Social Problem – Favoritism: Impacts and Theoretical Perspective

Social Problem
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Introduction
Any behavior or condition that poses negative outcomes on a large number of people is referred to as a social problem. Social problems should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent grave consequences for innocent and undeserving people (Spector & Kitsuse, 2017). The most coherent social problem identified in the case is Favoritism. Favoritism is a negative behavior involving offering unfair treatment to a person or group at the expense of another person. For instance, in this case, Anderson demonstrated Favoritism by allowing Connie Maddox to occupy a new office with a window. According to the company's rules and regulations, such offices were only reserved for executives such as Patel. The essay will address Favoritism as a social problem, analyze the impact of the social phenomenon on a social problem, address the theoretical perspectives which best align with the problem, identify a social movement in response to the problem, and identify solutions.
Social Problem- Favoritism
Favoritism is one of the most destructive social problems in the world today. It greatly undermines society's integrity and creates a toxic environment in the affected areas, which could be the workplace and social institutions such as schools and health centers (Iacoviello & Spears, 2022). Favoritism can be either ingroup or out-group. Ingroup Favoritism entails offering preferential treatment to people with whom the person relates or identifies or with whom they come from a similar group (Iacoviello & Spears, 2022). For instance, Anderson and Connie Maddox have a lot of untold pasts with each other, about Connie said about having a lot of dirt against Anderson. Therefore, they identify with each other, making Anderson give her preferential treatment over Patel. Favoritism harms both personal and professional relationships. It kills trust and unity, destroying the social fabric that makes society whole. Consequently, Favoritism creates different and unequal outcomes for other groups that affect even the justice system. For instance, ingroup Favoritism in courts can massively affect straight decisions from judges.
Favoritism makes it impossible to steer high performance in any social institution based on integrity and strong character when the behavior, especially from leaders, demonstrates unfair and preferential treatment. According to Mutz and Kim (2017), One of the effects of Favoritism is a significant decline in performance, especially in workplaces. Organizations with a toxic culture due to Favoritism rarely attain their highest performance level. In such organizations, there exists distrust and spite among the members, which makes it impossible to recognize and acknowledge the high performers. Favoritism creates demotivated people. For instance, working so hard to receive a promotion at an organization and then getting hit by the fact that a colleague who seemed unbothered and lazy all the time got in the first person’s place just because they are friends with the management is likely to breed demotivation. Favoritism also creates conflict that never ends. The conflict stems f...