Analytical models of social problem

The study presents and describes analytical models of a social problem - attributive, structural, evolutionary, allowing to obtain a holistic scientific understanding of it. This representation consists primarily of attribute variables, i.e. its distinguishing features. Among these variables there are the presence of life difficulties, anxiety about life difficulties, the negative consequences of life difficulties, the scale of life difficulties, the need for non-standard solutions, value conflict and relative nature (relativity). The structural model of a social problem includes the following components that act simultaneously as the stage of formation of a problem situation: the need of a social subject, the conditions for satisfying a given need, blocking the process of satisfying a need, social (life) difficulty, real or potential possibility of overcoming difficulty, awareness of this possibility, value (significance) of this opportunity, the interest of the social subject in overcoming social difficulties and resolving a problem situation, the actions of a social subject aimed at overcoming life difficulties. Three phases are distinguished in the evolution of a social problem: emergence, consolidation, and overcoming. The problem arises in two ways - gradually or suddenly. The term “consolidation” expresses the phase of stability, stabilization of a vital problem. In this phase, the problem may worsen and weaken, become actualized or “canned”, etc. Accordingly, the states of actualization, potentialization, “conservation”, exacerbation and weakening are distinguished. There are four ways to overcome a social problem, such as resolution, elimination, suppression, and transformation.