Conclusions: making decisions is tricky

There are many social problems and solving these is not straightforward. Indeed not everybody is in agreement as to what represents a social problem, how to prioritise them, and how to approach them. We can all play a role though. From the volunteer to the teacher or social worker, the researcher, and the politician. Being aware of social issues and approaching them with a critical mind is an important first step. Understanding the role we have in the process of addressing such problems and the limitations and opportunities presented by such a role, is key. A teacher can’t set national education policy, but they do deliver it and can endeavour to make sure that it is meaningful and tailored to the needs of their students.

On the flip-side, a politician can set policy, but has very little control over the individual interactions at the point of delivery. In terms of policy – tackling social problems, we are all in it together to some extent. Solving problems is not easy at all. A politician’s job is hard. So is that of a social worker. There is never enough money and money doesn’t solve everything. Far too often though it is possible to lose sight of the very problem that has been identified. The human being who is represented by a statistic. Two-and-a-half million food parcels over the last year means a lot of hungry children and is that acceptable in a wealthy country? On a wealthy plant?

The good news is that while there are no easy solutions, we can all help in some way or another. You may even make it a career! For all I have painted a picture of a country and world in which poverty exists; developments have occurred. Things have got better. Even in my lifetime extreme poverty has reduced considerably to the point where eradication is a genuine aspiration. And like I say, we can all play a role.