A more precise sociological definition holds that a social problem exists when there is a sizable difference between the ideals of a society and its actual achievements social problems are created by failure to close the gap between the way people believe things should be and the way things really are for example according to this definition racial discrimination is a social problem because we believe that everyone should receive fair and equal treatment yet certain groups are still denied equal access to education employment and housing before this definition can be applied someone must examine the ideals and values of society and then decide whether these goals are being achieved