Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Child Abuse and Juvenile Delinquency
Child Abuse and Juvenile Delinquency
Child abuse
Each day, children are abused by various individuals - parents, relatives, teachers
and other adults. Many die because of this abuse, some are receiving protective
care, and others have been removed from their parents and are living with foster
parents, in institutions or with relatives or family friends. Child abuse happens in
many different ways - physical, sexual, emotional and neglect. Child neglect is the
most common form of child abuse.
Neglect is the failure to provide for a child's basic needs, endangering the child's
physical and psychological well-being. A child who is neglected is abandoned or left
alone, isn't fed, does not receive needed medical care, or may not be sent to
school.
Physical abuse includes striking a child with the hand, fist, foot or with an object,
burning, shaking, pushing or throwing a child, pinching or biting the child or pulling
his/her hair.
Any sexual act between an adult and a child is categorised as sexual abuse. It can
be physical, such as inappropriate fondling, touching and sexual penetration, or it
can be exposing the child to anything pornographic.
Signs of abuse
An abused child:
b. May be fearful, shy away from touch or wear a long sleeve to conceal wounds.
d. May have stained clothes, trouble sitting, swelling or bruises around the genital
region.
1. Parents or guardians.
2. Adults who have an ongoing sexual relationship with and have access to a child.
Divorce and single-parenting expose kids to men who do not have a biological or
long-term commitment to the youngster's well-being.
neighbours, friends.
Many abuse cases go unreported as the child is too afraid to talk. He/she may
worry that others will not believe him/her and will be angry if he/she tells. The child
may also believe that the abuse is his/her fault and may have been threatened by
the adult.
To help with the alleviation of child abuse, prospective and new parents must
prepare themselves for the role. Parenting is the most important job an individual
will ever hold and it must be taken on with utmost responsibility.
Juvenile delinquency
This is the broad term given to juveniles who commit crimes. Juveniles are those
who have not reached the age of 18, also considered the age of maturity. It is,
therefore, the social acts of juveniles that are defined and evaluated as deviant or
antisocial by legal or social norms. Delinquency can cover anything, from a small
crime such as running away from home, to serious crimes like felony, theft and
murder.
a. Emotional maladjustments
c. Peer pressure
Juvenile's correctional facilities are separate from the regular prisons. The main aim
is for correction, rather than punishment. Many rehabilitation programmes,
providing vocational training, have been developed. Foster homes, juvenile
2
protection laws and agencies are helping in the correction of delinquents and
maladjusted children.
Activity
5. Give THREE reasons why it is necessary to pass laws to protect family members.
6. Suggest ONE way in which parents and children may work towards reducing
indiscipline at home. Write a statement explaining why the way you have suggested
is likely to be successful.
Try to understand
the responsibilities
and consequences of
pre-martial sex
Discouraging early
dating
Abstinence, and
using birth control
and condoms
Child Abuse Child abuse may be Patterns of abusive Increasing the
the result of bribery, behaviour may economic self-
Child abusem, the force, threats ir result in the physical sufficiency of
physical and/or violence or mental families.
emotional abuse of impairment of the
3
Discouraging corporal
punishment and
a child by a parent, In many cases the other forms of
child or even death. violence.
guardian or any abuser was abused
other person as a child
Small children are Making health care
especially vulnerable more accesible and
Child abuse Substance abuse
to physical injury affordable,
includes sexual such as whiplash or expanding and
abuse, beating, and In some cases shaken infant improving
murder, neglect, abusers do not have
syndrome. coordination of social
which covers the education and
malnutrition, skills needed to raise services.
Abused children are
desertion and a child, thus,
more likely to Improving the
inadequate care for increasing the
experience identification and
a child. likelihood of abuse
generalised anxiety, treatment of
depression, truancy, psychological
Children who are ill,
shame and guilt, problems and alcohol
disabled or otherwise
suicidal and and drug abuse.
perceived as different
homicidal
are more likely to be
thoughts,or engage Providing more
the targets of abuse
in criminal activity, affordable child care
promiscuity, and and preventing the
In the family, martial substance abuse.
discord, domestic birth of unwanted
violence, children.
Providing inadequate
unemployment,
parental role models Prevention plans on
poverty and social
for future the family level
isolation are all
generations. include helping
factors that can
precipitate abuse parents meet their
basic needs,
identifying problems
of substance abuse
and spousal abuse
and educating
parents about child
behaviour, discipline,
safety, and
development.
Teaching children to
avoid, resist and
report abuse such
as:
1. Avoiding locations
of high risk,
especially when
alone
2. being confident
and assertive
3. resisting abuse by
screaming and
running away
4. telling trusted
adults about
attempted abuse or
excessively friendly
adults
4
Withdraw "this, the
Domestic Some of the factors
Divorce wise see as
Violence that trigger anger
"strength" but the
and arrogance are
Death egotists perceive as
Any incident of unfulfilled desires
"weakness"
threatening and expectations
Broken
behaviour, violence Spiritual or
or abuse Obsessions as well as homes/seperation
psychiatric
(psychological, addictions to lust,
counselling and
physical, sexual, greed and power
guidance is essential
financial or
emotional) between Unfaithfulness or
It may mean walking
adults, aged 28 and substance abuse
away, sometimes
over, who are, or
exercising
have been intimate Lack of respect unshakeable
partners or family
tolerance until such
members, Influence of the time when you are in
regardless of media a position to do
gender and better but, whatever
sexuality
you do, do it with
great tact and
humilty
Sanctions
Counselling
The Media
Drug Abuse Unhapiness, Addicts cannot Education is the first
loneliness, function as normal battle.
The use of illegal depression and crime members of society Children need to be
drugs or the misuse told at home and in
of prescription or Divorce, major They neglect or school about drugs.
over-the-counter illness, genetic and abuse their families
drugs may be inherited and eventually People need to be
require expensive aware of the effects
Some examples of Weak personality, treatment or so that they can
drugs abused are: peer pressure. hospitalisation avoid this problem
alcohol, ecstacy,
LSD cocaine Easy access and Escessive police Increase police
Depressant and anxiety resources are manpower and
Sedative Heroin, needed to fight powers to stop
Opium, narcotics, smuggling and dealers and to
marijuana dealing enforce the law
Activities
3. Give THREE reasons why it is necessary to pass laws to protect family members.
4. Suggest THREE ways in which parents and children may work towards reducing
indiscipline in the home. Write a statement explaining why the suggestions are
likely to be successful.
5. Outline THREE reasons for we have so many street children in our cities.
6
symptoms with it
Sexually STDs are most Health problems and The best way to
transmitted often caused by long-term consequences prevent STDs is to
diseases. (STD) viruses and from STDs tend to be avoid sexual
or Sexuality bacteria. more severe for women contact with others.
transmitted than for men.
infections (STIs) Can be spread Practise abstinence
through any type of Some STDs can cause or be in a
Vernal diseases. sexual activity pelvic infections such as monogamous
More than 20 involving the sex pelvic inflammatory relationship where
different STDs organs, the anus or disease (PID), which both sexual
have been the mouth. may cause a tubo- partners are each
identified. ovarian abscess. other's only sexual
An infection can The abscess, in turn, partner.
