Question 1

Give an example of what is meant by the societal or systemic roots of a problem. Give an example of a problem that looks on the surface as if it was a personal problem but when looked at closer it appears to have societal or system roots. (You can use the one in the book.) Why is it necessary to search for the societal or systemic roots of a person's problem?

Accepted Answer

In the example presented in the text, it was suggested that the tension between the roommates might have stemmed from a work place that was too demanding or pressured. Perhaps a change of job or a change in the work-place demands would improve the relationship between the roommates. Until then, the tension might persist. Even if we'd switched roommates, perhaps the job related tension would manifest itself by excessive drinking or absenteeism. If there was discrimination towards certain people in that workplace or if the job requirements were unrealistic, many workers will experience tensions on the job that they are likely to take home and work out through family friction, alcohol abuse, etc. It is important to search for the societal or systemic roots of a problem because by ignoring the underlying source of a problem more and more people are hurt and then they are in need of our services.

Question 2

Why do you think committed human service workers might continue to use casework strategies to change the behavior or attitudes of a group of young adults, even after research has indicated that the lack of job opportunities or recreational outlets might be causing much of their vandalism and aggression?

Accepted Answer

Human service workers frequently fall back on direct care strategies because they feel more comfortable using them. They do not know how to begin changing the social environment, having had few positive role models of change agents in their own lives, or perhaps they fear that pushing for change might make them appear unprofessional. Social change strategies carry with them many risks. The leaders of a movement for change might find themselves punished and powerful forces in the community often oppose the change. Social change efforts encounter much resistance to change.

Question 3

We say in the text that change, once instituted, must be constantly monitored. How might this apply to the Brown vs. Board of Education decision that overturned racial segregation in public schools or the Public Law 94.142 that guaranteed an appropriate education in the least restrictive setting to all children, regardless of their handicapping condition?

Accepted Answer

After the l954 Supreme Court decision, Brown vs. Board of Education overturned the 'separate but equal' doctrine that was the basis for segregation in the schools. It still took many years for schools to become integrated. Many citizen groups had to bring law suits against their towns to force the schools to comply with the law or to work out special devices, such as busing and redrawing district lines, to bring black and white children into the same schools. There are still many towns in this country in which citizen groups complain that the schools are not sufficiently integrated, and it is now almost fifty years since the decision. Many parent groups are now monitoring their school systems to make sure that the law for handicapped children is being fairly applied. Arguments still rage on whether handicapped children are being fully included or mainstreamed or whether they are simply segregated within the school building.

Question 4

Give two out-of-the-three arguments presented in the text to support the assertion that, "citizen involvement in decision making must be a part of every change effort."

Accepted Answer

The answer of Give two out-of-the-three arguments presented in the...

Question 5

How did Ed Wong, a recent college graduate who majored in human services end up as a staff worker for Citizens Action for the Environment (CAFTE)? In theinterview, he says "I use all the strategies I studied in college, but of course it is the organizing ones I use the most." Describe the strategies that he uses in his work.

Accepted Answer

The answer of How did Ed Wong, a recent college...

Question 6

The problems that people face are mostly caused by inner psychological forces.

Accepted Answer

While inner psychological forces can contribute to the problems people face, external factors such as social, economic, and environmental conditions also play a significant role in shaping an individual's challenges and experiences.

Question 7

In dealing with a child who is having behavior problems in school, one of the steps the human service worker, who is sensitive to the impact of systems, is likely to take is:

Accepted Answer

A human service worker sensitive to systems would gather data about the classroom environment to understand how it might be affecting the child's behavior.

Question 8

The following factors would need to be evaluated in assessing the Mental Health Quotient of a classroom:

Accepted Answer

All the listed factors (A, B, C, D) contribute to the mental health environment of a classroom, affecting the overall Mental Health Quotient.

Question 9

Each human service worker must examine his or her own attitudes towards social change and social change agents before embarking on a change effort.

Accepted Answer

Understanding personal attitudes towards social change is crucial for human service workers, as these attitudes can significantly influence the effectiveness of their efforts in promoting and implementing change within communities.

Question 10

Ed Wong, the staff worker at CAFTE, says that he often feels more like a lawyer than a human service worker primarily because

Accepted Answer

Ed Wong feels more like a lawyer than a human service worker because he often has to choose one side to advocate for, instead of being non-judgmental, which is a key aspect of legal work where advocacy for a client's position is essential.

Question 11

The most effective kind of change is that which is initiated from the top of an organization, from the president, board of trustees or directors.

Accepted Answer

Change can be effectively initiated at any level within an organization, and grassroots or bottom-up approaches can be particularly powerful in driving organizational change, as they often involve the people most affected by the changes.

Question 12

For a change as monumental as Brown vs. Board of Education, (which ruled that segregation in schools was unconstitutional), to take root; it is necessary that

Accepted Answer

The key to implementing a monumental change like the one brought about by Brown vs. Board of Education is changing the consciousness of the people involved. This involves altering people's beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions to accept and support the new, integrated educational system.

Question 13

Before jumping into the middle of a change effort, one of the tasks the worker should use to prepare him or herself is:

Accepted Answer

Researching the background of the system and the problems is crucial for understanding the context and challenges of the change effort, enabling more effective planning and action.

Question 14

The methods of organizing and changing systems fall into roughly three categories of escalating intensity; choose the correct order.

Accepted Answer

Educating, persuading, and pressuring represent a progression from less to more intense methods of influencing change in systems, starting with providing information, then attempting to convince, and finally applying pressure to enact change.

Question 15

Charismatic leaders like the late Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. are indispensable to the success of a change campaign.

Accepted Answer

While charismatic leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. can significantly impact and inspire change, numerous successful movements have thrived without a single, charismatic figurehead, demonstrating that such leaders, while influential, are not indispensable for success.

Question 16

In assessing what we have seen and heard when visiting a home, a state institution or a new section of town, we begin by

Accepted Answer

Describing in value-free terms exactly what we have seen is the initial step in assessing a new environment, as it allows for an objective observation before forming opinions or suggesting reasons.

Question 17

Psychologists and sociologists have found that changes are best accepted by those who will be affected by them when they are instituted with their involvement in the decision making process and in giving feedback.

Accepted Answer

Involving individuals in the decision-making process and allowing them to give feedback increases their acceptance of changes because it fosters a sense of ownership and control over the situation, leading to higher satisfaction and cooperation.

Question 18

In order to assure the fullest involvement of the people who will be affected by the changes we are working for, it is useful to:

Accepted Answer

Each of the options listed contributes to ensuring the fullest involvement of people affected by changes. A strong commitment to the process ensures dedication and persistence. Creating a clear mandate provides direction and clarity on roles and tasks. Carving a structure that is uniquely useful to the group ensures that the approach is tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Assuring that members share knowledge and learn needed skills ensures that everyone is equipped to contribute effectively. Together, these strategies foster an inclusive and effective change process.

Question 19

The organizer needs to keep the focus of the meetings clear by always guarding against conversations of personal issues.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The organizer needs to keep the focus...

Question 20

Once a system or a set of rules has been changed we can relax, knowing that we have improved the situation.

Accepted Answer

Improvement requires continuous evaluation and adjustment, as initial changes may not fully address the issue or could introduce new challenges.

Quiz 12: Indirect Strategies: Organizing for Change