Students select a broad cross section of social problems for study and discussion.
It focuses on the causes of the differential treatment, the problems created for these groups and the community, and suggests some solutions that practicing social workers and human service professionals will find useful in dealing with these groups. The concepts of culture and cross-cultural comparison are utilized to understand the various ways of life humans have created throughout history. Theories of the development of social classes are offered as a basis for class discussions. Alternative social class systems are examined along with the American system. The course concentrates on power relationships, ownership of assets, and the impact of class membership on values, beliefs, attitudes, life styles and life chances.