Department of Information Technology
Social Services
Assignment
Topic: Social Problems
Submitted by:
Name Roll no.
Fatima Noor 97
Shajia Fayyaz 92
Malika Shahzadi 100
Asma 43A
Amna 54
Mehak 73
Ayesha 81
Sidra 98
Fozia 40
Faiza 60
Tayyaba 45
Shinail 28
Submitted to: Miss Zaira
May 09, 2025
Govt. Graduate College for Women Satellite Town,
Gujranwala.
Introduction to Social Problems
Definition:
A social problem is an issue that negatively affects a large number of people within a society
and is considered undesirable or in need of change. These problems often arise from social,
economic, political, or environmental factors. Examples include poverty, unemployment,
inequality, corruption, crime, and lack of education.
Impacts of Social Problems on Development:
Social problems can significantly slow down or even reverse national development by:
1. Economic Impact:
Reduced productivity due to poor health or lack of education.
Increased government spending on welfare instead of infrastructure or
innovation.
Decreased investor confidence.
2. Social Impact:
Rising crime rates lead to insecurity and fear.
Social unrest or protests can destabilize communities.
Breakdown of family and community systems.
3. Political Impact:
Loss of trust in government due to corruption or poor governance.
Weakened institutions and law enforcement.
4. Environmental Impact:
Overpopulation and poverty contribute to environmental degradation.
Lack of resources for sustainable development.
Areas Affected by Social Problems:
Education: Poor access, low quality, or inequality in education due to poverty or
discrimination.
Healthcare: Inadequate facilities and services, especially in rural or poor areas.
Employment: High unemployment or underemployment, especially among youth.
Housing: Overcrowded or unsafe living conditions in slums.
Justice System: Delayed justice, police brutality, and corruption.
Gender Equality: Discrimination against women and minorities.
Environment: Pollution, deforestation, and lack of clean water or sanitation.
Types of Social Problems
1. Poverty: A condition where individuals lack sufficient income to meet basic needs such
as food, shelter, and healthcare.
2. Unemployment: The state of being without a job despite being willing and able to work,
leading to economic and social instability.
3. Illiteracy: The inability to read and write, which hinders access to information, jobs, and
overall development.
4. Child Labour: The exploitation of children through any form of work that deprives them
of their childhood and education.
5. Drug Abuse: The excessive use of addictive substances that harm individual health and
societal productivity.
6. Gender Discrimination: Unequal treatment or perceptions based on gender, often
limiting opportunities for women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
7. Domestic Violence: Abuse or violence within the home, typically involving spouses or
family members.
8. Corruption: Dishonest or unethical conduct by people in power, often involving bribery
or misuse of public resources.
9. Crime: Acts that violate the law and disrupt societal order, often harming individuals or
communities.
10. Environmental Pollution: The contamination of air, water, and soil, posing risks to
health and ecosystems.
Types of Crimes
1. Homicide: The unlawful killing of one human being by another, including murder and
manslaughter.
2. Theft: Taking another person's property without permission with the intent to
permanently deprive them of it.
3. Assault: An act that causes physical harm or a threat of violence to another person.
4. Burglary: Illegally entering a building with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft.
5. Robbery: Taking property from a person using force or intimidation.
6. Fraud: Wrongful deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.
7. Kidnapping: The unlawful taking and confinement of a person against their will.
8. Cybercrime: Criminal activities carried out using computers or the internet, such as
hacking or identity theft.
9. Drug Trafficking: The illegal production, transportation, or sale of controlled
substances.
10. Vandalism: Intentional destruction or defacement of public or private property.
Difference of Social Problems and Crime
Definition:
Social Problem: A condition that negatively affects many people in a society.
Crime: An act that violates the law and is punishable by the state.
Legality:
Social problems are not always illegal (e.g., poverty, unemployment).
Crimes are always illegal (e.g., theft, murder, drug dealing).
Nature:
Social problems are social, economic, or moral issues.
Crimes are legal violations that disrupt law and order.
Response Needed:
Social problems need awareness, education, and long-term solutions.
Crimes need police action, court trials, and punishments.
Impact:
Social problems harm society indirectly over time.
Crimes cause direct harm to individuals or property.
Examples:
Social Problems: Poverty, illiteracy, gender inequality, child labor.
