involvement
The government should introduce the study of drugs as a compulsory course in
schools and colleges. This would make students more aware of the dangers
associated with the vice. The government should set up national consensus
groups composed of members of the police force, teachers, the clergy,
pharmacists and consumer organizations to sensitize people on the dangers of
the vice. The body should also have the power to investigate cases of people or
businesspersons who sell drugs to the underage or students.

i) Rehabilitation
Students addicted to drugs should be rehabilitated. These centers should be
established throughout the country.