STDs affect men also be spread may lead to scarring of
and women of all through contact the reproductive organs, Delay having sexual
ages and with blood during which can result in an relations as long as
backgrounds, sexual activity. ectopic pregnancy, possible.
including children infertility or even death The younger people
The spread of STDs for a woman. are when they
Definition: has become more become seexual
common in recent Human papilloma virus active, the higher
Sexually years, partly infection, an STD, known the lifetime risk for
transmitted because people are as a cause of cancer of contracting an STD.
diseases (STDs) becoming sexually the cervix.
are infections that active at a younger The risk also
can be transferred age, are having Many STDs can be increases with the
from one person multiple partners, passed from a mother to number of sexual
to another and do not use her baby before, during partners.
through any type preventive methods or immediately after
of sexual contact. which would reduce birth. Correctly and
their chances of consistently use a
acquiring an STD. male latex condom.
However, condoms
STDs caused by are said to be only
bacteria include about 90% effective
Chancroid, in preventing STDs.
Chlamydia,
Gonorrhea Have regular
Lymphogranuloma medical check-ups
venereum, Syphilis even if you do not
have symptom of
STDs caused by an STD.
viruses. Genital
herpes, Gential Learn the
warts, Hepatitis B symptoms of STDs.
and D, HIV/AIDS
(human Avoid douching
immunodeficiency because it removes
virus) some of the natural
protection
STDs* caused by
fungi Vaccines against
HPV and Hepatitis B
Jock itch, Yeast are available and
infections effective.
STDs caused by
parasites: Public
lice or crabs,
Scabies.
7
Poverty Warfare Poverty as a social Share the benefits
problem is a deeply of economic growth
Poverty is the Natural disasters embedded wound that through an
lack of basic affects every dimension emphasis on more
human needs, Agricultural cycles of culture and society. widespread
such as clean employment.
water, nutrition, Droughts and Sustained low levels of
health care, flooding income for members of a Root out corruption,
education, community. which harms
clothing and Colonial history society as a whole.
shelter, because Lack of education,
of the inability to Corruption markets, health care, Broaden access to
afford them. This lack of decision-making education and
is also referred to Social inequality ability and lack of technology among
as absolute facilities like water, marginalised
poverty or Environmental sanitation, roads, groups, and
destitution. degradation transportation and especially among
Relative poverty communications. girls and women.
is the condition of
having fewer Poverty, especially the Improve
resources or less factors that contribute to government
income than it, is a social problem. capacity to provide
others within a universal access to
society or country, essential goods and
or compared to services, including
worlwide averages potable water,
affordable food,
primary health
care, education,
housing and other
social services.
8
Suicide Mental illness Suicide is a murder and Most people commit
a crime against society, suicide because
Suicide to kill Untreated mental against those that are they cannot see
oneself. illness includes near you, and against obvious solutions
depression, bipolar your own soul. that could have
It is the disorder, saved their lives.
intentional killing Schizophrenia and Many of us do not like to
of oneself. many others. think and seek solutions, Before deciding to
face obstacles and look die, think about all
This is believed to again for other ways to the possible and the
be the main cause achieve goals. impossible solutions
for the vast you have because
majority of suicides. The human being is sometimes, the
prone to easily impossible solutions
The death of a abandoning the battle are the only ones
loved one. from the beginning. We that actually work.
always like the easy way You never know
A divorce, out, which is not usually until you try it with
seperation, or the best way. all your heart.
break-up of a
relationship. We want to blame others Never give up on
for our problems instead life so easily.
A serious loss, such of trying to solve them.
as a loss of job, Start talking with
house or money. people, start
studying what
A serious illness. A interests you.
terminal illness or a
serious accident. You can find many
solutions for all
Loss of hope, being your problems and
victimised later you'll help
(domestic others too, showing
violenece, rape, them several points
9
assault, etc.)
Physical abuse.
Verbal abuse.
that they cannot
Sexual abuse.
see, but you do
because you have
Serious legal
been there.
problems such as
criminal prosecution
or incarceration.
Inability to deal
with a perceived
failure.
A feeling of not
being accepted by
family, friends or
society.
Low self-esteem
Activities
1. State one thing that all three topics discussed have in common, other than that
they are social issues affecting the family
4. Research on AIDS
6. Outline two causes of suicide and suggest solutions for these causes.
10
Causes or Solution/Dealing
Social Issue Consequences/effects
symptoms with the problem
Incest The perpetrator in It poses a serious mental Family and
the majority of health risk for many individual therapy.
This may be reported cases is a victims.
defined as sexual male adult, and Participation in
relations between most often the Depression, eating support groups
people who may victim is a young disorders, substance
not legally marry, girl. abuse, anxiety or Treatment is
especially between dissociative disorders essential if future
close relative. Disturbed family such as multiple problems in the
relationships personality disorder. lives of everyone
The crime of generate a shift in involved are to be
having such a individual It carries a very bad avoided.
relationship in responsibilities and stigma in the Caribbean
certain expectations that region. In Jamaica you There is a need for
jurisdictions. can lead to incest. may become known as a the victim to:
'family ram'. acknowledge and
A lack of spousal accept the
sexual activity is a The victim may face a occurrence of the
common preceding future characterised by incest; be able to
factor. emotional recount the act of
turmoil,diminished self- incest and so
esteem and impaired breakdown the
interpersonal feelings of isolation
relationships. and stigma
Self-determination
and behavioural
change to face life,
whatever the
problems.
11
When embarking on
Many are formed
alternative lifestyles, We all, as human
Alternative from incidental
there must be care to beings, have
Lifestyles with experences of
think of the possible inclinations to do or
regards to arousal.
ramifications and pain it not to do certain
family life
could cause to self and things but what
Experimentation
others if there is no counts is how we
Alternative
clarity of one's sexual respond to these
lifestyles can be Lifelong preferences
identity. drives by God's
defined as a mode
grace.
of living or doing According to
There can be
something in a Schmidt, biological
ambiguousness in the Abstain from sexual
way that is not factors as well as
choise of one's lifestyle encounters.
within the cultural and
when emotionalluy and
accepted norms or environmental
intimately involved with Not an easy
values. influences combine
others. Topic:
with one's moral
In this section climate, personal
Many alternative lifestyle WHAT ELSE CAN
we will be choices and
relationships have YOU THINK OF?
looking at family behavioural
existed until death while
lifestyles. experiences to form
some have ended in
the basis of one's
fighting, arguing and
Gay couples, lifestyle.
even death by domestic
lesbians and
violence.
homosexuals, Some people are in
Bisexuals, it for the money
They are tabooed in
Intersexual that it seems to
most Caribbean
generate.
countries and most of all
rejected by society and
family.
