Social Problems Identified

1. What social problems are identified in the book? Some of the social problems that were identified in the book are crimes, violence, unemployment, and drug abuse. The mother described how her and her husband split because of his drug use, and also how her 3 older children are caught in the drug world. The people in the community that are involved in drugs are also affiliate with crime; many of them participate in criminal activities such as prostitution and selling drugs. The gang violence was big in the community; the children couldn’t play out their front door without having to duck because of shootouts. Most of the people that live in the apartment are receiving government benefits and unemployed because of the violence and crime. LaJoe recalled when she first moved in the community with her family, and there were jobs surrounding the community.