1.
Understanding Social Problems
A social problem is an issue that affects many people in a society, causing them distress or
harm. It’s seen as a negative condition that most people agree should be fixed. Examples of
social problems include unemployment, poverty, crime, and pollution. These problems
affect people’s quality of life and the harmony of society.
Characteristics of Social Problems
1. Widespread Impact: Social problems affect a large number of people, not just
individuals.
2. Public Concern: They are recognized by society as issues that need to be
addressed.
3. Social Causes: They often arise from social, economic, or cultural issues.
4. Continuity: Social problems tend to be ongoing, rather than one-time incidents.
5. Varied Perspectives: Different groups of people may have different views on a
social problem, making it complex to solve.
Major Causes of Social Problems in Bangladesh
• Poverty: Many social problems, like crime and lack of education, are connected to
poverty. When people struggle to meet basic needs, they may engage in unlawful or
harmful activities.
• Unemployment: Limited job opportunities lead to high unemployment rates,
especially among young people, which can cause frustration, crime, and mental
health issues.
• Overpopulation: Bangladesh’s high population puts pressure on resources, leading
to issues like traffic congestion, pollution, and lack of housing.
• Political Instability: Political conflicts often lead to poor governance, corruption,
and policies that don’t fully address people’s needs.
• Lack of Education: Without quality education, people struggle to find well-paying
jobs, and lack knowledge about health, rights, and laws.
2. Understanding Poverty
Poverty is a situation where people lack enough resources, such as money, shelter, food, or
clothing, to meet their basic needs. Poverty limits access to opportunities and affects
people’s quality of life, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.
Major Causes of Poverty in Bangladesh
• Limited Job Opportunities: There aren’t enough jobs for everyone, and many
people are underpaid, which keeps them in poverty.
• Low Education Levels: Many people lack access to quality education, which
reduces their chances of getting good jobs.
• Overpopulation: With a large population and limited resources, competition for
basic needs increases, leading to lower living standards.
• Natural Disasters: Floods, cyclones, and droughts often damage homes and
farmlands, leaving many people without a stable income.
• Economic Inequality: A small percentage of the population controls a large portion
of the country’s wealth, leaving little for others.
Suggestions to Reduce Poverty in Bangladesh
1. Education and Training: Increase access to quality education and vocational
training, especially for children from poor families.
2. Job Creation: Support small businesses, entrepreneurship, and industries that can
create more jobs for youth.
3. Family Planning: Raise awareness about family planning to reduce overpopulation
and help families manage resources better.
4. Social Safety Nets: Implement welfare programs and financial aid for vulnerable
populations affected by natural disasters.
5. Fair Economic Policies: Develop policies that distribute wealth more equally and
create better-paying jobs for the population.
In Bangladesh, The Muslim Family Laws Ordinance of 1961 and The Dowry Prohibition Act
of 1980 are two important laws designed to protect women’s rights and security, especially
in marriage and family matters. Here's how they contribute to women’s rights and safety:
1. The Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961
This law was introduced to improve women's rights within Muslim family structures. Here
are some key ways it helps protect women:
• Limits on Polygamy: The law requires men to get written permission from their first
wife and approval from a local council if they want to marry a second wife. This
helps ensure that women’s consent and welfare are considered.
• Fair Divorce Process: The law sets guidelines for divorce, ensuring it follows certain
procedures. Men must file for divorce through proper channels, allowing women
time to respond. This helps reduce the risk of sudden, unfair divorces.
• Rights to Maintenance: If a husband divorces his wife, he has to provide her with
financial support (maintenance) for a certain period. This helps divorced women
with their financial security, particularly when they are vulnerable.
2. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1980
Dowry is when the bride’s family gives money, gifts, or property to the groom's family. This
practice has led to women facing harassment and violence if their families cannot meet
dowry demands. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1980, makes dowry illegal and aims to protect
women’s rights by:
• Making Dowry Demands Punishable: The act prohibits taking or giving dowry.
Anyone involved in demanding dowry can face fines or jail time. This discourages
families from demanding dowries.
• Reducing Harassment and Violence: The law helps reduce violence against
women caused by unmet dowry demands, as families can take legal action against
those who demand dowry.
• Encouraging Social Awareness: The Dowry Prohibition Act sends a message to
society that dowry is illegal and harmful, promoting greater respect for women and
reducing discrimination against them in marriages.
Why These Laws Are Important for Women’s Rights and Security in Bangladesh
Both laws support women’s rights by ensuring they are treated fairly within marriage and
family. They aim to reduce harmful practices, like forced dowries and unfair treatment in
marriage, which have traditionally put women at a disadvantage. With these legal
protections, women in Bangladesh are better able to stand up for their rights, have safer
marriages, and secure better futures for themselves and their children.