12
Family structure- It can affect the juvenile
Teaching children
size and the delinquent's family,
not to engage in
composition of future, and society as a
Juvenile delinquency.
family. whole.
delinquency
Providing clear
Parental and sibling Individuals blame
It refers to the rules for behaviour
deviance extent to government, the society
antisocial or that specify what
which parents and in which they live as
criminal activity of siblings engage in behaviours are
they believe crime is
a child below 18 crime and deviant unacceptable.
created by social
years of age and behaviour.
structures such as
which violates the Directly/indirectly
poverty and an
law. Such activties monitor children's
The quality of imbalance in the justice
are tired in behaviour to ensure
family relationship - system.
juvenile court and compliance with
emotional ties
juveniles are rules.
between family The cost of delinquency
sentenced a bit
members and how may be very high and
differently from Consistent sanction
well they get along these costs can be
adults. on children for rule
wit each other. measured in terms of
violations.
money spend and lost,
Offences may
Parental as well as moral costs to
include: underage Lax supervision and
socialisation, that a society.
consumption of discipline.
is, the extent to
alcohol, driving
which parents teach Government is forced to
without a license, Sanctions should
their children to pay more for increased
truancy from never be too harsh
conform or deviate. policing as well as the
school and or punitive.
costs of the entire
running away
Juveniles may be judicial system process
from home. Recommended
under strain due to such as prisons, juvenile
conflict associated homes and court trials. sanctions include
Assault, rape and impsoition of
with break-up
homicide. chores, clear
disrupts emotional Medical costs become
bonds and parental evident due to violent expressions of
property crimes supervision. dissapproval,
crimes and drug abuse.
are committed reasoning and time
when a juvenile out.
Many juveniles have Property theft and
uses force or the
no conventional role vandalism result in high
threat of force to Employ effective
models. costs in the public and
obtain the problem-solving
private sector.
property of techniques for
Juveniles more
another. resolving problems.
likely to be labelled Some of these factors
Get help if you do
as delinquents by include conflict within
Drug-related not know what to to
parents, friends and the family, a lack of
crimes involve do.
the society. adequate supervision
posession or sale
and/or rules, and a
of illegal narcotics. Many parents
Lack of parental distinct lack of parent-
frequently punish
supervision. child attachment,
Other common and threaten
instability, and poor
juvenile crimes punishment, but
Parents working all home life quality.
include: loitering, ineffectively and
the time. They
vagrancy, inconsistently
cannot manage the Inability to meet
vandalism and punish.
child. parental expectations
weapons
possession. Family counselling
Exposure to peers Out-of-home placements
who are delinquent. and inconsistent
Guidance at school.
discipline of the juvenile.
For identity and to
belong.
Sources
13
www.ehow.com
www.gladventist.org/lead/h-cress.htm
livelonger.readabout.net/alternative-lifestyle.html
CSEC Social Studies by Ivan Waterman and Janay fisher 3nd 2d. 2007
Activities
3. Explain THREE ways in which poor parenting styles may affect the behaviour of
juveniles.
14
Social Issue Causes/symptoms Consequences/Effects Solution
Human trafficking Economic
Trafficking is a violation
thrives where there empowerment
of human rights.
is a huge population, women worlwide.
Human growing urbanisation
Victims of trafficking
trafficking and poverty. Raise public
suffer from physical and
awareness of this
mental abuse as well as
The United Women are believed form of human
social stigmatisation.
Nations defines to be the most rights violation and
human trafficking vulnerable to being create public
They become isolated,
as: "The trafficked. outrage so that
losing ties with their
recruitmnet, people will be
former lives and families. discouraged from
transportation, Also, individuals
transfer, ages 10-35 who are using goods and
At the societal level, services provided
harbouring or impoverished,
trafficking undermines by traffickers and
receipt of persons uneducated or from
development efforts and recruiters.
by means of indigenous, ethnic
raises social and health
threat or use a minority, rural or
costs.
force or other refugee groups. International
forms of coercion, agreement on the
The ongoing abuses of types of sanctions
of abduction, of Many persons who
human rights and the to be given to
fraud, of lack access to
growing social and offenders.
deception, of the education and
economic inequality
abuse of power or meaningful
within and between
of a position of employment Law enforcement
countries has led to an and the judiciary
vulnerability or of opportunities are
environment in which
the giving or quite prone to being must act
many women have few agressively and
receiving of trafficked.
choices and resources,
payments or comprehensively
and are thus vulnerable to put an end to
benefits to achieve Diminished
to being lured, misled or this culture of
the consent of a opportunity for
forced into being
person having employment and the impunity and to
trafficked.
control over need for quich instil a real fear of
another person, wealth along with apprehension,
for the purpose of the opporunity for prosecution and
exploitation." travel also fuel conviction in
human trafficking. traffickers, their
agents and their
supporters.
Improved
immigration
policies and
security of borders
and the policing of
the seas.
This is a global
problem that
requires a global
solution.
15
Martial Individuals want Children whose parents The institution of
breakdown more from their divroce witness negative programmes for
marriage, and so are family interaction prior parents to educate
This refers to the more likely to end a to a divorce and also divorced parents
process whereby a relationship that experience many life on the importance
marriage they do not feel transitions and strained of maintaining
relationship satisfied with. familal relationships after positive parenting
between a mand divorce. during stressful
and woman Divorce is now eaier transitions so that
erodes, such that to attain. Children witness their negative effects on
they cannot parents fighting, parents' children may be
ordinarily restore The stigma once emotional ans mitigated.
their relationship. attached to divorce psychological states
has been reduced. deteriorating, and Most divorced
Here are three diminishing levels of individuals
kinds of martial It is said that the parental warmth, ultimately remarry.
breakdown: lower the age at affection and Most times this
divorce - the legal marriage, the higher supervision. divorce was caused
termination of a the rate of divorce. by infidelity.
marriage; Children change
seperation, in Martial breakdown is residences to Higher levels of
which spouses no also more likely if accomodate changes in social involvement
longer cohabit - the spouses have their relationships with generally are
this may be legal different social their parents, changes in associated with
seperation or backgrounds. parental employment, lessened
desertion; and remarriage and the attachment to the
empty-shell Martial breakdown formation of former spouse.
marriages, in occurs more stepfamilies. Less attachment
which spouses live frequently when one may facilitate
together and or both partners Many children suffer healthy post-
remain legally have certain from declining divorce
married while not occupations. Persons involvement of both adjustment.
enjoying all the whose jobs involve parents in their lives
previleges of frequent seperations after divorce. Marriages need to
marriage. from their spouses be worked on and
and more Parents may find it couples need to try
opportunites for difficult to maintain to not give up so
contact with the optimal parenting quickly and easily.
opposite sex are behaviours, such as Mandatory
likely to stray. monitoring their premartial
children's activities, counselling and a
Divorce rates providing warmth and mandatory
increase when support, and keeping counselling period
individuals are consistent rules alone prior to marriage
immersed in their after divorce. dissolution.
work and there is
low involvement with Children will play one Strengthening
their marriage. against the other. marriages by
various methods
Poor communication. Adults may plunge into such as high
Financial problems. another relationship school students
A lack of tohide the hurt they are taking martial
commitment to the feeling, which might turn preparation classes
marriage. out positive or negative. that include
A dramatic change in content on
priorities. Societal mores and communication
Infidelity. cultural beliefs strongly and conflict-
devalue divorced families resolution skills.
Addictions and in some countries.
substance abuse. Spending time with
Physical, sexual or spouse to get to
emotional abuse. know one another
well.
16
Include spouse in
all aspects of
shared life. Share
the same friends.
