A social problem is the behaviour or condition that affects large number of population and has negative consequences at a mass scale. For smooth functioning of a society, these problems must be addressed effectively. There exist a number of social problems in Pakistan like hunger, poverty, racism, crime, violence, drug abuse and sexual harassment to name just a few. Poverty is one of the most puzzling problems not only in Pakistan but also in other developing countries. The sociologist try to explain why these social problems exist in a society and how do they effect social structure. They take the help from three main Sociological Perspectives which guide them draw conclusions relating to the social problems. The functionalist theory, the conflict theory, and the symbolic inter actioznist theory look at the same social problems, but provide different explanations to these social problems. We cannot understand fully about any social issue unless we consider the explanation from these three Sociological Perspectives.

functionalism 
A strong society needs social stability for which social integration is necessary and all the social institutions of a society perform important functions to help ensure social stability. Functionalists believe that the Social Problems may not be good for a society but do not weaken a society’s stability and do not cause any fundamental fault in overall structure of the society. Moreover, Functionalists believe that in spite of negative effects, Social Problems often play an important role for overall functioning of the society to an extent that the social problems are inevitable for smooth functioning of a society. It is suggested by functionalists that the solutions to social problems should take the form of gradual social reform rather than sudden and far-reaching change.
Poverty in a society according to Functionalists exists because it plays its role in the society. They argue that If there is no poor then there will be no one willing to serve as a sweeper, to clean the garbage or to do sanitary jobs. Similarly, no one will be ready to perform other low paying jobs. It is just because of poverty that poor people becomes ready to perform less rewarding task which are very important and necessary for the smooth functioning of the society.

conflict theory
Society is categorized by inescapable inequality based on social class, race, gender, and other such factors. Social problems ascend from fundamental issues in the structure of a society and both reflect and reinforce inequalities based on social class, race, gender, and other dimensions. The Conflict theorists believe that cause to all social problems is the inequality prevailing in the society in any form. The social problems can be resolved by eliminating inequalities from the society. Moreover, a far reaching social change is needed to reduce or eliminate these social inequalities and to create an egalitarian society. Poverty in a society according to Conflict Theorists exists because of unequal distribution of power and resources. There exist a division of haves and haves not. Ones in power and have resources exploits the others who do not have power or resources. 

symbolic interactionalism
People construct their roles as they interact; they do not merely learn the roles that society has set out for them. As this interaction occurs, individuals negotiate their definitions of the situations in which they find themselves and socially construct the reality of these situations. In so doing, they rely heavily on symbols such as words and gestures to reach a shared understanding of their interaction. Social problems arise from the interaction of individuals. People who engage in socially problematic behaviours often learn these behaviours from other people. Individuals also learn their perceptions of social problems from other people. Poverty in a society according to Symbolic Interactionist exists because of the culture of poverty that exists in the society. Poor people do not educate their children, do not train them and keep living and interacting the way other poor people do. Their ways of interaction among themselves and with others determine their fate. 



Solution to the Problem of Poverty: The poverty may be eliminated or reduced by following ways:
 1. By providing jobs
 2. Providing education for all 
3. By raising the minimum wage
 4. Reform the criminal justice system 
5. By increasing the bargaining power
 6. Creating greater self-esteem in people
 7. Through redistribution of wealth and resources
 8. By increasing investment in social development of children
 9. By providing independence to solve the problems of people on their own