A social problem can be described as conditions that affect the quality of life of large numbers of people, affect cherished values, and can or should be resolved. A major issue in today's society that concerns me is something called singular classification. Every person is different. We have our own views and opinions, and we come from different backgrounds and upbringings. Singular classification, or stereotyping, however, takes every trait of a person and makes it disappear by grouping people by race, class, or religion. In short, singular classification involves forming general opinions about someone, based on what a person does and a few facts. When the Catholic clergy and child abuse scandal broke, many people began to put all priests in the same category as those who were guilty and began to doubt the vows that all priests took. This resonated with me and hit very close to home, as I was born Catholic and, after being confirmed, my religion shaped my life and gave it meaning. Over the decades, people have targeted groups of individuals based on actions for which they were or were not responsible. Out of fear, people think it is appropriate to separate these individuals in order to protect themselves and their families. In doing so, many miss what they are actually protecting themselves against. As the writer Amartya Sen said, “civilizational categories are crude and incoherent…and there are other ways of seeing people” (405). It is ignorant and unfair to blame a group of individuals for something that one person did. Whenever a crime is committed, people naturally begin to wonder if perhaps it wouldn't have happened if something had been different...... middle of paper ...... Prejudice against minority groups affect support for public policies. International Journal of Public Opinion Research, 21(1), 85-97. Retrieved April 7, 2010, from Research Library. (Document ID: 1659901601). Kornblum, W. and Julian, J. (2009). Social Problems (13th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Publishing, Inc. MacLin KM and Herrera V. (2006). The criminal stereotype. North American Journal of Psychology, 8(2), 197-207. Retrieved April 7, 2010 from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 1213258821)Reynolds, L.R. (2004). GO OUT AND COVER UP: CATHOLIC PRIESTS TALK OF SEX SCANDALS IN THE CHURCH. Extracted April 7, 2010 from .The victim tells the Pope about an altar boy deprived of his youth. (April 18, 2008). Retrieved April 7, 2010 from