California. The mere mention of the name conjures up thoughts and images as diverse as the state itself. With the geographic size, population, and economy to be a thriving country, California is unique. But are its social problems unique or do they represent issues shared, today and in the future, with the other forty nine states and the global community? The editors and authors of California's Social Problems shed light on these questions and others in their fascinating analyses of a variety of social situations, policies, and trends in the Golden State.

This highly readable book is organized into four sections, each focusing on major challenges to California's communities, to its residents' sexuality and health, to its institutions, and to population growth and the resultant environmental impacts. Each section has a comprehensive introduction that sets the stage and summarizes the chapters to come. The chapter essays are consistently organized to provide a thorough overview of the social problems, along with a historical perspective for each. Incisive chapters on topics such as homelessness, the gay and lesbian movement for equal rights, race and ethnic relations, family problems, welfare reform, and natural disasters will not only inform students in California's colleges and universities, but will be of interest to others near and far.

If, as some feel, a great many fads, trends, and problems originate in California, to later surface in other parts of the U.S., then this book will be of great use in helping readers to think critically about social phenomena in California that will likely have national and even global importance in coming years.