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3: Sociological Interventions

  • Page ID
    43037
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    Learning Objectives

    At the end of the module, you will be able to:

    1. explain the sociological process of intervention.
    2. describe the six approaches to solving social issues.
    3. recognize and apply macro, meso, and micro levels of intervention.
    4. explain the sociological practitioner's role and approach in solving social problems.
    5. identify issues requiring a multilevel, multifactor problem solving approach.

    Social issues impair social functioning and negatively impact the lives of individuals, groups, and organizations (Bruhn and Rebach 2007). People effected by a particular social issue may face a variety of obstacles and challenges associated with the problem including labeling, stigma, discrimination, and isolation. Sociological practitioners work to address the problem by changing the social setting, arrangement, norms, and behaviors surrounding the issue and the people involved. A sociological practitioner may serve as the facilitator of this social change, a broker by acting on the behalf of others for change, or a clinician by providing direct services or help to change the situation of individuals and families.

    • 3.1: Interventions and Problem Solving
      There are six approaches most commonly used by sociological and other professional practitioners, communities, and clients to address social problems and create change. To resolve or improve situations, different problems require different approaches based on the client needs and social resources available to them. Each sociological approach incorporates a different level of analysis to assess the problem with a specific focal area of intervention.
    • 3.2: Problem Solving Approaches and Interventions
      There are six problem solving approaches and interventions most commonly used among practitioners. Each approach examines a different aspect of a social problem. The nature of the problem and people involved determines the most appropriate intervention to apply.
    • 3.3: Commonalities of Approaches
      There are four common themes among problem solving approaches. All approaches focus on creating change. Interventionists work towards changing behavior or the social arrangements of clients. The goal is to improve social functioning of individuals, groups, communities, and organizations.
    • 3.4: References, Key Terms and Concepts

    Thumbnail: This image "Man Leaning on Table" by Jopwell is licensed under CC BY 4.0


    This page titled 3: Sociological Interventions is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Vera Kennedy.

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