Module 8: Social Problems and Social Sciences

Unit 1: Understanding and Addressing Social Problems

Understanding Social Problems and the Social Issues Facing Pakistan

Introduction: A society is made up of people, institutions, and their relationships. Like any
system, it faces problems that can disturb peace and development. These are called social
problems. Every country, rich or poor, must deal with them. Pakistan, a developing country with a
rich history and culture, is facing many social problems that affect its people and progress.

What is a Social Problem?

A social problem is something that is any condition or behaviour that negatively impacts many
people in a society and is seen as wrong or unwanted. These problems can cause unfairness,
conflict, and disorder. They hurt both individuals and the whole society.

Characteristics of Social Problems:

1. Social in Nature/Affects Many people: A social problem impact large groups, not just one
person. For example, poverty is not just one person's issue—it affects millions of people and
influences society’s stability.

2. Undesirable Conditions/Seen as Harmful: These problems are considered harmful by most

people in a society. For instance, corruption, illiteracy, and child Labor are generally seen as
morally wrong and socially destructive.

3. Multiple Causes: A social problem is often caused by several reasons, such as poor
governance, economic instability, cultural norms, or lack of education. These factors often
interlink and make the problem more complex.

4. Need for Collective Action: Solving social problems Everyone must work together, the
government, civil society, media, educational institutions, and citizens. For example, ending
gender inequality needs changing in laws, education, and cultural attitudes.

Examples of social problems include poverty, illiteracy, corruption, unemployment, gender

inequality, drug abuse, and crime.

Major Social Problems in Pakistan: Pakistan with its population exceeding 240 million, faces
a multitude of social issues that need immediate attention. Some of the most pressing social
problems are discussed below:

1. Poverty: Poverty is one of the most severe issues in Pakistan. Many families cannot meet
their basic needs such as food, clean drinking water, shelter, healthcare, and education.
Causes:
 Unemployment: Many people do not have stable jobs or sources of income.
 Inflation: The cost of goods and services keeps increasing while incomes remain
low.
  Poor Governance: Mismanagement of resources and corruption prevent effective
poverty reduction.
 Overpopulation: More people mean more demand for resources, which creates
scarcity.

Effects:

 Hunger and Malnutrition: Many children suffer from stunted growth due to lack
of nutrition.
 Crime: Poverty often forces individuals into illegal activities for survival.
 Child Labor: Families send their children to work instead of school.
 Health: Poor families cannot afford treatment, which worsens their situation.

2. Illiteracy and Poor Education System: Despite constitutional rights to education,

many children, especially girls in rural areas, are deprived of schooling.
Challenges:
 Lack of Schools: Many villages do not have nearby schools.
 Low Government Funding: Education is not prioritized in the national budget.
 Gender Inequality: Cultural norms discourage girls from attending school.
 Outdated Curriculum and Poor Teacher Training: Teaching methods do not meet
modern standards.
Effects:
 Unemployment: Illiterate people struggle to find jobs.
 Ignorance: People remain unaware of their rights and responsibilities.
 Hindered National Development: A country cannot progress without an educated
population.

3. Unemployment: A growing number of educated youths are unable to find jobs suitable
to their qualifications.
Causes:
 Lack of Industrial Development: Few factories and industries to provide jobs.
 Political Instability: Investors hesitate to start businesses in uncertain
environments.
 Poor Education-Industry Link: Education does not prepare students for the actual
job market.

Results:

 Brain Drain: Educated individuals migrate to other countries.

 Social Frustration: Jobless youth may become disillusioned or aggressive.
 Increased Crime Rate: Desperate people may turn to theft, robbery, or fraud.
4. Gender Inequality: Women face discrimination in almost every field including
education, employment, healthcare, and legal rights.
Factors:
 Patriarchal Society: Men are considered superior in many communities.
 Misinterpretation of Religion: Cultural practices are wrongly linked with religion.
 Lack of Awareness: People are unaware of women's rights and laws.
 Examples:

 Fewer girls attend schools than boys.

 Women are paid less than men for the same work.
 Women are often excluded from leadership positions.

5. Corruption: Corruption weakens public trust and wastes resources meant for
development.
Forms of Corruption:
 Bribery: Officials demand extra money to perform duties.
 Nepotism: Jobs and contracts are given to relatives or friends, not deserving
people.
 Tax Evasion: Wealthy people avoid paying taxes, reducing national income.

Results:

 Poor public services like education and health.

 Loss of foreign investment.
 Weak law enforcement.

6. Law and Order Situation: Frequent acts of violence, terrorism, and crime disrupt
peace and development.
Examples:
 Terrorist Attacks: Target both civilians and security forces.
 Street Crimes: Robbery, theft, and snatching are common in urban areas.
 Sectarian and Ethnic Violence: Tensions between groups lead to conflict.
Effects:
 Instability and fear.
 Decline in tourism and business.
 Loss of innocent lives.

7. Drug Abuse: The use of narcotics is increasing, especially among youth and university
students.
Common Drugs: Heroin, hashish, crystal meth (Ice), and sedatives.

Reasons:

 Peer pressure.
 Depression and stress.
 Lack of awareness and weak law enforcement.

Results:

 Mental and physical health deterioration.

 Increase in crimes to fund addiction.
 Family and social breakdown.

8. Population Growth: Pakistan’s rapidly growing population places a huge burden on

resources and services.
 Causes:
 Lack of family planning.
 Early marriages.
 Cultural preference for larger families.

Results:

 Overcrowded cities.
 Poor health and education services.
 Environmental problems.

9. Child Labor: Due to poverty and lack of education, millions of children are forced to
work in factories, shops, homes, and streets.
Types of child Labor:
 Domestic Labor.
 Factory work (carpets, garments).
 Begging and street vending.
Risks:
 Exploitation and abuse.
 Lack of education.
 Physical and mental health issues.

10. Inadequate Healthcare System: The healthcare sector in Pakistan lacks proper
funding, planning, and infrastructure.

Problems:

 Few hospitals.
 No ambulance service.
 Shortage of doctors and nurses.
 Expensive treatment in private hospitals.
 Poor healthcare in villages.
 Old tools and machines.
 Dirty hospital conditions.
 Long lines for patients.

Results:

 More deaths of mothers and babies.

 Spread of common diseases.
 People use home or street healers.
 Poor people can't get treatment.
 Health problems stay for long.