Prompt: In Week 2, we focus on identifying and documenting social problems as the first step in the policy advocacy process. For this discussion, you will apply the concepts from the readings to a specific social problem and engage in a critical analysis of its characteristics and impact.
Please respond to the following questions in your initial post:
Select a social problem that you are interested in addressing through policy advocacy. Briefly describe the problem and its impact on individuals, families, communities, or society as a whole.
Analyze your selected social problem using the four criteria outlined in the Jansson textbook (Chapter 2): scope, severity, duration, and urgency. Provide evidence to support your analysis.
Discuss how social workers can contribute to documenting and addressing this social problem. What unique skills, knowledge, or perspectives do social workers bring to the policy advocacy process?
This discussion aims to help you apply critical thinking skills to identify and analyze social problems, understand the criteria for defining a social problem, and explore the role of social work in documenting and addressing these issues. By engaging with your colleagues’ perspectives and experiences, you can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of social problems and the potential for collaborative policy advocacy efforts.