Crimes: Robbery, murder, kidnapping, smuggling.
Law Involvement:
Social problems may not involve legal punishment.
Crimes are handled strictly by legal authorities.
Scope:
Social problems are broader and affect society as a whole.
Crimes are specific acts committed by individuals or groups.
Overpopulation
Definition of Overpopulation in Social Services:
Overpopulation in social services occurs when the demand for public services (like healthcare,
education, welfare, housing, and child protection) exceeds the capacity of the system to provide
them effectively. It means too many people are depending on limited resources, leading to
stress on the system and a decline in service quality.
Reasons for Overpopulation in Social Services:
1. High Population Growth: Rapid increase in population, especially in urban areas, creates
more demand for services than the system can handle.
2. Urban Migration: People moving from rural areas to cities in search of better opportunities
often increase pressure on urban social services.
3. Poverty and Unemployment: More people depend on welfare, food assistance, or
government housing when jobs are scarce.
4. Inadequate Infrastructure: Many countries or regions have weak service systems that
weren’t designed for large populations.
5. Refugee or Crisis Situations: Wars, natural disasters, or political instability can lead to
sudden population increases in certain areas.
6. Aging Population: Older citizens often require more medical care, pensions, and support
services, increasing the load.
Impacts of Overpopulation in Social Services:
Long Wait Times: In hospitals, clinics, government offices, etc.
Poor Quality of Service: Less attention to individual needs due to overload.
Burnout of Workers: Teachers, nurses, social workers become overworked and
stressed.
Increase in Social Problems: Crime, homelessness, and health issues may rise.
Public Frustration: Citizens lose trust in the system when their needs aren’t met.
Possible Solutions:
1. Government Investment: Increase funding to expand hospitals, schools, and welfare
programs.
2. Hiring More Staff: Reduce the workload by employing more qualified workers.
3. Technology Use: Use digital tools to speed up service delivery (e.g., online appointments).
4. Public Awareness & Family Planning: Educate the public on population control and
responsible resource use.
5. Decentralization: Improve services in rural areas so people don’t rush to cities.
6. Better Policy Planning: Data-driven decisions to meet current and future needs.
Juvenile delinquency
Definition:
Juvenile delinquency refers to illegal or antisocial behavior by children or teenagers (usually
under the age of 18). It includes crimes like stealing, fighting, drug use, or running away from
home.
Explanation:
Juvenile delinquency is a growing problem in many countries. When young people engage in
criminal acts or harmful activities, it affects not only their own future but also society as a
whole. These youths may commit crimes because of bad company, broken families, poverty,
lack of education, or poor parenting.
Causes of Juvenile Delinquency:
1. Family Issues:
Broken families, domestic violence, or lack of parental care can lead to
emotional disturbance in children.
Children without proper guidance often fall into bad habits.
2. Peer Pressure:
Friends or groups can influence teenagers to do wrong things just to feel
accepted.
Poverty and Unemployment.
Poor children may turn to theft or crime for survival or money.
3. Lack of Education:
Uneducated children may not understand right and wrong properly or may not
get good opportunities in life.
4. Media Influence:
Violent games, movies, and internet content can negatively affect young minds.
Effects on Society:
- Increase in crime rate
- Unsafe environment for others
- Waste of youth potential
- Burden on police, courts, and rehabilitation centers
Solutions:
1. Parental Involvement:
Parents should give time, attention, and moral education to children.
2. Good Education System:
Schools must teach discipline, respect, and life skills.
3. Counseling and Guidance:
Troubled teens should be given mental health support and proper career
guidance.
4. Recreational Activities:
Sports, arts, and healthy hobbies can keep youth away from crime.
5. Strict but Fair Laws:
Laws should protect society but also focus on reforming the child, not just
punishing.
Illiteracy
Definition:
Illiteracy means the inability to read, write, or perform basic calculations. It is a major social
problem that limits individual growth and holds back the progress of society. Literacy is not
only about reading books—it’s about gaining the knowledge and skills needed to participate
fully in daily life, the economy, and democracy.
Causes of Illiteracy:
1. Poverty – Poor families often cannot afford to send their children to school.
2. Lack of access to education – Especially in rural and underdeveloped areas where
schools are far or inadequate.