17
Divorce
Annulment
Desertion A court decree that
Legal separation
terminates a marriage;
The invalidation of
This is known as a also known as marital
A court-decreed a marriage, as for
wilful abandonment dissolution. non-
right to live apart,
of one's spouse, consummation,
with the rights
children or both, A divorce decree
and obligations of effected by means
without their consent establishes the new of a declaration
divorced persons,
and with the relations between the
but without stating that the
intention of parties, including their
divorce. marriage was
forsaking all legal duties and obligations
The parties are neevr valid.
obligations to them. relating to property that
still married and
they own, support
cannot remarry. Grounds for
responsibilities of either
annulment include:
or both of them, and
provisions for any
If one party had
children.
another living
husband or wife at
A couple can only
the time of
divorce if they have
marriage. (18)
beenmarried for at least
one year. Grounds for
Being forced or
divorce encompass what
threatened into
is termed irretrievable
marriage, mental
breakdown of the
incapacitation at
marriage.
the time of
They can prove
marriage,
irretrievable breakdown
temporary or
by establishing one or
permanent
more of the following
insanity,
'facts' for divorce:
intoxication at the
time of the
Adultery, desertion,
marriage.
separation for specific
years and unreasonable
Impotency and
behaviour.
incest. A person
whose spouse is
physically and
incurably impotent
during marriage
has grounds for
annulment, so long
as they were not
aware of th
eimpotency prior
to the marriage.
18
Understanding Social Problems
(NB. This will be looked at over a two-week period: issues such as teenage
pregnancy, street children, alternative lifestyles, substance abuse, juvenile
delinquency, sexually transmitted diseases, child abuse, poverty,
desertion, suicide, promiscuity, incest, domestic violence, care and concern
for the aged and those with special needs).
Poverty Index is a social concept that is defined as an income level below which a
person or family is said to be in poverty, that, is to be unable to afford basic
necessities, such as providing a home.
Undoubtedly we are all aware of the problem areas in our society. These glare at us
daily, as every day the newspapers print stories about such problems and the TV
stations are not in all cases discriminating against what they shows to us. We see
and hear of child abuse, domestic violence, neglect of our elderly and handicapped,
discrimination of all sorts, drug abuse and exportation, crime and delinquency,
poverty and promiscuity.
The word 'social' pertains to human relationships and the word 'problem' has been
defined as a perplexing question for which we seek an answer. If we should,
therefore, put these two words together, we see a social problem as undesirable;
we do not want them. A social problem can, therefore, be defined as a condition
involving human relationships that is considered undesirable by a large number of
people.
* The existing situation or condition is in conflict with one or more of the values and
norms of the society. It is therefore considered undesirable according to the values
of that society. There is a difference between what 'should' be and what 'is'.
* The problem must be large enough to affect the entire community or society,
directly or indirectly. Enough people are involved for the problem to disrupt the
normal functioning of the social system in some way.
* People must believe, feel that something can be done and that the situation
requires collective social action. Usually this belief in collective social action and its
effectiveness results in the development of some social movement. We have seen
in history such movements as the abolition of slavery. People organised for
collective action because they felt that something could be done about the problem.
19
'PROBLEM WITH SOCIAL PROBLEMS'
There are various attitudes displayed about social problems such as:
* Some persons feel strongly about the problem and work hard to alleviate it.
* Some are indifferent to the problem because it does not affect them directly.
* Some persons are strongly opposed to doing anything about the problem. They
like the situation the way it is and feels no real problem or threat exists. Many view
slums as a social problem, but others see slums as a profitable business.
* People believe that in reality, few social problems can be completely solved.
Some of us want the problem solved, but we do not want the solution to affect our
customary habits and relationship. A woman complains to the police that her
husband is physically abusing her, the police ask her if she wanted to press
charges, she said 'no, I only want you to talk to him'.
* Then there are those who believe that the problem will go away if people will just
leave it alone.
ACTIVITIES
* Make a list of some situations and conditions that you consider to be social
problems:
ACTIVITIES
* In what ways do you think that you might benefit from the study of the social
problems of your society?
* Do a content analysis of the mass media to determine which social problems are
discussed the most, and what collective action is taking place to help solve the
problem. What action would you
recommend?
20
SOME CONCEPTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
* Incest: Sexual relations between persons who are closely related by blood.
* Delinquent: One who does not conform to the laws of a society. The word
commonly refers to a juvenile offender, eighteen years of age or under.
Make an effort to start looking at the various social problems referred to in the
objective.
* Legal: Any substance, other than food, intended for use in the diagnosis, cure,
mitigation, treatment, prevention of disease in man or other animals.
* Illegal: Any narcotic: also any substance or chemical agent, exclusive of food,
employed for other than medical reasons to obtain a given physiological effect or to
satisfy a craving.
ABUSE
DRUG ADDICTION
The body begins to require increased quantities in order to experience the same
effects, until eventually it needs the drug merely to feel 'normal'.
NARCOTICS
* Opiates: which includes heroin, codeine, opium and morphine. Opiates depress
the nervous system slowing down bodily processes, relieving physical pain, relaxing
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the muscles, inducing drowsiness and producing a sense of well-being and
contentment.
* Hallucinogens
LSD, PCP, mescaline, DMT, STP and DET. The physical effects of these drugs
include dilation of the pupils and an increase in blood pressure, temperature and
pulse rate. Nausea and feelings of numbness or being cold may also occur. These
drugs alter the individual perceptions. A mild form of this drug is marijuana. This
drug causes a slight increase in heartbeat and reddening of the whites of the eyes.
It affects the perception, memory and thought processes.
* Depressants
Barbiturate; these are sedatives, such as seconal and nembutal, sleeping pills,
tranquilisers, and alcohol use to induce sleep, relieve anxiety or produce a feeling of
drunkenness. These drugs relax the nervous system, slow down the heart rate and
lower the blood pressure. Large doses can produce slurred speech, lack of co-
ordination, confusion and sometimes anger and irritability. An overdose results in
death.
* Stimulants
Amphetamines (diet pills, cocaine, pep pills and ganja). These are stimulants, they
provide relief from fatigue, produces feelings of elation and bring on both mental
and physical alertness. The heart and metabolism speed up. Examples are caffeine
found in coffee, tea, and Cola drinks and nicotine found in tobacco.
USES OF DRUGS
* Drugs may be used for medical purposes. When this is done, drugs can be very
beneficial to such users. Drugs are beneficial in ways such as:
a. To prevent infection
d. To aid in surgery
f. For the control of chronic disorders and disease such as cancer, diabetes, heart
disease and epilepsy.
* Drugs may also be used for social purposes, such as to be accepted into certain
groups.
* Drugs may be used as an attempt to escape from personal problems, and even
from reality.
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DRUG ABUSE OR MISUSE
* Abuse happens when substances are used for the wrong reason e.g. sniffing
gasoline or cocaine to feel high.
* When some substances are used in large quantities and maybe too often e.g.
alcohol
* The individual individuals who abuse drugs have been found to be in poor
physical health, to be poorly adjusted psychologically, and to be exposed to illegal
drugs:
* The drug drug abuse is highest in societies in which abusable drugs are readily
available, attitudes toward drugs are lenient and medical personnel are lax in
prescription habits.
* curiosity
* peer influence
* acting on a dare
* boredom
* accidental use
Available data on drug abuse in the Caribbean indicate that the drug abuse problem
is growing. One indicator of the growth is the increase in quantity of illegal drugs
reported seized, especially marijuana and cocaine in Jamaica.
* The drug may cause damage to the heart, liver, brain and chromosomes.
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* A shortening of life expectancy or death.
* Drug users may lose incentive for work, school or play, companionship of friends.
