LATENT SOCIAL PROBLEM

Talking about Latent Social Problem, the First of all, we have to know the meaning at least three words, those are the meaning of problem, social problem and latent social problem itself. Problem has meaning a situation, matter, or person that presents perplexity or difficulty, a question to be considered, solved, or answered, something that is hoped but it does not come true. Social problem is a condition that at least some people in a community view as being undesirable condition, a problem with has correlation with society. Generally, certain behavior is considered a social problem when substantial parts of the society or an influential part of the society think that such behavior is unhealthy and against the values and norms of society’s life. In furtherance, society or the relevant group concurs to change or rectify such situation.
Based on the above definition, social problems are subjective in nature and differ according to conditions, locations and times. An occurrence that was considered as a social problem at one time may not considered a problem during another time. As an example, prostitution is considered as a social problem that is taken seriously by society in Malaysia. Those caught for or involved in prostitution will be punished under the relevant rules. However, in Thailand, similar activities are considered as economic activities that spur the growth of the nation. Therefore, those involved in such activities will not be detained unlike in Malaysia. This situation is becoming a problem to the country from the aspect of providing various facilities such as housing, pension scheme, medical facilities, transportation and shelter. Without adequate preparation, the deficiencies and lack of services and facilities expected by older persons will cause various problems. Therefore, today’s society has classified issues on older persons as part of the social problems that need to be resolved.
Other than time and location, social problems are also relative to definitions. As an example, geologists see air and water pollutions as a serious social problem that need to be given appropriate attention before it is too late. For manufacturers and industrialists, the same issue is seen as a profitability issue. The more black smoke and waste material generated, the more is their profit margin. The same could be said to landlords in squatter areas. To the landlords, the environment and conditions of the house is not a problem as the monthly rental income is more important. Local Government and authorities consider the condition as a breeding place for all kinds of social problems. Without proper drainage, sanitation and clean water, it is a contributory factor to various diseases and social problems to the society.

Based on the above deliberation, there are two perceptions regarding social problems. The first is of the view that social problems is an objective issue such as murders, abuses and drugs abuse. The second perception looks at social problems as a subjective issue, this view will take into consideration location, who and when it was discussed.
On this matter, Robert Merton had classified social problems into two segments. He made distinction between manifest social problems and latent social problems. Merton defines manifest social problems as social problems that are objective in nature and society as a whole is aware and knew the danger and effects of the problem. Examples of manifest social problems are robberies, drug addiction, murders, abuses and kidnapping.
Latent social problems are social problems that are objective in nature yet society has not considered the matter as a social problem because it is not against the value, culture and the norms of the particular society. Suitable examples are illegal loggings in forest reserves, weight cheating by traders and oil spill in our water from tankers owned by the world oil giants. Despite these problems are against the values and norms of the societies involved, it is not seen as a social problem. Not all issues that cause adverse effects on the society will be labeled as social problems. There are various occurrences that are beyond the power and control of humans such as famine caused by whether conditions, floods and earthquakes. These problems are not considered social problems but as a fate from the Almighty. There are also problems caused by changes in the human bodies and personalities. Wandering mentally sick people often caused various problems in a society; however, actions are rarely taken to resolve the problem as the society feels that such behavior by a mentally-ill person is normal.
There are many kinds of the examples of latent social problem. The examples are poverty, crime, free sex, drugs and so on. What should we do to solve the problems? We should find the solution of solving the problems. To tell the truth, there are kind of solutions in solving the latent social problem, such as we must have the great more knowledge of our religion, learning our cultures more; however, the greatest solution to solve the problem is to hold COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION. Comprehensive has meaning so large in scope or content as to include much or marked by or showing extensive understanding: comprehensive knowledge. The meaning of comprehensive education is a system of education which the content of its education is larger as well as the education is held with great methods

DAFTAR PUSTAKA

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