Social Change Process on Poverty

SOC-220: Social Change Process Worksheet
Constructionist Social Problems Theory focuses on the process in which a society’s identified social condition can result in social movement. This process moves from a social condition, to a social issue, to a social problem and then to social movement. The social problems process can involve a series of actions: claims making, media coverage, public reactions, policymaking, implementing policy, and policy outcomes. A visual of this process is as follows:
Select a social condition to use to walk through this process completing the second page of the worksheet:
Selected social condition: Poverty

Social Condition: Make a case, with supporting evidence as to why the condition is a social condition. Your evidence might answer how there is disequilibrium or how is it wrong or not as it should be. (a minimum of 200 words)
Poverty is considered a social condition because it results from systemic inequalities and imbalances of societal power and resources. Evidence of this can be seen in the unequal distribution of wealth and income, the lack of access to quality education and job training, and discriminatory hiring and housing practices.
Studies have shown that poverty strongly correlates with race and ethnicity, with communities of color disproportionately affected by poverty. This suggests that poverty is not simply the result of individual choices or circumstances but is deeply rooted in historical and institutionalized inequalities and discrimination.
Furthermore, poverty profoundly impacts access to basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and education, which are critical for individual and community well-being. The lack of access to these basic needs can have a long-lasting impact on individuals and communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
In addition, poverty can lead to social exclusion and stigma, further exacerbating the challenges faced by those living in poverty and reducing their ability to have a voice in shaping policies that impact their lives.
The evidence suggests that poverty is a social condition shaped by broader economic and political systems and perpetuated by systemic inequalities and imbalances of power and resources. Addressing poverty requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that addresses these root causes and creates opportunities for upward mobility and greater equality.

Social Issue through Clams making: Make a case, with supporting evidence, both subjectively and objectively. (a minimum of 200 words)
Poverty can be considered both a subjective and objective social issue.
Subjective data:
Subjectively, poverty can be experienced as a devastating loss of dignity and self-worth, as well as a burden on the emotional and psychological well-being of those who experience it. People living in poverty may feel isolated, hopeless, and helpless in their ability to escape its grip. Research has shown that poverty can profoundly impact mental health, contributing to increased stress, anxiety, and depression (Ridley et al., 2020).
Objective data:
Objectively, poverty is a severe economic and social problem with far-reaching impacts on individuals, communities, and society. It is well-documen...