State if the following examples are a social problem and then provide your explanation of why that is the case by making use of the four questions that sociologists use to think about social problems:

A social problem is a condition that negatively impacts and affects a large society. This is a condition that usually requires to be addressed to redress the impact it has on society. Below are examples of issues found within societies. We will determine whether or not they are social problems based on the four questions that sociologists utilize to determine a social problem.

Depression: This is a psychological problem that is associated with the inability of people to cope with the stresses of everyday life. Depression arises from excessive stress. So in most cases when people suffer depression they are unable to function adequately and their behavior is not always at a satisfactory level. Depression is a silent problem that affects many societies negatively. Paying attention to mental health will assist in the alleviation of depression.

Smash-and-grab:  This is the unlawful taking of the possessions of others. The goods that are usually taken are valuable and can be exchanged for monetary value. Smash-and-grab in simple terms is a crime. Crime is one of the major issues in our societies to date. As it is a result of people having limitations to resources that are necessary for their survival

Rape: Rape is a huge problem in the country that may remain a problem for many years to follow. Rape is a problem that affects not only the raped but it impacts a wider spectrum of people being, the victim’s family and friends. The reliability of our police services will assist largely in the rate of cases.

Fast food:  The excessive consumption of fast foods in our societies has detrimental impacts on people's overall health and limits their disposable income and return. Financial education and people educating themselves about the health impacts of fast food consumption

HIV/AIDS:  In a country such as South Africa, HIV/AIDS is a major health and social problem. The high infection rate hurts the economy of the country and the well-being of the country as many households suffer the various and it ultimately leads to poverty.

In conclusion, the above-mentioned issues are social issues because they answer the four questions which sociologists use to identify social problems. Those questions are: What is a social problem? What makes a problem a social problem? What causes a social problem? How can we solve a social problem? The ability to answer these questions justifies why the listed problem is a social problem.