...9 chapter current controversies and issues Introduction The Clash of Values in Social Policies Welfare Euthanasia Government: How Much Support for the Needy? Target Populations: The Struggle for Support The AIDS Epidemic The Homeless Welfare Recipients Professionalism in the Human Services The Role of Human Services Workers Whom Do Human Services Workers Serve? A Basic Reading and Thinking Skill Ranking American Values References 324 Human Services in Contemporary America - © Cengage Learning c u r r e n t c o n t r ov e r s i e s a n d i s s u e s 325 INTRODUCTION You may have gathered by now that the human services field is quite complex. Complete agreement regarding philosophies, methods, goals, services, funding, or anything else just does not exist nor, from our point of view, should it. There are times when controversies and differences are stimulating, healthy, and valid and lead to creative solutions. At other times, they are repetitious, meaningless, and destructive. Too frequently they consume time, energy, and resources that might better be used providing needed services. To this end, we highly recommend that students become familiar with the books in the Opposing Viewpoints series, published by the Greenhaven Press, that deal with issues of concern to human services workers. The purpose of this chapter is to present a sampling of basic controversies and issues in the field of human services that have not yet been resolved and may never be resolved...
Words: 8154 - Pages: 33
...being found. Embryonic stem cell research could provide solutions to medical illnesses that scientists and doctors have been searching for for years. However, certain belief systems argue that an embryo is a person, and destroying an embryo for research is murder. The essential question concerning stem cell research is summed up by this quote from President Bush, “"As I thought through this issue I kept returning to two fundamental questions," Bush stated in an address to the nation. "First, are these frozen embryos human life and therefore something precious to be protected? And second, if they're going to be destroyed anyway, shouldn't they be used for a greater good, for research that has the potential to save and improve other lives?"” (Update: Stem Cell Research). Embryonic stem cell research is a valid, ethical form of medical research that the United States should fund because it has the potential to cure many diseases, an embryo is not equivalent to a human being, the embryos used will be destroyed even without the research, and the United States will fall behind other nations in biomedical research progress. There are many medical problems that can be solved through stem cell research. The medical troubles that the research has potential to cure include, “heart disease, diabetes, cancer, strokes, breast cancer, arthritis, kidney disease, anemia, leukemia, deafness, burn, spinal cord injuries, limb amputations and neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's...
Words: 2739 - Pages: 11
...Burnout was initially identified in the human services field in the 1970’s but was not really taken seriously until it was identified as an occupational disease by Herbert Freudenberger and then even more so when Christina Maslach elaborated on its consequences in 1976. In the human services field today, it is imperative for the human resources department to acknowledge the fact that human service employees are a great resource and a process must be put in to place to protect them from the work-related stressors which lead to burnout. Factors that cause individual burnout include such things as personality, unrealistic career goals and or expectations. Aspects of the culture in general, along with a declining feeling of community, hindered expectations for the self-actualizing potential of work, and persistent competition, produces an atmosphere contributing to burnout. Organizational norms factors that contribute to burnout include a lack of variable management philosophies and approaches, lack of feedback, pervasive competition, and large amounts of controversy. Factors that lead to burnout in organizational roles include individuals who experience disagreements in expectations, unclear expectations, or work overload; a job with a lack of motivating potential, or has low self-determination. The failure to include key employees such as supervisors or managers in administrative plans or procedures also significantly contributes to burnout among supervisory staff. ...
Words: 750 - Pages: 3
...wants to know involves research. There are a few scientific approaches to test research and test data, but the scientific method is probably the most common one. Research also plays a vital role in the human services field. Research methods such as the scientific method helps human services professionals to make numerous informed decisions daily. A description of the scientific method research along with the definition, as well as the explanation of how it relates to human services research will be described in this paper. The terms quantitative, qualitative and mixed method research will also be defined as well as an example of when to apply mixed method research in the human services field. Scientific Method Scientific method is defined as the “principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). By hearing the word “science”, we instantly think of the natural sciences, such as biology, chemistry, geography, and such. Nevertheless, the field of human services is also a science, a social science. The scientific method is also usedto answer questions about human services field. The scientific method can help us understand anything from why refugies are being denied banefits to why the sexoffenders are realeased from prisions. The Steps In The Process Of Scientific Inquiry ...
