The Impact of Social Change
Introduction
Hello, my name is Robert Smith.
Did you know there are social and health challenges every day that need your attention?
Your specialized knowledge and skills can improve the health status of the public and ensure the delivery of safe, effective, quality care.
You may ask, how can I improve the lives of individuals, families, communities, and populations? Let’s start by exploring some examples of social change, social justice, and social services.
Here are three examples. Select each one to view the information:
Social Change
What exactly is social change?
Social Change Transcript
On an individual, group, or social level, social transformation generates community-based responses that address fundamental social problems. Attitudes, actions, laws, regulations, and institutions can all be influenced by social change to better represent principles of inclusion, justice, diversity, and opportunity. Individuals who are closest to social problems can work together to find solutions that solve social concerns, which is known as social change.
Now that you understand the concept of social change, let's review an example:
Dorthea Dix (1802-1887) crusaded for the moral treatment of the mentally ill in the early 1800s. She investigated mental wards and found patients placed in straitjackets and shackles, who were beaten and unfed. Horrified, she knew human beings deserved better treatment and focused her efforts on passionately telling civic leaders about this problem and urging for immediate change. As a result, drastic changes were made in medical care, both nationally and internationally. This is an example of social change, where transformations to social institutions, policies, and law resulted from the collective actions of those closest to the problems and issues.
Social Justice
What is social justice?
Social Justice Transcript
The distribution of advantages and how they are shared in society is referred to as social justice. It is envisioned as a society that provides individuals and groups with equal treatment and a fair share of society's benefits. Human rights and equality are frequently associated with social justice. Individuals in a society can have varied conceptions of social justice and what "fair" implies, because the word justice is imprecise, ambiguous, and subjective.
Now that you understand of the concept social justice, let's look at an example:
Dr. Mona Hannah Attisha (born in 1976), a pediatrician in Flint Michigan, found elevated levels of lead in local drinking water and in the local children’s bloodlevels. She discovered the mayor switched the origination of the local drinking water from the Detroit River to the Flint River in April 2014 because a business leader said the toxic water from the Flint River was corroding their machines at the plant. This switch to the Flint River caused the lead pipes to leach lead into the homes of Flint Michigan families. The State of Michigan leaders attacked and ridiculed Dr. Attisha for causing hysteria, but they later backed down and agreed with her findings. Emergency declarations were made to stop drinking tap water. The water source was switched back to the Detroit River in October 2015. This is an example of social justice, where solutions to violations of fundamental human rights are met with advocates who promote fairness and provide access to resources, equity, and opportunity.
Social Service
What is social service?
Social Service Transcript
Social services can be classified as concerted efforts and/or services aimed at enhancing and advancing social well-being. Meals, lodging, food, clothes, activities for adolescents and adults, health care, ability/disability assistance, language interpretation and translation, and other social services can be provided. A wide range of services can be provided by social services agencies to satisfy the social needs of a community, region, or group of individuals.
Now that you understand the concept of social service, let's review an example:
Food Stamps (started in 1939, renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP] in 2008) were developed by the Department of Health and Human Services to help individuals and families who struggle to afford food. Public and private social services exist in communities today to meet the needs of low-income individuals who need resources and access to food. This is an example of social services, where the aim is to maximize the development of human potential and fulfillment of human needs through an equal commitment to helping people achieve the best possible levels of personal and social well-being.
Wrap Up
What interests me (and I hope that interests you) is how problems and issues can be addressed by social change, social justice, and social service. It’s now your turn to tell us your story by using your problem-solving skills to protect and promote health, prevent illness or injury, alleviate suffering, and advocate for the delivery of quality care that is organized and equitable!
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