* This may result in family relationship problems, work absenteeism, loss of job.
* Drug abuse inevitably leads to economic problems since the drugs abused can be
very expensive.
* The community has established laws and law enforcement agencies and provides
educational programmes to prevent and reduce the abuse of drugs. In many
Caribbean countries public and private agencies and organisations are set up to
establish campaign, educate the public and rehabilitate and treat drug users. In
Jamaica examples are "Alcoholics Anonymous" and "National Council on Drug
Abuse".
* Sources available to help people with drug problems include school guidance
counsellors, nurses, doctors, psychiatrist, priest.
* It is important that teenagers resist peer pressure and acquire appropriate social
relationship.
* Those who have already started using drugs you need to seek help, those who
want to start take this advice:
Orpheil Dennis
ACTIVITY
1. "The increase in substance abuse reflects society's failure to care for its young."
a. List three types of drugs/substances that some young people in the Caribbean
abuse. 3 marks
b. State three causes of the abuse of drugs among young people. 3 marks
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c. Explain three effects that drug abuse among young people may have on the
society. 6 marks
d. Suggest, with reference to the Caribbean, three measures that can be taken to
stop the increase in drug use.
5 marks
Total 20 marks
Maureen Campbell
Contributor
CHILD ABUSE
* Psychological such actions as ridicule, humiliation, 'You are good for nothing',
"yuh behave just like your wutless pupa" and many such verbal abuse are hurled at
children constantly. These damage one's ego and the social esteem that that
individual places on him/herself.
* Emotional neglect This is where caregivers fail to meet children's needs for
affection and emotional support. No time or not enough time is spent socialising
with children, showing them love, understanding and the support everyone needs,
that of knowing that someone loves and cares for you.
* Physical neglect Often times children are deprived; they do not receive enough
food, clothing, medical care or supervision. They spend hours alone at home and at
times, this loneliness causes them to search for friendship in the wrong places.
Many parents have to leave home each working day to 'make ends meet', obviously
gambling with the safety of their children. Children may also, on the other hand, be
left with persons ill-equipped to deal with the needs of somebody else's child. Some
mothers may even abandon their children because they have become a hindrance.
According to B.A. Rohlehr and K. Seepersad, most women who abandon their
children are often unmarried, unemployed mothers between the ages of 16 and 25.
* Physical abuse This is defined as assaults on children that produces pain, cuts,
welts, bruises, burns, broken bones and other injuries. Some parents may inflict
severe punishment and wounds on their young children because of emotional
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stress, frustration with life or simply because they are unable to cope with the
problems of child rearing. Some examples from Trinidad in 1975 include:
a. A four-year-old boy had his head dipped in a pot of boiling water by his father.
b. An eight-year-old boy was severely burnt with a hot iron on the buttocks for
stealing milk and sugar.
* History of abuse as a child, it has been said that a person who grows up with
abuse will in turn abuse his or her children.
* The belief in harsh, physical discipline "Don't spare the rod and spoil the child".
So the rod of correction may be used mercilessly, as a corrective disciplinary
measure.
* Not being able to satisfy unmet emotional needs because of the child.
* A child's behaviour can cause him/her to be abused, such as a child with difficult
temperament, inattentiveness and over-activity, and also developmental problems.
* Poor attendance at school, unhappiness most of the time, the fear of being too
close to other people so causing physical contact. Withdrawn and afraid to take part
in some discussions.
* Signs of physical abuse, cuts, bruises, welts and child suffering from excessive
pains when touched by someone.
* It can lead over time to learning and adjustment problems, such as academic
failure, severe depression and difficulties with peers, substance abuse, and
delinquency.
* It can impair the development of empathy and sympathy, self-concept and use of
social skills.
* Low self esteem, high anxiety, self-blame and attempts to escape; usually the
escape route is suicide.
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CAN CHILD ABUSE BE PREVENTED?
* To minimise the possibility of child abuse occurring, it is vital that young people
understand the importance of building a positive self-concept, selecting a career
and developing a stable relationship before choosing a partner in marriage.
* Successful prevention of child abuse requires efforts of the family, community and
societal levels.
* There are groups such as the Child Guidance Clinic, Counsellors/Social Workers,
British save the Children Fund, The Rape Unit, VOUCH, Children Services Division:
Ministry of Education and Culture and the police. These groups are dedicated to the
prevention and treatment of abused children. These groups also provide support to
child abusing parents.
* The Family Court is involved in all sorts of problems which may arise in a family
and which need expert attention. Other projects to meet children's needs include
day-care centre, children's homes, local sponsorship for needy children, children's
libraries, theatres, playgrounds and holiday camps.
Sexual abuse is committed against children of both sexes, generally the abuser is a
male, a parent or someone the child or parents know well. Abusers usually choose
children who are unlikely to defend themselves, physically weak, emotionally
deprived and socially isolated. The child is made through deception, bribery,
intimidation or physical force to take part in vaginal or anal intercourse (buggery),
oral genital contact, fondling and the stimulation of the adult genitals.
CONSEQUENCES:
The child has a low esteem, mistrust of adults, sleeping difficulty, loss of appetite,
fearfulness and depression.
TEENAGE PREGNANCY
Early childbearing imposes hardships on two generations, adolescent and the new-
born baby. Teenage parents have not yet established a clear sense of direction for
their own lives; therefore the following problems may develop for teenage parent.
* Giving birth before age eighteen reduces the likelihood of finishing high school.
* They tend to have marital problems and often have additional out-of-wedlock
births in quick succession hoping to get a better chance next time. Many of these
parents find themselves with children for even five different fathers. They may tend
to abuse whose father is not 'minding' them.
* Teenagers' babies, because of not receiving early prenatal care, might have
complications and low birth weight. Some teenagers tend to hide their pregnancy
as long as possible for fear and so do not get the first months of prenatal care. It is
also evident that some refuse to attend clinic because of the comments, sneers and
poor attitudes they experience from others.
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* Many teenage pregnancies end up in abortion or miscarriages, bodies not ready,
poor care of the bodies, or parents or the baby father might be willing, influential
and able financially to terminate an unwanted pregnancy.
* Sex education In schools and via the media, creative discussions and role-
playing. This should start at an early age, so as to curb the mind against sexual
indulgence at too early an age.
* Promoting the value of abstinence. A phrase I often use in my class, "If you don't
indulge you won't bulge."
JUVENILE DELINQUENCY
These are children or adolescent under the age of 18 who engage in illegal acts.
Delinquency takes place when a person under 18 years old commits a felony or
misdemeanour.
SOME CAUSES
* Poor temperament
* Although many factors are related to delinquency, one of the most consistent is a
family environment low in warmth, high in conflict and characterised by
inconsistent discipline.
* Poverty stricken neighbourhoods with high crime rates also can promote
adolescent law breaking.
Parental supervision, counselling, reform centres and media and school influence.
ACTIVITY
Write a letter to the Prime Minister of your country listing ten social problems that
you are acquainted with, outline to him the cause of three of these problems and
inform him of some of the consequences of these social problems. Finally, make
three practicable suggestions that could be implemented to reduce these social
problems in our society.
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The dark face of SUICIDE
AS CARIBBEAN citizens we are all aware of the many problems in our society. Every
day newspapers print stories about rape, abuse, drug-related crimes, delinquency,
suicide, among other topics.