3. Child labor – Children are forced to work instead of going to school.
4. Gender discrimination – In some societies, girls are not given the same educational
opportunities as boys.
5. Weak education system – Poor quality teaching and lack of resources discourage
learning.
6. Parental illiteracy – When parents are uneducated, they may not value or support their
children's education.
Effects of Illiteracy:
1. Unemployment and low income – Illiterate people struggle to find good jobs.
2. Poor health awareness – They may not understand health information or instructions.
3. Low social participation – Illiterate individuals are often left out of decision-making
or civic life.
4. Generational cycle – Illiterate parents often raise children who also don’t get proper
education.
5. Hinders national development – A country cannot progress if a large portion of its
population is uneducated.
Solutions to Illiteracy:
Free and compulsory education – Government must ensure basic education for all.
Adult education programs – Offer opportunities to older people who missed school.
Awareness campaigns – Help people understand the importance of education.
Support for girls' education – Remove barriers that prevent girls from going to school.
Improve school infrastructure – Better facilities, trained teachers, and learning
materials.
Incentives for poor families – Scholarships, free books, and school meals to reduce
dropout rates.
Poverty
Definition:
Poverty is a condition where people are unable to meet their basic needs such as food, shelter,
healthcare, education, and clean water. It is one of the most serious social problems in the
world, affecting both individuals and societies on a large scale.
Types of Poverty:
1. Absolute Poverty – When a person lacks the basic necessities of life.
2. Relative Poverty – When a person has less income compared to others in the society,
leading to inequality.
3. Urban and Rural Poverty – Found in both cities and villages, but with different causes
and conditions.
Causes of Poverty:
Unemployment and underemployment – Lack of income leads directly to poverty.
Low education levels – Uneducated individuals often cannot access good jobs.
Overpopulation – More people, fewer resources.
Corruption and poor governance – Misuse of public funds and weak institutions
harm development.
Natural disasters and conflicts – These displace people and destroy sources of
income.
Lack of access to healthcare and social services – Illness can trap families in poverty.
Effects of Poverty:
1. Poor health and malnutrition – Lack of food and clean water leads to illness.
2. Illiteracy – Children in poor families often drop out of school.
3. Increased crime – Poverty can lead people to commit crimes out of desperation.
4. Social discrimination and inequality – The poor often face exclusion and limited
opportunities.
5. Cycle of poverty – Children born in poverty often remain poor throughout their lives.
Solutions:
Investment in education and skills training – Helps people get better jobs.
Job creation – Governments and private sector must provide employment.
Social welfare programs – Direct financial support to the poor.
Healthcare access – Affordable healthcare prevents financial ruin due to illness.
Microfinance and support for small businesses – Helps poor people become self-
sufficient.
Anti-corruption measures – Ensures that aid and development programs reach the
needy.
Social Inequality
Definition:
Social inequality means unfair differences between people in a society. Some people have more
power, money, education, and opportunities, while others have very little. This creates a big
gap between rich and poor.
Types of Social Inequality:
1. Economic Inequality – When wealth is not equally shared
2. Educational Inequality – When only some people can afford good education
3. Gender Inequality – When men and women are not treated equally
4. Caste/Class Inequality – When people are judged by their background
5. Health Inequality – When poor people do not get proper medical care
Causes of Social Inequality:
Unequal distribution of resources
Lack of quality education for all
Discrimination based on caste, gender, or class
Poor government policies
Corruption and favoritism
Effects of Social Inequality:
Increase in poverty and unemployment
Rise in crime and social unrest
Poor health and living conditions for the weak
Loss of talent and human potential
Weak development of the country
How to Reduce Social Inequality:
Provide free education and job training for poor people
Ensure equal rights for all genders and classes
Create fair job opportunities
Improve healthcare and social services
Reduce corruption and promote justice
Beggary
Definition:
Beggary means asking others for money, food, or help due to poverty or helplessness. It is a
serious social problem in many countries, especially in developing nations.
Causes of Beggary:
Extreme poverty
Unemployment
Physical or mental disabilities
Lack of education
Natural disasters or family breakdown
Organized begging mafias
Impacts on Society:
Creates a negative image of society, especially in public places.
Increases dependency and discourages self-reliance.
Sometimes connected with crimes like theft or drug abuse.
