Gambling

Gambling

The article “Gambling: A social Problem?” By Dielman T.E addresses the social problems and the society’s attitude toward the legalization of gambling within the community. Many of the people within the society who do not engage in gambling cite more negative consequences from legalization of gambling than those who engage in the practice. Gambling has been associated with several negative effects such as causing corruption amongst government officials, athletes and other events under which bets would be placed. It has also been said to cause violence among bettors where rivalry arises. More so, legalizing of gambling has been associated with contributing to development of compulsive gambling since it exposes many gambling activities. The article further presents the perspectives of both bettors and non-bettors towards the issue and its effect in the society. The author seeks to find out the evidence that could prove the relationship between gambling and the mentioned effects.

The author provides a justification by citing the mixed consequences of legalizing gambling in the society. The mentioned consequences provide a reason why it is crucial to address the issue. Ignoring it might have aggravated negative consequences caused by this social problem, legalizing of gambling. Some of the consequences cited in this topic that are quite essential to address include family and marital disruptions, embezzling of wages, increased alcohol consumption, corruption, compulsive gambling and absenteeism and dissatisfaction with job ((Dielman 37). This article seeks to draw a link between legalization of gambling and the social problems it is cited to cause through gathering evidence from previously conducted surveys. From the survey consulted, there is evidence that many people find gambling to be associated with several social problems that would not be ignored. This proves that there are problems associated with gambling, which acts as a justification for the study.

The main point that the author is communicating is the different perceptions towards legalization of gambling between bettors and non-bettors. Bettors site several positive consequences that include increased jobs for the community resulting from legalization of gaming such as casinos, which would result in more revenues for running the government. They also cited that it provides a chance for people to get richer. On the other hand, the study finds that many of the non-bettors do not agree that legalization of gambling would result in the mentioned benefits to the community and government, as well. In fact, they thought it would increase the likelihood of children being influenced to gamble, encourage people to gamble more than they can afford and that it would lead to more racketeers. Majority of the non-bettors nationally saw legalizing of gambling as a way of increasing the number of people gambling for more than they can afford (Dielman 41).

The author finds that there is a strong correlation between gambling and unsatisfactory family and marital status. An increase in gambling level correlated to increase in divorce, disagreements on financial issues between spouses, problems with children and among other marital issues. In terms of alcohol, the study found that it varied with the betting. The author concludes that those found with compulsive gambling behavior have problems associated with family issues among others. However, the problems found from the gamblers do not pass as enough evidence that legalizing of gambling causes the problems or guarantees the said benefits. The author further cites that the results found from the study can not prove that the negative consequences are: “(a) to be viewed as indicating that gambling has negative social consequences; (b) to be viewed as indicating that people under stress are likely to use gambling … as a coping behavior,” (Dielman 42). What is clear from the study is that among those who gamble many times or at average, they experience some problems within their families and marital status. Additionally, the article shows that alcohol and gambling at most times go hand in hand.

The author presents a strong article concerning the issue. One of its strengths is the fact that it uses a survey that was previously conducted to back up the argument made. The survey provides credible evidence concerning the ideas expressed by the author. This allows the author to gather a lot of information easily without having to conduct his own surveys. Additionally, it allows easy generalization. However, one of the weaknesses of the method he uses is whether it represented the whole population. The other strength comes from referring to what other authors have said concerning the same topics. This enables him to draw from several sources that back up his ideas. Another weakness is the lack of enough statistical data to show credibility of the population used in the survey as well as to back up the conclusions.

The article is coherent and clear from the introduction to the conclusion. The introduction is consistent with the body while the conclusion draws from the body of the text. The article introduces broad area of social concern and breaks it down into the issues revolving around the social problem. The research is quite objective and fair. The article reduces its bias by reporting perception from both sides to the issues. It cites the proponents, bettors, and opponents, non-bettors, views about the topic. Presenting ideas from both sides eliminates bias that could occur with presenting one side of the issue. Additionally, bias is eliminated when the author does not write in a way that suggests he takes one side. Rather, he concludes by citing the issues that are clear from the research as well as those that cannot be proven from the results. However, the author does not make any recommendations about policies for further research on the same topic.

Work cited

Dielman, T.E. “Gambling: A social Problem?” Journal of Social Issues, 35.3, 1979: 36-42. Print.