Words: 1210 - Pages: 5
...Legislation Course Project Abstract Stem cell research while very important in the medical field has and continues to be a source of controversy. Over the years legislation in the United States has gone back and forth over what is deemed acceptable and ethical as it pertains to this research. Due to recent legislation the ability exists to realize the potential of this research both in the United States and globally. It would be in the best interest of humankind for this research to continue with allowance and funding from the government. According to the National Institutes of Health Resource for Stem Cell Research: Stem cells have the potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. Stem cells are distinguished from other cell types by two important characteristics. First, they are unspecialized cells capable of renewing themselves through cell division, sometimes after long periods of inactivity. Second, under certain physiologic or experimental conditions, they can be induced to become tissue- or organ-specific cells with special functions. Given their unique regenerative abilities, stem cells offer new potentials for treating diseases such as diabetes, and heart disease. (n.d.) Although these cells have these unique capabilities to possibly save lives, they are also the center of much controversy surrounding their usage. The debate on the ethicality of this stem cell research continues...
Words: 1583 - Pages: 7
...designed to help them or they are not eligible for basic services based on the criteria from the agency. They are left to depend on handouts from passerby and meals provided by the soup kitchen or shelter (Burger, 2008). This learner has been working as a mental health case manager for over three years. This learner lives about two blocks from a homeless shelter and a soup kitchen, which breaks her heart to pass everyday on the way home. This learner has observed the stigma and unfairness associated with the homeless population. From this learner’s work knowledge the single adult homeless population suffers from some form of severe and persistent mental illness. Psychological disorders have a propensity to prevent some individuals from carrying out indispensable aspects of every day life such as self-care, household management and interpersonal relationships. The relevance of this group's needs to the field of human service is that human service professionals can provide specific assistance to this group such shelter, food, counseling, rehabilitation and job skills programs. Emergency shelters offer immediate food and shelter. Human service professionals must become more familiar, compassionate and open to the homeless and how their society is negatively affected in all aspects of race, ethnicity, politically, educationally and socioeconomically. The controversies relevant to serving this group could be that human service providers may be...
Words: 407 - Pages: 2
...Table of Contents Abstract 2 Introduction 3 The Impact Medical Technology has on Religion 6 How Religion Will Respond Given Their Principles and Doctrines 7 The anti-aging therapies are raising controversies in science and religion 12 Conclusion 13 References 14 Abstract People figured out early on that living longer would be beneficial if they had the chance to do so. They would be able to spend more time with their friends and family, have more time in life to accomplish things they set out to do, and they could simply enjoy more of what life has to offer. This is a great mindset for anyone to have since life is a beautiful thing and worth living. With all of the advanced medical technology on this specific subject and the new findings that are constantly being done to prolong the human lifespan, we start to enter into the area of what is ethically right and wrong and wonder how much is too much? There are many different forms of medical treatment that can save someone’s life. This will vary from medicine to surgery and many things in between. Not everyone will agree on some of the techniques used, but most people understand why someone would want to save their life. Since people will try to save their own lives if they are dying, many scientists believe that there is no difference in trying to extend a life through medicine, or trying to create a life from another person through a cloning system. This is where the tables turn from helping mankind,...
Words: 3538 - Pages: 15
...correction of defects. (dictionary.com) Genetically modified foods are foods that have been altered to enhance certain traits for the purpose of making them more desirable to consumers. Since the development of this process, modified foods have become more common throughout the years, and with their increase in production there has also been great controversy. History of Genetically Modified Foods In 1994, the first genetically modified food the Food and Drug Administration deemed safe enough for human consumption was a tomato called the “Flavr Savr,” produced in California. The purpose of altering the tomato was for it to be resistant to rotting and decaying as quickly as tomatoes usually do. They were not labeled as being genetically modified and they were between two and five time more expensive than ordinary tomatoes, but consumers still purchased them. However, due to competition, brought on by a tomato made conventionally and with a longer shelf life, the Flavr Savr tomatoes were not profitable. Genetically modified tomatoes were then made into a tomato puree and sold in Europe in the mid-1990s, but a couple years later controversy arose over the concept of genetically modifying food. In 1998, a doctor from Aberdeen, in Scotland, published results from a research study he conducted suggesting that genetically modified potatoes, injected with an insecticide gene from the snowdrop plant, were toxic to rats. A year later it was announced that beginning in 1999, there were...
