The Universalization of Social Problems: Some Radical Explanations

Abstract

An increasing variety of social problems have been declared universal problems that "cross all lines" or "can happen to anyone." This paper argues that, while these claims are well-meaning, they often contradict empirical evidence about the clustering of social problems and, hence, must be explored sociologically for their latent meanings. The paper argues that, along with the manifest goals of raising funds for causes and remedying past discrimination, the new universalism supports a growing "upscale" market in services, while obscuring the importance of social class as a critical variable in many social problems.