...Understanding Poverty From Multiple Social Science Perspectives A Learning Resource for Staff Development In Social Service Agencies Michael J. Austin, PhD, Editor BASSC Staff Director Mack Professor of Nonprofit Management School of Social Welfare University of California, Berkeley 510-642-7066 mjaustin@berkeley.edu August 2006 1 Table of Contents Introduction – Michael J. Austin, Guest Editor Part I Multiple Social Science Perspectives of Poverty Theories of Poverty: Findings from Textbooks on Human Behavior and the Social Environment Amanda J. Lehning, Catherine M. Vu, & Indira Pintak Economic Theories of Poverty Sun Young Jung & Richard Smith Sociological Theories of Poverty in Urban America Jennifer Price Wolf Psychological Theories of Poverty Kelly Turner & Amanda Lehning An Anthropological View of Poverty Kristine Frerer & Catherine Vu Political Science Perspectives on Poverty Amanda Lehning Theories of Global Poverty in the Developed and Developing World Jennifer Morazes & Indira Pintak Part II Theory Integration and Practitioner Perspectives Social Capital and Neighborhood Poverty: Toward an Ecologically-Grounded Model of Neighborhood Effects Kathy Lemon Osterling Social Work Students’ Perceptions of Poverty Sherrill Clark The Explosive Nature of the Culture of Poverty: A Teaching Case Based on An Agency-based Training Program Catherine Vu & Michael J. Austin 2 Understanding Poverty From Multiple...
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...highlight an existence of additional complex factors, above and above parenting, that affect children’s mental health, varying from, social, environmental, cultural, stigma and poverty effects. Mental health can described as state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life. Research outlines that, a child mental well being is thought to depend a combination of factors such healthy and balanced nutrition, socialization, and nurturing, provided by primary caregivers, extended family, and the community of residence, a potential impact to which, the child development process can proceeds along a healthy, or potentially traumatic trajectory (Gardner, & Gunn, 2012). From a social and nurturing perspective, the attachment theory supports the above notion, by stating that the quality of mother-child (or primary caregiver) attachment, is regarded as a pervasive factor in the development of an individual’s relational psychology throughout the entire lifespan (Bowlby, 1982; Freud, 1932). Attachment theory evolves from a basic premise that attachment behaviours are part of a drive behavioural system, organised around specific attachment figures (Bowlby, 1969). The theory further explains that the Infants attempt to establish a secure base with a primary care giver, usually the mother, from later, develop appropriate explanatory behaviours...
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...Review A critique of modernization and dependency theories in Africa: Critical assessment J. Matunhu Department of Development Studies, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe. E-mail: matunhuj@msu.ac.zw. Accepted 6 April, 2011 The way states and development specialists rationalize how to commit economic resources to development is influenced, to a greater extent by their level of persuasion towards specific development theories. The discourse assesses the influence of modernization and dependency theories on Africa’s development. The conclusion is that both theories have failed to help develop Africa. The discourse pins hope on the African Renaissance theory of development. Key words: Modernization, dependency, rural underdevelopment, African renaissance. INTRODUCTION Africa houses plentiful economic resources. Paradoxically, the continent languishes in poverty as evidenced by high prevalence of famine, disease and ignorance (Buthelezi, 2007). This presentation attributes the poverty to theories of development because the way society deals with underdevelopment is influenced by development theories. The presentation assesses the effect of modernity and dependency theories on Africa’s development and concludes by recommending the adoption of the African Renaissance theory to Africa’s development. In this presentation, development is viewed as a gradual transition of society to a strong socioeconomic status. In a sense, development entails an improvement in quality of human life. Some...
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...Poverty as a problem A. Describe the social problem. Poverty is a state in which income is insufficient to provide basic needs. Lack of control over resources, lack of education and poor health. There is a multidimensional component which may cause one to lack the ability to care for the basic needs for themselves as well as their families. Poverty can cause alienation and be very distressing. On a very concerning level are the indirect effects of poverty on the development and ones continued wellbeing in regards to emotional, behavioral and psychiatric problems. Measurement of poverty is based on income and consumption levels. People are considered poor if their consumption or income levels fall below the poverty line. The poverty line is the minimum level necessary to meet basic needs (Townsend, 1979). B. Analyze the social problem. According to article (Poverty, social inequality and mental health, 2004, para2). Poverty and social inequality have direct and indirect effects on the social, mental, and physical wellbeing of an individual or group of people. Income inequality produces psychological and psychosocial stress. This stress will trickle down and may cause increased health problems and an influx in mortality rates over time in these lower socioeconomic classes. This is caused by a lack in community investment in the social and physical infrastructure (Wilkinson, 1996). The effects of income inequality also trickle down into society. This trickle...