Words: 2724 - Pages: 11
...By Joanna Poppink, Student of Principles of Sustainability, UCLA Extension Joanna@poppink.com Los Angeles, CA The company and policy I'm looking at is AT&T Burning fossil fuels sends toxic emissions into the atmosphere which have a negative short or long term effect on humans (especially the vulnerable like infants, elderly, people with poor immune systems, pregnant women), animals, plants and more. These externalities are living beings who have no role in decision making, production or involvement with the business procedures of AT&T. Some, humans, however, may use the services of AT&T. Problems AT&T creates through its business practices affect humans, however, whether they work for AT&T or not. AT&T has set a sustainability program in motion designed to stop or seriously diminish activities that burn fossil fuel. The company is leveraging its massive size believing that it can reduce negative environmental impacts by using network-delivered application and services. In other words, the plan is to replace activities that have a high environmental impact with low-carbon activities and thus reduce harm to countless living systems who are affected by the toxins in the air and the growing greenhouse effect that is contributing to climate change that affects everyone and everything. This is being done by new programs and systems being introduced into the company nationwide. Examples: 1. Relying more on telecommuting so rather than employees traveling...
Words: 1030 - Pages: 5
...Jean-Marie Lux Biology 121 Stem Cell Research Paper September 12, 2012 Stem cell research is a relatively new field and has made huge advances in the past fifty years. The idea of stem cells was first made public by a Russian-American Scientist named Alexander Maksimov in 1908. However it was not until 1963 that two Canadian Scientists were able to actually demonstrate the existence of self-renewing cells found in the bone marrow of mice. The Scientists were James E. Till and Ernest A. McCulloch. So although Maksimov was the first person who put the idea of stem cells out there, it is really Till and McCulloch who are credited with proving that stems cells actually existed. Since Till and McCulloch, many Scientist have contributed to the huge advances in stem cell research. In 1968, the first successful bone marrow transplant was conducted on two siblings suffering from Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), a primary immune deficiency which typically results in the onset of one or more serious infections within the first few months of life. These infections are usually serious, and may even be life threatening. In 1978, the presence of Haematopoietic stem cells were discovered in human cord blood cells. Haematopoietic stem cells, are multipotent stem cells that give rise to all the blood cell types. In 1981, Scientist were able to derive embryonic stem cells from mice. One of the biggest advancements in all stem cell research came in 1997 when a link between...
Words: 1367 - Pages: 6
...Running head: WOMEN IN THE MILITARY Women in the Military: Controversy of Direct Combat Strayer University Women in the Military: Controversy of Direct Combat Section I: Introduction Women have been in the military, or associated with combat for decades. “The most famous example of the ability of a woman to not only be involved in combat but to lead forces is that of Joan of Arc's legendary battles leading the French army when she was just a teenager.”(Gerber 1) Women have been involved in espionage and even posed as male soldiers during the Civil War. Conflicts such as, WWI, WWII, Panama, and as recent as our current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan women have served with distinction in many ways. In our most recent conflict, over 100 military women have given the ultimate sacrifice. Today with changes in our society and the global environment in which we live two controversial arguments arise concerning women in combat. Basically the debate whether or not women should be allowed to participate in direct combat or not. As our society and cultural beliefs change so does what we except as social norms. Both sides of this argument bring many reasons for and against allowing women to participate in direct combat. Taking into account both views of this controversy it will show, that not only a social change has occurred, but the dynamics of the battlefield has in fact already placed female service members into direct combat. Section II: Opposition to Direct Combat...
