Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2002 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.