1. There is a conflict between what people think 'should' be and what 'is'.
3. People feel that something can be done about the problem through collective
social action.
WHAT IS SUICIDE?
Suicide is taking one's life, the intentional taking of one's life, committing 'self-
murder'. Suicide represents a problem - not only for the relatives and friends of the
victims, but also the society.
2. Why don't some people do it when faced with similar problems that may have
pushed others to commit suicide?
3. Why does the rate of suicide vary from place to place, group to group and among
age groups?
Emil Durkheim, a sociologist who studied suicide, its causes, effects and the
statistics, concluded that there are varying elements in society that causes suicide
such as:
* Religion He found that suicide was higher amongst Protestants than among
Catholics.
* The extent of social attachment or social integration. In the book Sociology: the
Study of Human Relationships, by Thomas and Anderson, it is explained that the
less integrated into society the individual is and the more he is thrust into his own
ego or self, the more likely he or she is to commit suicide.
* Single people, older people and people without a strong involvement in a religious
group had higher rates of suicide.
* Durkheim concluded that single people had higher suicide rates than married
ones.
* That married but childless people had higher rates than those did with children,
that city people had higher rates than those living in the rural areas.
* Men had higher suicide rates than women; and that soldiers had a higher suicide
rate than civilians.
The main point about suicide is that because the victim is dead it is difficult to get
first-hand information. Of course, you can try to interview potential suicides, or
relatives and friends of suicides, or based your information on attempted (failed)
suicides. Potential suicides are difficult to identify relatives and friends are often
reluctant to co-operate and the population of attempted (failed) suicides is
markedly different from the population of actual suicides.
It is believed that the following listed factors might be some of the causes of
suicide, as we cannot be sure that any one specific factor was the cause of a person
committing suicide.
PREVENTATIVE STRATEGIES
2. Do a content analysis of the mass media to determine which social problems are
discussed most.
3. As a social welfare officer you have been invited to speak to parents on the topic
'Suicide and the Family'. Write a speech, giving the meaning of the terms social
problems and suicide. Identify the factors that may/can lead to suicidal tendencies.
Explain the problems associated with suicides and suggest what should be done to
reduce the suicide rate in our society.
THE HABITUAL use of drugs is a threat to the individual, chiefly because of the way
they affect the nervous system and interfere with perception. The arrests for drug
violations have seemingly increased more than any other single violation over the
past few years. The kinds of drugs commonly used today are - opiates,
hallucinogens, barbiturates and amphetamines.
There are a number of drugs that produce a state of addiction, which include
heroin, opium and morphine. The body develops a need for this drug after repeated
dosages. The body begins to require increased quantities in order to experience the
same effects, until eventually it needs the drug or is withdrawn at this point an
acute illness "may" occur.
Not all drugs, however, are addictive, Marijuana, for instance, is not a
physiologically addictive drug, although it can produce a psychological dependency.
Nicotine is the active ingredient (drug) in tobacco. Again, it affects the central
nervous system, first exciting then depressing it. This drug causes changes in
moods.
Cigarette smoke contains many irritants in addition to nicotine, which affect lung
tissue. These irritants stimulate cells in the lung to produce an excess of mucous,
which then interfere with gaseous exchange, particularly the update of oxygen from
inspired air.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol (ethanol) is the drug found in popular alcoholic drinks. It has many effects
on the body both in the short and in the long term. In large quantities alcohol
passes directly into the bloodstream. It circulates around the body and affects the
thinking and learning areas of the brain that control activities that require alertness
and concentration. Some activities, for example, driving, are carried out less
effectively.
The parts of the brain that control the functioning of the kidney and blood vessels
are also affected. The blood vessels near the skin expand and the person feels
warmer, actually the body temperature falls. Alcohol impairs muscle co-ordination
and the effect on the brain function could certainly affect judgement.
PHENOBARBITONE
Barbiturates - these are used as sedatives to induce sleep and to counteract the
effect of over-stimulation from other drugs. These are depressant which affect the
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central nervous system, peripheral nerves, muscles including heart muscles and
various tissues. By relaxing the nervous system it slows down the heart rate and
lowers the blood pressure. Large doses can produce slurred irritability. An overdose
results in death.
OPIATES
HALLUCINOGENS PSYCHEDELICS-
This drug induces subjective changes in the user sense of space, time and self
example. Are LSD, DMT, STP, DET and Mescaline. Hallucinogens affect the
* Alters individuals perceptions, colours seem more brilliant and objects take on
increased depth.
* Emotional effects ranging from an impassive calm to rage. He/she may laugh and
cry in rapid succession.
A mild hallucinogen most widely used is marijuana. Part of the hemp plant,
marijuana is usually smoked. The physical effects include a slight increase in the
heartbeat and a reddening of the whites of the eyes. Its main effects are to the
perception, memory and thought processes. It distorts perceptions of time and
space, producing a relaxed state, heightened sensory awareness and a loss of
inhibitions.
AMPHETAMINES
These are stimulants. They provide relief from fatigue produce feelings of elation
and bring on both mental and physical alertness. The heart and metabolism speed
up. As it wears off the user feels restless, tired and depressed. Known as "pep
pills", "diet pills" or "bennies", the drug is usually taken in pill form.
Methamphetamine "speed" is often injected for a quick powerful boost.
Some drugs that the mother takes can easily travel from her blood into the foetus.
This is especially dangerous in the first three months of pregnancy while the blood
system is just starting to develop.
Mothers who smoke are more likely than non-smokers to lose their babies in a
miscarriage, have abnormalities of the placenta and produce smaller babies. Alcohol
may also damage the developing baby if the mother drinks during pregnancy. The
best advice to a mother to be is do not drink, smoke or use drugs, especially in the
first three months of pregnancy.
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SOME REASONS WHY PERSONS TAKE DRUGS
* When person's friends take drugs, the person is put in a position where it is very
likely that he/she will try what is seemingly doing his/her friends no harm.
* Experimentation
* Availability
Our society permits the use of alcohol for general consumption for persons over the
age of eighteen. One also needs a license to sell alcohol. This is done although it is
known to be habit forming and can be dangerous if abused.
Negative social attitudes toward drugs tend to alienate from society the person
using them. Users and sellers are branded as criminals and arrested if caught in
possession of banned substances/drugs.
ACTIVITIES
* What are the four kinds of drugs and how does each affect the user?
* Discuss the tendency today for teenagers to "experiment" with various drugs.
What are the basic reasons why teenagers try drugs? What are the dangers
involved?
THE SYLLABUS requires that we look at the following social problems and issues
such as teenage pregnancy, street children, alternative life styles, substance abuse,
juvenile delinquency, sexually transmitted diseases, child abuse, poverty, desertion,
suicide, promiscuity, incest, domestic violence, care and concern for the aged and
those with special needs.
We should be able to state the reasons why they occur; problems encountered and
suggest ways in which they may be solved.
Undoubtedly we are all aware of the many problems faced by the members of our
society daily. These glare at us daily, as every day the newspapers print stories
about such problems and the TV stations are not in all cases discriminating against
what it shows to us. They make it clear that we have problems, which might be
causing them in some cases and if possible may even give suggestions.
We see and hear of child abuse, domestic violence, neglect of our elderly and
handicapped, discrimination of all sorts, drug abuse and exportation, crime and
delinquency, poverty and promiscuity. The media also try to highlight through
advertisement the effects of these social problems on society.