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...RURAL DEVELOPMENT CHUPICAL SHOLLAH MANUEL The term ‘community participation’ has recently come to play a central role in the discourse of rural development practitioners and policy makers. At the same time, people’s interpretations of the term and criticisms of other people’s interpretations have multiplied, and the intentions and results of much participation in practice have been questioned or even denounced (Booth, 2005) and Cornwall, 2004). Community participation as a methodology has become a “buzzword” and at its base has become a cornerstone for every developmental project in developing countries. According to Fung (2002), participation is the active involvement of the community, particularly the disadvantaged groups such as women, children, elderly, disabled and the poorest of the poor, in the decision making, planning, implementation, and evaluation of their own development activities The concept of community participation however, has remained a contested terrain. This paper considers participation in development programmes and assesses its relevance both in theory and practice. A definition of development and community participation will give a clear insight of the applicability of the methodology. The essay also stresses the strengths and weaknesses of the approach with the aid of case studies from developing nations. The concept of community participation in development became the common currency of exchange in development discourse in the 1970s and since...
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...Title: “The Role of Health Promotion in Reducing/Eradicating Non-Income Poverty amongst the Rural Population in Developing Countries” Introduction Health and Poverty are emerging global issues at the front of development debates, discussions and initiatives. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (UNDP, 2013), brings to the global agenda an urging need that deserves proactive global attention if lives will be saved. Non income poverty happens when people may have a little bit of money but otherwise the quality of their life is not good. They do not have access to affordable social and physical services like schooling, health care, medications, safe water, good sanitation, good transport etc., and they may not feel safe in their homes either because they cannot trust the authorities or because they belong to some particularly vulnerable group The first MDG goal directly stresses out the significance of poverty while goals 4, 5 & 6 relate to health. The rest focus more on the socio-environmental, economic and political issues that largely determine the population’s ill-health and wellbeing. Hence it is inevitable that poverty and health are globalised issues with greater local impacts that both must be addressed well using integrated approaches if quality health outcomes need to be achieved. The concept of health promotion in particular provides the overarching framework to practically address health inequalities and inequities that are determined by the broader...
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...Journal of Social Development in Africa (1996), 11.1.33-42 Social Work Education for Social Development * M GRAY, F MAZIBUKO & F O'BRIEN ** ABSTRACT Social work as a profession has an obligation to respond to and, if necessary create, societal agendas. Social development is clearly on the current societal agenda. This paper examines the different emphases and levels of social development and advocates a broad perspective of the concept. The relationship between social development and social work is then explored. Shared values and goals augur well for a constructive relationship. Finally the paper addresses the importance of education for social workers to participate in social development initiatives. Teaching and practice curricula are discussed as well as different levels of training. The paper concludes with recommendations for future networking, both between educators and disciplines, and research and literature. Introduction According to Ira Goldenberg, professions are shaped by the social and political realities of their time and by the societies of which they are a part (Franklin, 1990). This is clearly evident...
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...experience. The Report covers my experience in starting a Social Enterprise, difficulties I encountered during the time and how to make a Social Enterprise a Viable option. This report covers everything from rise of this term Social Entrepreneur, to work done by Social Entrepreneurs, to the Entrepreneurial theories and approaches they follow or must follow. This report also describes several Social Ventures and the people behind those ventures who have brought about a positive social change. Social Entrepreneurship is a relatively new phenomenon and the excitement it has created throughout the world because of the impact it has had is tremendous. This report thus describes what learning social entrepreneurship through hands-on experience is. The Report also lists the various people I contacted for Sponsorship and the manner in which they supported the project. 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 03 ABSTRACT 04 1. SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP 06 1.1 INTRODUCTION 1.2 OBJECTIVES 1.3 METHODOLOGY 1.4 DATA COLLECTION 1.5 CHAPTER SCHEME 2. LITERATURE REVIEW 11 3. HISTORY 17 4. MODERN SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP 22 5. SOME OUTSTANDING EXAMPLES 27 6. THEORIES OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP 33 7. CONCLUSION 38 8. BIBILIOGRAPHY 39 6 CHAPTER-1 SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP 1.1 INTRODUCTION: Social entrepreneurship is the work of Social Entrepreneurs. A social entrepreneur recognizes a social problem and uses entrepreneurial principles to organize, create and manage a...
