Apply the steps of both Rational Problem Solving and Social Thinking to a current social problem.
Having contemplated these steps for the effects of racism on African American neighborhoods, choose another
issue that places vulnerable families and communities at risk.
Trace behavioral problems like violence against Native American women, or low academic achievement
related to contaminated drinking water back to their sources in organizational, institutional or systemic
deviance.
After introducing the problem using current statistics and analysis of root causes, follow the format we used for
Rational Problem Solving and Social Thinking and answer all prompts.
At the appropriate place, insert a Force Field Analysis for two alternative plans to address the problem.
Estimate the weights of each driving and restraining force, calculate the overall power and direction, and
explain why you are choosing one alternative over the other. Conclude with a discussion of how you see RPS
and Social Thinking complementing each other in working toward solutions to this problem.
1] Analysis of social problem - Using current statistics and sources, explain how the problem is rooted in
systemic deviance from social goods.Analyzes clearly with abundant evidence how the problem is rooted in
systemic deviance from social goods.
2] RPS approach - identify the goals, objectives, tasks, tactics, targets and strategy you will use, as well as
how you will evaluate your success.Using all steps of RPS, identifies the goals, objectives, tasks, tactics,
targets, strategy and evaluation methods you will use.
3] Force Field Analyses - Using the textbook example on page 117, make a chart for two different solutions and
compare their relative advantages from qualitative and values-based perspectives. Creates a chart for two
solutions with logic-based forces and strengths; very thoughtfully compares their relative advantages from
quantitative and values-based perspectives.
Brueggemann, W. (2014). The Practice of Macro Social Work. (4th ed.) Brooks/Cole. (pg 117 )
Chapter 4: Conventional and Social Problems
Chapter 5: Solving Problems and Making Social Change
Coates, T. (2014, June). The case for reparations. The Atlantic Magazine.
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/06/the-case-for-reparations/361631/
Davies, E. & Sonmez, F. (2019, June 19). Black writers, activists, scholars testify before House panel on the
role of reparations. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/house-panel-holds-hearingon-reparations-for-slavery/2019/06/19/b62d708a-92a8-11e9-aadb-74e6b2b46f6a_story.html
Sample Solution