An Introduction to Human Services Policy and Practice
- Slides: 7
An Introduction to Human Services: Policy and Practice Multicausality § • • • This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: Any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; Preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; Any rental, lease, or lending of the program. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2002
Analysis of Problems § People often look for simple answers to complex problems. § This leads them to try simple solutions which don’t work because the problem has been incorrectly analyzed. § The concept that many factors contribute to problems is called multicausality. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2002
No Quick Fix § In dealing with social problems, we can never establish causality with any solid degree of certainty. § There is rarely one simple cause of a problem. § Human service problems are the result of many intertwined personal pressures and social forces. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2002
Symptoms and Reactions § Some causes of social problems are deeply rooted, and others are secondary causes or symptoms of a deeper problem. § Although many people appear to have the same problem, they may have it for a different set of reasons. § Even when people encounter similar experiences, they do not necessarily react in similar ways. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2002
Assumptions § Differing views of human nature can lead to differing assumptions about the cause of problems. § Thomas Hobbes believed that people were basically evil and needed a strong state to control them. § People who subscribe to his philosophy are likely to favor “law and order” approaches to human problems. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2002
Nature or Nurture § John Locke believed that if people followed their own self-interest, a rational, just society would result. § He believed that a child came into the world with a tabula rasa (blank tablet) on which experience was inscribed through the five senses. § People who subscribe to his philosophy are likely to adopt an environmentally oriented psychology such as behaviorism. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2002
Nature Vs. Civilization § Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed that people were good by nature but corrupted by civilization. § He believed that education should draw out the knowledge that people are born with. § Paolo Freire, the Brazilian educator, subscribed to a theory of education called “conscientization. ” § This is similar to Rousseau’s philosophy of drawing on people’s innate strengths. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2002