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...debate about community development. It is evident that existing literature highlight the complex nature of the concept of ‘community development work’. It is also true to say that there are constant changes in the political setting, and the disparity between theory and practice for community development work. To begin, this essay will attempt to define the key concepts of ‘community’ and ‘community development’ in order to understand the process. It will then explore the role of community development programs in aiding local communities to exercise control over the issues that affect their lives, in this case, the refugee women community in UK. Finally, it will also discuss about the role of critical practice in tackling the issues of social justice, such as social exclusion, poverty and inequalities. Community development is a very complex field and before attempting to define it, it is imperative to explain the meaning of ‘community’, which is in itself a contested term (Shaw, 2007). Different perspectives have been presented to define the term, for example Smith (2001) argues that ‘…some [definitions] focused on geographical area; some on a group of people living in a particular place and others which looked to community as an area of common life’. Again, according to Stacey, ninety four definitions of ‘community’ were given (Stacey, 1969 cited in Craig et al., 2008, p.14). Consequently, it becomes problematic to give a precise meaning of ‘community development work’. The...
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...title: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND THE BASIC NEEDSAPPROACH Semester: 1 Due date: 8 march 2016 Unique number: 813886 | TITLE: Outline the purpose of community development according to the following approaches; (a) Critical theory (b) Functionalism (c) Symbolic interactionism TABLE OF CONTENT 1. INTRODUCTION 2. CRITICAL THEORY APPROACH 3. FUNCTIONALISM APPROACH 4. SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM APPROACH 5. CONCLUSION SOURCES CONSULTED INTRODUCTION Community development has a wealth of definitions depending on context and history. A familiar and often cited definition of community development is that of United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (1956) in which it state that in community development the effort of the people are united with those of government authorities to improve the economic, social and cultural conditions of communities and integrate these communities into the life of the nations to enable them to contribute fully to national progress (Maistry 2001). According to Maistry (2001) the objective of community development is to build healthy functioning communities. This is achieved through interventions for community well-being and driven by the community themselves and to the extent that is required, external support through the provision of resources and services in ways that sense the holistic developmental needs of a community. For the purpose of the essay will outline the purpose of community development...
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...Understanding Development Theory In the Context of Social and Community Change by Michel Adjibodou[1] I. INTRODUCTION If you are fortunate enough to have walked the land and worked with the people of South Central Los Angeles in California, the mountains of Chiapas in Mexico, the plains of Tanga in Tanzania, the hills of Save in Benin, the streets of Hartford, Dorchester and Roxbury, the hills of Funyula in Western Kenya, one common characteristic you probably noticed is the resolve and resilience of those communities. Despite the daily challenges and stresses on their health, income, environment, land, and physical security, the residents are determined to improve their communities and create greater opportunities for their children. Many of us who chose to work in “development”, or who accidently ended up doing this work, must learn how to work in communities which face horrendous challenges. Engaging people in improving their own communities and, perhaps, working on broader issues demands that we develop great skills and knowledge, not to mention a certain attitude, some character, plenty of courage, and listening skills. Most of us simply behave like backpackers on our way to solve the world’s problems and save humanity from itself. Mistakes are made along the way, success stories abound, lives are damaged and rebuilt, hopes restored, and life goes on. Many practitioners working in communities around the world, and people who want to become development practitioners...
