Early in 2019, New York passed the "Reproductive Health Act," which reduced restrictions on abortion in the state. A few short months later, Georgia became the first of several states to pass laws imposing strict restrictions on abortion, including in the cases of rape and incest. What sociological concept demonstrates why two states passed such dramatically different laws to address a social problem at roughly the same time?
A) Northern states are more politically conservative than southern states.
B) Social constructions of what is-and is not-a social problem vary from state to state.
C) Abortion is a much more detrimental to society in Georgia than in New York.
D) The social structures in Georgia are more concerned about public opinion than in New York.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sociological concept that explains why New York and Georgia passed dramatically different laws to address the social problem of abortion is the variation in social constructions of what is-and is not-a social problem. Different states have different values, beliefs, cultural traditions, and political ideologies, which shape their understandings of social problems and how they should be addressed. In this case, while New York saw expanding reproductive rights as a necessary step forward in protecting women's health and autonomy, Georgia and other conservative-leaning states saw abortion as a threat to the sanctity of life and traditional family values. This illustrates how social constructions of what counts as a social problem vary across different contexts and can influence policy decisions.

Early in 2019, New York Passed the "Reproductive Health Act