Reforming Social Policy Using an Example from British History
MEMORANDUM
Date: 10 December 2009
To:
From:
Subject: “Reforming social policy using an example from British history”
Sociologists usually consider a social problem to be an "alleged situation that is incompatible with the values of a significant number of people who agree that action is needed to alter the situation" (E Rubington et al. The Study of Social Problems, 1981). When individuals perceive something in society to conflict with core values, they identify a social problem. The importance of the social problem is determined by degree the social phenomenon conflicts with individuals’ values and the importance individuals place of the violated values. Therefore, the social problem is defined in terms of an individual’s or an advocacy group’s core values. Individuals who believe a social problem exists form into a group of individuals who care about a particular case. Creating a group of likely-minded individuals helps to give the course definition, credibility, legitimacy, and momentum. A group is likely to have a greater influence than separate individuals. The organization or the group formulates a common description of the social problem and develops a positive statement to focus its advocacy. The group then attempts to persuade the public and public policy makers of the cause’s merits and the utility of the advocated remedy to the social problem. The public and the policy makers can either accept or reject the group’s position and recommendations. In the social marketing process, when a social problem is portrayed and a remedy put force, opposition may arise against the social cause because of three reasons: 1. the public or the policy makers may not agree with the advocacy group regarding the existence or importance of the social problem, 2. the public or the policy makers may feel that the proposed remedy would itself create a greater problem, 3. the remedy to the social problem threatens the interests of the
Date: 10 December 2009
To:
From:
Subject: “Reforming social policy using an example from British history”
Sociologists usually consider a social problem to be an "alleged situation that is incompatible with the values of a significant number of people who agree that action is needed to alter the situation" (E Rubington et al. The Study of Social Problems, 1981). When individuals perceive something in society to conflict with core values, they identify a social problem. The importance of the social problem is determined by degree the social phenomenon conflicts with individuals’ values and the importance individuals place of the violated values. Therefore, the social problem is defined in terms of an individual’s or an advocacy group’s core values. Individuals who believe a social problem exists form into a group of individuals who care about a particular case. Creating a group of likely-minded individuals helps to give the course definition, credibility, legitimacy, and momentum. A group is likely to have a greater influence than separate individuals. The organization or the group formulates a common description of the social problem and develops a positive statement to focus its advocacy. The group then attempts to persuade the public and public policy makers of the cause’s merits and the utility of the advocated remedy to the social problem. The public and the policy makers can either accept or reject the group’s position and recommendations. In the social marketing process, when a social problem is portrayed and a remedy put force, opposition may arise against the social cause because of three reasons: 1. the public or the policy makers may not agree with the advocacy group regarding the existence or importance of the social problem, 2. the public or the policy makers may feel that the proposed remedy would itself create a greater problem, 3. the remedy to the social problem threatens the interests of the