Affects tourism and city cleanliness.
Burden on government welfare resources.
Affected Areas:
Urban areas, especially traffic signals, markets, shrines, and bus/train stations.
Religious places where people are emotionally more generous.
Challenges in Solving the Problem:
Lack of proper rehabilitation programs.
Weak law enforcement against begging mafias.
Public sympathy sometimes encourages professional beggars.
Inadequate shelters and support for genuinely needy people.
Possible Solutions:
Government-run shelters and vocational training centers.
Strict action against begging gangs and mafias.
Public awareness campaigns to discourage giving money directly.
Creating job opportunities for the poor and disabled.
Better social welfare policies and education access.
Unemployment
Definition:
Unemployment means the condition where people who are able and willing to work cannot
find a job. It is one of the most serious social and economic problems faced by many countries.
Types of Unemployment:
Frictional Unemployment – Short-term joblessness between jobs.
Structural Unemployment – Due to mismatch of skills and job requirements.
Seasonal Unemployment – Jobs available only in certain seasons (e.g., agriculture).
Cyclical Unemployment – Caused by economic recessions.
Voluntary Unemployment – People who choose not to work despite availability.
Causes of Unemployment:
Lack of industrial development
Rapid population growth
Poor education system and lack of skills
Political instability and corruption
Technological changes reducing manual jobs
Economic crisis and inflation
Impacts on Society:
Increases poverty and hunger
Leads to depression, frustration, and mental health issues
Rise in crimes like theft and drug addiction
Wastage of human resources
Social unrest and protests
Affects family life and increases domestic violence
Affected Areas:
Youth, especially fresh graduates
Rural areas with fewer job opportunities
Economically backward regions
Possible Solutions:
Improve technical and vocational education
Encourage entrepreneurship and small businesses
Government job creation through development projects
Control population growth
Support startups and innovation
Attract foreign investment to boost industries
Underemployment
Definition:
Underemployment occurs when people are working in jobs that do not fully utilize their skills,
education, or availability. This means individuals may be working part-time instead of full-
time, or they are employed in positions far below their qualifications.
Types of Underemployment:
1. Visible Underemployment – When someone works part-time but is willing and able
to work full-time.
2. Invisible Underemployment – When someone is highly qualified but works in a low-
skill or unrelated job (e.g., an engineer working as a cashier).
3. Seasonal Underemployment – When work is only available during certain seasons,
like in agriculture.
Causes of Underemployment:
Lack of job opportunities in relevant fields.
Mismatch between education and job market needs.
Overpopulation, leading to increased competition.
Technological changes replacing human labor.
Economic slowdown, causing companies to hire fewer full-time workers.
Social Impacts:
1. Frustration and low self-esteem – People feel unsatisfied and underutilized.
2. Wasted talent – Skilled individuals are not contributing to their full potential.
3. Lower productivity – The economy does not benefit from the full capacity of its
workforce.
4. Poverty risk – Many underemployed workers earn low incomes, affecting their quality
of life.
5. Youth disappointment – Young graduates lose hope when they can’t find suitable
jobs.
Solutions:
Job-oriented education that matches current market demands.
Skill development programs and vocational training.
Support for entrepreneurship to help people create their own employment.
Government employment schemes to provide better job opportunities.
Balanced development across sectors to create a wide range of jobs.
Child Labour
Definition:
Child labour refers to the exploitation of children through any form of work that deprives
them of their childhood, education, and proper development. It is a serious social problem that
exists in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries.
Causes of Child Labour:
1. Poverty – Families depend on the income of their children for survival.
2. Lack of access to education – In many areas, schools are either unavailable or
unaffordable.
3. Unemployment of adults – If parents are jobless, children are forced to work.
4. Cheap labour demand – Employers prefer to hire children because they are easier to
control and paid less.
5. Weak law enforcement – Even where laws exist, they are not always enforced
properly.
6. Cultural acceptance – In some societies, child labour is seen as normal or necessary.
Effects of Child Labour:
1. Loss of education – Children working full-time often miss out on schooling.
2. Physical and mental harm – Many jobs are dangerous and harmful to children's
health.
3. Stunted development – Child labour affects both physical growth and emotional well-
being.
4. Cycle of poverty – Children who work instead of studying often remain poor their
whole lives.
