From terrorism to social inequality and from health care to environmental issues, social problems affect us all. The Encyclopedia will offer an interdisciplinary perspective into these and many other social problems that are a continuing concern in our lives, whether we confront them on a personal, local, regional, national, or global level. The goal of the Encyclopedia of Social Problems is to provide a premier reference tool for students, scholars, and professionals with a wide range of specialties. Covering all of the major theories, approaches, and contemporary issues in social problems and their interconnectedness, the Encyclopedia will also provide insight into how social conditions get defined as social problems, and the ways different people and organizations view and try to solve them. The Encyclopedia will be organized in A-to-Z format with cross-referencing of entries around a series of broad themes. Contributors will come from many disciplines, including economics, geography, political science, psychology, sociology, and womenÆs studies.