Social Problems and the Quality of Life explores some of the most crucial social issues of our time and how they impact quality of life, providing a firm foundation in how to identify a social problem and the sociological theories and methods for understanding these key concerns. Exploring social problems on a global level, this book is a comprehensive guide to critically analyzing current issues that the nation and the world face today. Robert Lauer received his B.S. and Ph.D. from Washington University, his B.D. from Southern Seminary, and his M.A. from Southern Illinois University. Representatives may reach him at rjlauer@aol.com. Jeanette C. Lauer is a Research Professor at Alliant International University. She received her Ph.D. in Social History from Washington University, St. Louis. She has published numerous journal articles and co-authored fifteen books. Most recently she co-authored Becoming Family: Building a Stepfamily that Really Works. She is a member of the National Council on Family Relations, and the Stepfamily Association of America.