5. Violation of rights – It denies children their basic rights to safety, education, and a
happy childhood.
Forms of Child Labour:
Domestic work
Factory and industrial work
Agriculture
Street vending and begging
Mining and construction
Bonded labour (working to repay family debt)
Solutions to Child Labour:
Free and compulsory education – Ensures children stay in school.
Strict enforcement of child labour laws – Punish those who exploit children.
Support for poor families – Financial help so parents don’t rely on their children’s
income.
Awareness campaigns – Educate communities about the harms of child labour.
Skill development for adults – Help parents get better jobs so they don’t depend on
child earnings.
Addiction
Definition:
Addiction is a chronic condition where a person becomes physically or mentally dependent on
a substance or behavior, such as drugs, alcohol, smoking, or even technology. Addiction is not
only harmful to the individual, but also to families, communities, and society at large, making
it a serious social problem.
Types of Addiction:
1. Substance Addiction – Drugs (heroin, cocaine), alcohol, tobacco.
2. Behavioral Addiction – Gambling, internet, gaming, social media.
3. Prescription Drug Addiction – Overuse of painkillers or medications.
Causes of Addiction:
Peer pressure – Especially common among teenagers.
Stress and depression – People turn to substances for temporary relief.
Lack of awareness – Many are unaware of the long-term dangers.
Family problems – Domestic violence, neglect, or lack of support.
Easy availability – When drugs or alcohol are easily accessible.
Curiosity and experimentation – Especially among youth.
Effects of Addiction:
1. Health issues – Liver damage, brain damage, heart problems, or even death.
2. Mental illness – Anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
3. Family breakdown – Addiction often leads to conflicts, violence, or separation.
4. Financial problems – Addicted individuals often lose jobs or spend all their money on
the substance.
5. Crime and violence – Many addicts turn to theft, drug dealing, or violence to sustain
their habit.
6. Loss of productivity – Addiction affects performance at work, school, and in daily life.
Social Impact:
Overburdened healthcare system
Increase in road accidents
Rising crime rates
Affects the future of youth and national development
Solutions to Addiction:
Awareness and education – Teach especially young people about the risks.
Rehabilitation centers – Provide treatment and recovery support.
Counseling and therapy – Mental health support can prevent and treat addiction.
Strong law enforcement – Control the supply and sale of illegal substances.
Parental involvement – A supportive family environment can prevent addiction.
Community programs – Sports, arts, and skill development activities to keep youth
engaged.
Gender based Violence
Definition:
Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at individuals based on their
gender. It stems from unequal power relationships and deeply rooted gender norms, often
targeting women and girls, although men and boys can also be affected. GBV takes many
forms, including:
Forms of Gender-Based Violence:
1. Physical Violence – Beatings, slapping, choking, or use of weapons.
2. Sexual Violence – Rape, sexual assault, forced prostitution, and sexual harassment.
3. Emotional/Psychological Abuse – Threats, intimidation, humiliation, controlling
behavior, or isolation.
4. Economic Abuse – Withholding money, preventing someone from working or
accessing education.
5. Harmful Traditional Practices – Female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage,
honor killings.
6. Digital Abuse – Cyberbullying, online stalking, or the non-consensual sharing of
intimate images.
Root Causes:
Patriarchy and cultural norms that support male dominance.
Legal systems that fail to protect victims or punish perpetrators.
Socioeconomic dependency and lack of education.
Conflict and displacement, which often increase vulnerability.
Effects:
Physical and mental health issues (trauma, injury, depression, PTSD).
Loss of livelihood and economic independence.
Social stigma and isolation.
In extreme cases, death.
Prevention & Response:
Education & awareness to challenge harmful gender norms.
Legal reforms to protect victims and prosecute offenders.
Support services like shelters, hotlines, counseling, and medical aid.
Community engagement to promote equality and accountability.
Empowerment of survivors through economic and social support.
Corruption
Definition:
Corruption is the abuse of power for personal gain, and it undermines trust, weakens
institutions, and hinders development. It can occur in both public and private sectors and affects
every level of society, from small bribes to large-scale embezzlement.
Types of Corruption:
1. Bribery – Offering money or favors to influence decisions (e.g., paying a government
official to get a contract).
