1. Social values cause social problems
. Social values in social problems, in the first place, social values “cause” social problems, in the sense that the problem
would not exist without the defining agency of the value. Crime would not exist in a formal sense without the values of person and property and without the legal
patterns that specify and clarify these values. Sexual promiscuity would not be a social problem if it were not for the Christian value the sexual relationships should
be confined to marriage. Divorce would not be a social problem if marriage were not ideally defined as indissoluble. Other elements, such as the belief in purposive
social action, are necessary in addition to social values before the behavior is finally adjudged a social problem. But the value judgment is the sine qua non of
the problem would not exist. We have seen how institutions incorporate one or more social values as their
basic reason for existence. The functioning of these institutions, however, sets in motion social forces that threaten other social values, and thereby causes still
other social problems. One of the most sacred and powerful social values in contemporary society is the complete and uncritical love of country. This value is
incorporated into the framework of the national state and the individual is taught to identify himself so completely therewith that he will give his life in its support.
At the same time, conflicts between sovereign states threaten the values of both and often lead to war. In the defense of one set of values, modern man thus
mobilizes forces that many lead to war and the destruction of many other values, such as human life. War is admittedly one of the basic social problems of our
Denny Thiorida. S. : The Social Problems In Stephen Crane’s Maggie: A Girl Of The Streets
, 2009 USU Repository © 2008
time. The institutionalization of one value nationalism has thus produced a threat to a whole chain of other values, as modern war sets in motion or intensifies many
of the most pressing problems of our society.
2. Social values may conflict
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