33
WHY STUDY SOCIAL PROBLEMS?
To develop a proper perspective toward social problems. Such a person will be calm
and be able to view the situation comprehensively, knowing that the history of
mankind has always been plagued with social problems.
Societies are constantly changing. Enlightened persons should take social problems
in stride and attempt to do what they can to alleviate the situation.
POVERTY
Poverty refers to any situation in which an individual or group possesses less than
some standard of living which has been defined as acceptable. This standard may
be determined on the basis of the material condition of other persons or groups in
society, or it may be based on a measure of the gap between what is possessed
and some objective indicator of basic human need. In Jamaica assessment of the
extent of poverty is based on an absolute rather than relative measure of poverty.
This means that a person is considered poor if he/she cannot meet his/her basic
requirements rather than whether or not he/she has as much as someone else.
CAUSES OF POVERTY
In many parts of the world poverty is caused by a scarcity of food and goods
Many persons in the society do not have the financial resources to purchases goods.
Many upper and middle-class people receive subsidies from the government far in
excess of anything paid out to the poor in welfare payments, and the vicious cycle
of poverty continues.
CAUSES OF POVERTY
It is believed that certain social categories appear to have a greater risk being
poorer than others are. Those that seem more vulnerable to poverty in Caribbean
societies are the old, the sick and disabled; large families and single parent; the
unemployed and the insecurely employed low-wage earner.
34
Single parent families, whether caused by desertion, death, divorce or choice seems
to form a major part of those in poverty. Studies have shown that many of our poor
are those families without a male breadwinner.
Sickness and disablement of one parent, in an era where medical care can be
financially demanding, this can have very serious implications for families near the
poverty margin/line.
There are also other circumstances through which a person may become poor such
as famine, disease, outbreaks of war, too many people living in the urban areas,
fewer jobs, hurricanes and other natural causes. Outbreak of crime in the country
or even taxation burdens are other concerns.
People argue that individuals can bring poverty on themselves because they lack
initiative and are lazy. Many persons have adopted/created a culture of dependency
and the number of the people in our population who expect the state and taxpayers
to support them may have increased over the years.
1. That many person living in poverty do want to work, but are unable to get jobs
because of physical disabilities, discrimination in hiring practices, or a lack of
adequate training or education?
2. That the movement of people from rural to urban areas in search of economic
settlements is strongly responsible for urban poverty?
4. That there are more poor persons in Kingston and St. Andrew, than there are in
other parishes in Jamaica?
Answer TWO questions from this section. All answers MUST be in complete
sentences.
1. Diagram
35
a) i) What is meant by the term "poverty"?
ii) State TWO factors that may be responsible for a family's condition of poverty? (3
marks)
c) Refer to the diagram above. Write TWO statements for Stage 2, TWO statements
for stage 3 and TWO statements for stage 4, that would explain how 'poverty is a
vicious circle'. (6 marks).
For example, one may think of race prejudice as a fixed idea that some other race
than one's own is inferior or possesses undesirable qualities. (racial ethno-centrism)
Apartheid The South African name for the government policy of racial segregation
and political and economic discrimination against non-Europeans.
Minority group A group subject to low status and discrimination from the group
or groups with higher status. Minority groups may be the numerical majority as is
the native African in South Africa.
Racism A belief that one's race is by nature superior to all others and should be
treated more favourably. It refers to all aspects of prejudice and discrimination
based on racial differences.
Stereotype A mental picture that regards one member of a group as having most
or all of the characteristics of other members; any mental picture that fails to
consider that members of a group differ from each other in many important ways.
Any person or groups holding an opinion not arrived at objectively or openly, but
rather through stereotype is said to be prejudiced. An individual may be good,
noble, generous, kind, and helpful, but may be rated by the image of his particular
race, religion or nationality rather than by an assessment of his individual
characteristics.
* intermarriage
* job competition
* loss of political power
* special privileges
* decline of social status
36
Prejudice may become evident by association in any of a number of forms.
* Occupational
* Economical
* Legal
* Political
* Social
Parents may instil prejudice acquired to their children. Refuse to let their children
play with youngsters of another race. Tell their children about the inferiority and
peculiarity of the other groups.
Children do not have the chance to judge for themselves, for they are sheltered
from contacts and indoctrinated with their parents' prejudices.
* Discrimination
* Bias
* Unequal power
* Racist attitude
DELINQUENCY
Delinquent One who does not conform to the laws of a society. The word
commonly refers to a juvenile offender, 18 years of age or under.
In legal terms a juvenile delinquent is a young person under a stated age who has
been judged delinquent by some court for illegal or offensive conduct.
Juvenile delinquency may begin in pranks which seem innocent to boys and girls
also:
ACTIVITIES
Question 1
Read the statement below then use the following guidelines to write your essay.
"There is a need for a breakthrough which will not only destroy prejudice and
eliminate unfair discrimination against disabled people in employment, but will also
set in motion a positive approach to their real problems."
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* What is prejudice and how does it develop?
* Describe three forms that prejudice can take.
* Discuss ways in which a "breakthrough" can come to reduce prejudice.
Question no. 2
Anonymous
(a) Name three ways in which prejudice may be shown other than by sneers, jeers
and laughter.
(b) State three ways in which we can assist in reducing or eliminating prejudice.
(c) Suggest three forms of prejudice, other than racial prejudice that exist in
society.
(e) What happens to a victim of prejudice when the prejudice is not addressed?
MORE THAN ever before the elderly are becoming a significant proportion of our
society, from various means, and their numbers are expected to grow. The
Caribbean seems to be a Youth oriented society as it has a young population. In
this type of society the elderly might often find themselves ignored or pushed aside.
It seems as if there exists ambivalence toward ageing and the elderly.
The common age in the Caribbean used to define one as elderly is sixty-five (65).
This is so because it has become convenient socially and is used by demographers
and census takers. In Jamaica sixty-five is the official retirement age for males and
sixty for females. These ages determine when one receives social security and
other financial benefits.
3. Life expectancy has thus increased as modern medicine introduced vaccines and
antibiotics which have helped to control diseases that could devastate large
numbers of the population.
4. It is also felt that birth rates fall as some of us consider children an economic
liability rather than an economic asset.
5. In some Caribbean countries emigration has been the major factor accounting for
an ageing population, also a crude birth rate facilitates an
ageing population. (This is true of Montserrat).
38
BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT THE ELDERLY!
Prejudice and discrimination against the elderly are referred to as ageism. This may
take various forms such as:
This results in an uneasiness and fear on the part of the young and middle aged.
They may develop a fear and dislike of growing old and the aged (gerontophobia).
There is distaste for growing old, contracting disease, becoming disabled, and a
great fear of powerlessness, 'uselessness' and ultimate death.
The association of old age with 'problems' is itself problematic. There is evidence
that others tend to see the elderly as having more problems than they do
themselves. However for some 'old people' real issues of poverty, status, power
and isolation occur.
3. Widowhood Widowed individuals must contend with loneliness and the loss of
sexual involvement. According to (Schulz 1978) research shows that widowed
individuals must eventually break with the past, readjust to a new environment,
and form new relationships if they are to overcome their grief.