2. Embezzlement – Theft or misuse of funds placed in one's trust.
3. Nepotism and Cronyism – Favoring relatives or friends for jobs and opportunities.
4. Extortion – Demanding money or services through threats or force.
5. Fraud – Deceiving others to gain financially or otherwise (e.g., fake invoicing).
6. Political Corruption – When politicians use their power for personal or party gain.
Causes of Corruption:
Weak institutions and lack of accountability
Low salaries and poor working conditions
Lack of transparency
Cultural acceptance or normalization of corrupt practices
Concentration of power without checks and balances
Effects of Corruption:
Economic damage – Discourages investment, misuses public funds.
Social inequality – Benefits the powerful while the poor suffer.
Erosion of trust – People lose faith in governments and systems.
Undermining democracy – Unfair elections and lack of representation.
Poor service delivery – Public services like health and education decline.
How to Combat Corruption:
1. Strengthen laws and enforcement – Ensure anti-corruption laws are in place and
followed.
2. Increase transparency – Open budgets, public access to information.
3. Encourage whistleblowing – Protect those who expose corruption.
4. Educate citizens – Raise awareness of rights and the impacts of corruption.
5. Promote good governance – Ethical leadership, checks and balances.
Terrorism
Definition:
Terrorism is the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, to
achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives. It aims to create fear, disrupt societies,
and draw attention to a cause through violent means.
Types of Terrorism:
1. Political Terrorism – Seeks to achieve political goals (e.g., overthrowing a
government).
2. Religious Terrorism – Motivated by religious ideologies or beliefs.
3. State-Sponsored Terrorism – When governments support terrorist groups to
destabilize other nations.
4. Domestic Terrorism – Carried out by a country’s own citizens against their
government or fellow citizens.
5. Cyberterrorism – Using digital means to cause fear, disrupt systems, or steal sensitive
data.
Causes of Terrorism:
Ideological extremism
Political oppression or lack of representation
Religious or ethnic conflict
Poverty, unemployment, and lack of education
Revenge or historical grievances
Foreign interventions or wars
Effects of Terrorism:
Loss of innocent lives
Fear and psychological trauma
Economic damage – destruction of infrastructure, loss of tourism and investment.
Displacement of populations – creating refugees and social instability.
Increased government surveillance and restriction of civil liberties.
How to Combat Terrorism:
1. Intelligence and security – Strengthening law enforcement and information-sharing.
2. Education and deradicalization – Countering extremist narratives.
3. Promoting justice and equality – Addressing root causes like discrimination and
poverty.
4. International cooperation – Countries working together to fight global terrorism.
5. Community engagement – Encouraging people to speak out against violence and
extremism.
Urbanization
Definition:
Urbanization is the process by which an increasing number of people move from rural areas
to cities and towns, leading to the growth and expansion of urban areas. It is often driven by
the search for better job opportunities, education, healthcare, and living standards.
Causes of Urbanization:
1. Industrialization – Growth of industries in cities attracts workers.
2. Employment opportunities – Cities offer diverse and often better-paying jobs.
3. Better infrastructure – Access to healthcare, education, transport, and technology.
4. Migration – Both internal (rural to urban) and international migration.
5. Social and cultural attractions – Urban areas often provide more social freedom and
lifestyle choices.
Positive Effects of Urbanization:
Economic growth – Boosts industrial and service sectors.
Improved services – Better access to education, healthcare, and housing.
Cultural exchange – Diverse populations lead to vibrant cultural life.
Innovation and modernization – Urban areas often lead in technological
advancements.
Negative Effects of Urbanization:
Overcrowding – Leads to housing shortages and slums.
Pollution – Increased air, water, and noise pollution.
Traffic congestion – More vehicles mean longer commute times and accidents.
Pressure on infrastructure – Water, electricity, and sanitation services often fall short.
Unemployment and poverty – Not everyone finds work, leading to urban poverty.
Loss of green spaces and agricultural land
Solutions for Sustainable Urbanization:
1. Urban planning – Smart cities with efficient transport and land use.
2. Affordable housing – Building enough homes for all income levels.
3. Environmental policies – Reducing pollution, promoting green spaces.
4. Investment in public services – Health, education, water, and sanitation.
5. Decentralization – Developing rural areas to reduce the pressure on cities.