Discuss the concepts of social distance and social empathy. Discuss the influence that each could have on attempts to develop resources in response to a particular need

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Segal (2007 ) proposes that many of the shortcomings and injustices in social policies can be understood with respect to the social distance between those in need and those who make policy. This distance, according to Segal, contributes to a lack of social empathy, the results of which frame how social problems are conceptualized, and the underpinnings of which are influenced by the historical and ongoing debate regarding the role of the government as a problem solver. Thus, social distance has a decisive role in the provision of government assistance, which often consists of mandates and procedural requirements that are restrictive and punitive due to a lack of understanding about the context and complexities of a problem, who is affected by the problem, and how. As a social worker in contact with clients who are affected by social problems and conditions and by policy decisions, you have access to a wealth of information that can be used to inform policy makers about the realities of clients' lives. Presenting information about a particular problem to the public and to policy makers is a means by which you can lessen the distance between them and those who are affected by a social problem or a policy, as well as advance social justice.