4. Health problems Health problems can be severe for the aged but many older
people are in good health and lead full, creative, and satisfying lives. Eyesight and
hearing begin to decline. Various organs no longer operate as efficiently as in
youth, and it takes longer for the body to recover from illness or trauma. The
body's immune system is not as effective as before. The skin wrinkles, the body
tires more easily and quickly, it becomes less erect, and the bones weaken.
5. Economic Finance remains a significant problem for the aged. Many just live
above the poverty level and do not qualify for certain public assistance programs.
Retired minority workers and women are more likely to be poor in old age. High
rates of unemployment during prime years, lack of private pension plans, and lower
than average wages when thy did work leave them with few financial resources.
6. Death - Everyone will die but the aged see their friends and family die, as they
enter seventies, they know life could end soon.
39
STOP AND THINK: WHY?
* Neglected old people often die alone in hospitals or nursing homes far away from
family and friends. In our 'youth-conscious' society, why are so many in the over 65
group, condemned to loneliness and idleness.
* We have not developed new ways of using their skills and experience after they
have left the labour force.
* Some elderly persons who remain in the work world often experience a degrading
of occupational status.
* Physical disabilities and new developments in technology often make them unable
to compete with younger men and women for the jobs they once held.
* Most of our elderly are institutionalised in homes far distant from friends and
families.
As people live longer, finding useful and satisfying roles for the aged will become a
greater problem in our society. New ways must be found to make the later years of
life a productive and enjoyable as youth and adulthood.
The immediate issue is to help the elderly to deal with their material and human
problems without patronising them, or seeming to regard them as a 'problem' in
themselves.
2. Training programs, which utilise the older workers skills and experience to teach
younger workers as a possibility as not, all they know will eventually become
outdated.
3. Senior Citizens, Golden Age Clubs, and other organisations for the elderly should
be developed as places to socialise and meet others, as the elderly it is argued
seem to prefer the company of their own generation.
5. Make health care affordable or where possible give discount or free service to
those who are indigent in our society.
6. Government should at all times increase social welfare and pension in relation to
inflation in the society.
7. One American argues that nothing but a reordering of work, education, the
family and other major institutions will bring the old out of their redundancy and
isolation back into the mainstream of society. We need to believe that it is valuable
for the old to be involved with us and we with them. This would have to include a
willingness to face with them the problem that ultimately comes to all our own
deaths.
ACTIVITIES
2. What types of programs and activities are provided especially for the
elderly in your community?
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3. Demographers have indicated that in many countries, more people now than
before are living into old age.
Source
Understanding People and Social Life, H. Paul Chalfant and Emily Labett Sociology,
Paul H. Landis
I ENTERED the classroom, rather studio, with enthusiasm beyond description: again
this was social studies class and you had to use your imagination. Well, we were on
WZY 98 FM (Tacky's Radio Station) with host Esmeralada (our teacher) conducting
a discussion on 'child abuse'. She had two of the upper fourth form classes blazing.
Of course I was not to be left out as I was among the panel as a parent, a
classmate as an abuse victim, Guidance Counsellors posing as Inspector Crawford
and Doctor Icilida McDonald from the Child Guidance Clinic. The main aim of the
discussion was to complete one of the elements of social problems and issues
associated with the syllabus.
Dr. McDonald in her opening speech stated that child abuse takes the following
forms: Sexual abuse adults making sexual comments, fondling and even having
sexual intercourse with a minor a person under the age of full legal responsibility
which is 18 years old. Physical abuse defined as assaults on children that produce
pain, burns, laceration and other signs of harsh beatings. Emotional neglect where
caregivers fail to meet children's needs for affection and emotional support.
Psychological such actions as ridicule, humiliation, these damage one's ego and the
social esteem that individuals place on themselves. Physical neglect often times
children are deprived, they do not receive enough food, clothing, medical care or
supervision.
Inspector Crawford in his speech described psychological and sexual abuse as the
most destructive forms. In these cases, he stated, children feel frightened,
confused and guilty and are usually pressured into silence. Additionally the
Inspector stated that when adults are on the wrong side of the law, they usually
have reasons to say why it happened. Some of which are: 1) History of abuse as a
child.
We were notified of some of the signs of child abuse; although I doubt that any
victim of abuse would want to be discovered. Imagine being sexually abused by
your stepfather and uncle in a locked room and living with it for about 7 years!
Among the signs of child abuse are: poor attendance at school, unhappiness most
of the time, the fear of being too close to other people (physical contact).
Emotionally abused children may become very aggressive, unnaturally shy, and
develop more slowly than other children. A child who is physically abused may have
cuts, bruises, sores, scars, welts and even broken bones.
A listener called the programme and asked "What so wrong with hitting children?
After all that's how myself and most of you learn." The answer to that was long, but
worth it. "A whack on the bottom may stop children for that moment, but it won't
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stop them from doing the something later on because being hit does not teach
them to please you. And that research has shown is that children who have been
slapped or hit are usually so overwhelmed with anger and hurt that they cannot
remember what they were punished for."
Question: What were some of the methods used to ensure a stable family
relationship with children?
Answer: We ensure that there is effective communication between our children and
us by respecting them and their views. We seek their ideas or opinion on matters of
family concern. We meet as family every week or have a little fun and if they need
something or ask to go somewhere it is rewarded based on exam results. Question:
What would you say to a parent who says about his/her child, "Mi caan badda with
him ya, mi a go tek stone and lick him down"?
Answer: That will not be the right thing, because you don't know what can happen;
you can end up killing that child although that was not your intention, which could
result in your being charged and sentenced. First of all you have to get that
individual or child to be seated. Explain to him, as many parents would have, that
they know he/she is developing and that they need to assert their independence,
but they still need to depend on you for support. Find a way to calm or take away
some of the anger. Then you can begin asking why they did that and so on. In this
conversation you need to let them know that you are always there for them and
that you may be angry at times but you are open to them and you as parent need
to listen to your child, what they could be saying might be true. Don't give them
nicknames such as: the 'absentminded-professor', 'worthless', 'good fi nuttin', these
don't motivate them they only down grade their intelligence.
Yes, child abuse can be prevented. Successful prevention of child abuse requires
effort at the family and societal levels. For example you are a social worker you
could go around in the school in your area informing parents about this issue at
P.T.A meetings. If you are not a social worker you could try seeking someone who
will come and speak at one of your meetings; it could be P.T.A., community.
Promoting public awareness of child abuse through publication and media
campaigns. Groups such as the Child Guidance Clinic, Counsellor/ Social Workers,
Rape Unit, Children Service Division, Ministry of Education and Culture, Police,
VOUCH are available to help. It is said that these groups are dedicated to the
prevention and treatment of abused children and provide support to abusive
parents.
The programme could not conclude without stating the consequences of child abuse
on the child. These of course are; 1) low self-esteem, high anxiety, self-blame and
attempts to escape; usually the escape route is suicide. 2) Poor behaviour in
school, discipline problems, non-compliance and low motivation interfere with
academic achievement. 3) The child has a low self-esteem, mistrust of adults,
sleeping difficulty, loss of appetite, fearfulness and depression. 4) It can impair the
development of empathy and sympathy, self-concept and use of social skills. 5) It
can lead overtime to learning and adjustment problems such as academic failure,
severe depression and difficulties with peers, substance abuse and delinquency.
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