Words: 2687 - Pages: 11
...David Kruft, Legal Research Assistant November 2001 I. Introduction The agriculture industry has traditionally been supportive of technological advancement, particularly in the field of genetic crop improvement.1 For decades, the industry has been mixing naturally the genetic traits of seeds in the search for particularly robust varieties. Genetically-modified (GM) seeds are a significant step forward in the production of agricultural crops. GM seeds are seeds that have been modified to contain specific characteristics such as resistance to herbicides (in the case of "Roundup Ready" products) or resistance to pests (in the case of Bt corn). But the method of modification used with GM seeds varies from the traditional method in an important respect: the genes have not been modified over generations of cross-fertilization, but rather inserted directly into the DNA of the seed.2 Although this method is more efficient, critics fear that the result — a "novel gene combination" — may have health or environmental impacts that are not being adequately addressed.3 As a result, the technology is surrounded by significant controversy. The reaction of farmers to this new technology has been mixed. Some farmers have quickly adopted the technology.4 Other farmers, mindful of the controversy surrounding GM products, have hesitated to use GM seeds as part of their agricultural operations. Farmers should understand both the benefits and concerns that are raised by the use...
Words: 3824 - Pages: 16
...was amended creating the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. The amendment clarified the definition of disability and expanded coverage to impairments that limit routine life activities. Significantly, the amendment holds that adaptive aides and conditions that are in remission or are mitigated by medical therapy have no bearing on disability determination (USAB 2011). This paper will explore the origins of the ADA, its history, some of the controversies that surround it, new thinking about organizational theory and future trends. History of the ADA The ADA can be traced to the work of Frank and Lillian Galbreth, pioneers in organizational psychology and ergonomics. During the early 20th century this husband and wife team evaluated motion studies that were first done by Fredrick Taylor (Morgan 1998). The Galbreths went beyond Taylor’s work of simply examining techniques used by high performers and established training methods based on their findings. They used the cutting edge technology of motion pictures to examine how the human body was used for work tasks. They then developed principles, settings and adaptive aides that make workers physical movements more safe and efficient. Their findings created what we now call ergonomics – the study of how workplace and equipment can be designed for comfort, efficiency, safety, and productivity. The Galbreths did much of their work during the First World War, when...
Words: 2276 - Pages: 10
...Nature and Purpose of Human Practice Sharneace Browne BSHS 301 University of Phoenix Abstract In the Human Services field, people are often faced with several ethical challenges dealing with various issues. People learn to practice professional skills within the Human Services Arena. There are man challenges that include systematic and programmatic approaches that effect ethical challenges. The research provide a verity of ethical and unique integration on many levels. These levels give a broad view of the impact that Human Services has on our communities and our nation. In the following pages I will discuss the past and present purposes of Human Service Practice's. The human services field has many facets that I will examine such as (1) history (2), goals that have been researched and (3) general practices. Including theoretical deliberations that are present, common intervention strategies that have been used and ethical considerations when counseling takes place. History of Human Services In the Human Services field professionals work together on helping individuals in the basic need of life such as health, clothing, food safety, health, and shelter. Human service professionals will also face mental and emotional issues."[pic]During the late 1950s and 1960s, there were[pic] several [pic]changes in the area of helping[pic] individuals [pic]in need. Populations like the[pic] substance abuser, [pic]unemployed, children in need,[pic] poor individuals, children in need, elderly...
Words: 1928 - Pages: 8
...Mediation and Advocacy Literature Review Alex Vasquez BSHS 442 September 21, 2011 Instructor- Barker The field of human services combines counseling, social work and psychology in one. Meditation is a step by step process in which agreements and disagreements are explored with individuals who have a conflict and try to reach an understanding of one another. A mediator is not there to create a solution but rather promote it and keep their parties engaged in problem solving. An advocate also works with clients but they side with the better half. They work with clients in order to help them negotiate on their own and also represent them during their conflicts. Linking mediation and advocacy to human services requires all three parties to be fully engaged in helping individuals. An advocate and mediator are instructed to help individuals during a conflict; this links them to human services because they are required to use their thinking skills as well as people skills to help them during their disagreements. Human service professionals are determined to find the equality in other individuals by helping them realize what the other half is expecting from the other person as well as carrying out many roles. Human services professionals negotiate just like mediators and advocates with their clients the purpose, goals, and nature of a helping relationship, all professionals are entitled to protect the client's rights by providing confidentially and maintaining a decent privacy...
Words: 957 - Pages: 4
