A social problem can be described as conditions that affect the quality of life of large numbers of people, affect cherished values, and is something that can or must remedy. One of the major problems in today's society that concerns me is something called singular classification. Every person is different. We have our own views and opinions and come from different backgrounds and upbringings. Singular Classification, or stereotyping, on the other hand, takes every trait of a person and makes it disappear by grouping people by race, social class or religion. In short, singular classification is giving general opinions about someone based on what they do, and a few facts. When the Catholic clergy and child abuse scandal broke, many began to put all priests in the same category as those who were guilty and began to doubt the vows taken by all priests. This struck me and hit very close to home because I was born Catholic and, after I was confirmed, my religion was something that shaped my life and gave it meaning. Over the decades, people have targeted groups of individuals based on acts they may or may not have been responsible for. Out of fear, people think it is right to separate these individuals to protect themselves and their family. In doing so, many lose what they are actually protecting themselves from. As the writer Amartya Sen stated, “the categories of civilization are crude and inconsistent…and there are other ways of seeing people” (405). It is ignorant and unfair to blame a group of individuals for something one person did. Whenever a crime is committed, people naturally start to wonder if perhaps it wouldn't have happened if something had been different abo...... middle of paper ......Prejudice against minority groups affects 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., & Julian, J. (2009). Social Problems (13th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Publishing, Inc. MacLin K. M. 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). GET OUT AND COVER UP: CATHOLIC PRIESTS TALK ABOUT SEXUAL SCANDALS IN THE CHURCH. Retrieved April 7, 2010, from .The victim tells the pope about the altar boy robbed of his youth. (April 18, 2008). Retrieved April 7, 2010, from