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...Causes of Poverty Sociology/100 Carolyn Howard, Tayisha Green, Guy Scott March 14, 2013 Dr. Adrian Woods Causes of Poverty Poverty and hunger are the most serious problem in Africa. On TV, newspapers, journals, and radio, the world witnesses thousands of people in Africa starving. In the 80s the media brought the picture of hunger from Africa starving children’s, skin and bone with bloated bellies, too weak to even stand up. (Warnock p.1) whereas people living across the countries are enjoying different kinds of tasty meals and trashing the food they do not want or like. Africa is one of the poorest countries in the world. People are dying because of lack in basic human needs. The people in Africa cannot even afford the basic things as food and soap. The Gross Domestic Product projected in Africa is says to be less than two hundred dollars. Here 20 years later, the issue is still hunger in Africa and other undeveloped countries. According to Washington, March 16 (IPS) The world’s food security remains ‘vulnerable,” new data suggests with some 870 million people experiencing sustained hunger and two billion suffering from micronutrient deficiencies. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is unhappy with this figure, and warns that the program set-up to fix the problem is just a piecemeal solution. The IFPRI Global Food Policy Report for 2012 findings is disappointing. The report found that the proportion of people suffering from hunger...
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...in conditions so consumed with poverty that you are forced to risk your life to flee to another country in hopes to take care of your family. Hoping and praying to find “under the table” jobs such as roofing, gardening, grounds maintenance, cleaning houses and/or agricultural work. Central American’s do this on a daily and nightly basis; combing through the desert heats during the summer and its vicious coldness in the winter in hopes of a brighter future. Some get lucky and others either get caught and deported back to Mexico or, worse yet, trafficked and sold into a life of servitude (slavery). “Although it’s the 14th largest economy in the world, rural Mexico is still very unequal. Depending on the measure, between one-third and one-half of Mexicans live in poverty and up to 18 percent live in extreme poverty, unable to meet their basic food needs.” ("Bread For The World Institute", 2011). In this paper I will discuss death rates, risks and benefits (to include programs) of crossing through the desert for an undetermined future in the United States of America. I will also focus on the trafficking and prostitution rings between the United States and Central America. By the end of this paper I will have explained how and why these issues of Central American’s immigrating into the United States meet the specifications of the Social Structure Theory because of the poverty disturbance in their system. * Understanding the Social Structure Theory Moffitt (2015), “Herbert Spencer (1820-1903)...
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...The basic tenet of this theory is that the firms’ success is dependent upon the successful management of all its stakeholders and not only the shareholders. According to Freeman (1984) stakeholders comprise any group or individual who can affect or be affected by the achievement of the organisation’s objectives. Some scholars have agreed with his position on the responsibility of the firm to a broader set of stakeholders other than shareholders while Friedman (2002); Brenner and Cochran (1992) have opposed the idea. Stakeholder theory tries to articulate a fundamental question in a systematic way: which groups are stakeholders deserving or requiring management attention and which group are not (Mitchel et al 2001). Stakeholder’s analysis enables identification of those societal interest groups to whom an adequate account of activities would be deemed necessary. According to Trotman (1999), this theory proposed an increased level of environmental awareness which creates the need for companies to extend corporate planning to include the non traditional stakeholders like the regulatory adversarial groups in order to adapt to changing social...
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...3 | Impact of Microfinance on poverty | 3 | Collateral Effect of Micro-finance on child-labour | 4 | Social responsibility challenges that micro-financiers should meet | 6 | Discussion of microfinance using the principle agent framework | 6 | Conclusion | 7 | References | 9 | Introduction Social innovation refers to novel services and activities directed towards addressing social needs and diffused through organizations whose main purposes are social rather than making profit (Majumdar, Guha, & Marakkath, 2015). On the other hand, business innovation involves organization’s process of introducing ideas, workflows, or products. Unlike social innovation, business innovations are motivated by profit and diffuse through firms motivated by profit maximization. However, some for-profit businesses innovate by developing new ideas to address social needs in the community or workplace. Nonetheless, both social and business innovations exhibit novelty. That is, they promote new ways of doing things thus making them necessary for human development. Majumdar, Guha, and Marakkath (2015) affirm that innovations promote human development by satisfying the basic human needs and empowering the community through new ideas. Innovation involves all spheres of society and human life including human needs and capacity development. This paper focuses on microfinance which is a business innovation. The paper discusses the impact of microfinance on poverty, child labor, and social responsibility...
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