Week 3: Root Causes, Wicked Problems, and Human Slavery

(Source:  Humanium.org)

      This week’s focus was on root causes.  By identifying the root cause of a problem, programs can be designed to address the cause rather than the symptoms.  By using brainstorming, charts, and asking “why?” a problem can be back-traced to the events or situations causing the problem.  While some social problems are fairly simple to identify and address, others are complex and inter-related.  These are called “wicked problems” because as you address one root cause, you affect another and create more problems.  Truly innovative solutions are needed to successfully plan interventions to solve wicked problems.

     The two videos that discussed the problem of child sex slavery absolutely enraged me (https://youtu.be/GUC303TijDk and https://youtu.be/d8K8JSbsdo0 ).  While it is encouraging to know that there are organizations conducting “sting” operations to identify, imprison and prosecute those involved in human trafficking, it is sickening and heartbreaking to think that human beings could treat each other this way.  Every time one of these children suffers, our Heavenly Father must feel such pain.  This is an excellent example of how pervasive and destructive the adversary’s influence can be.  

“Global estimates of slavery and trafficking victim numbers are higher now than at any prior point in human history, with over 40 million individuals directly impacted, 1 in 4 of whom are children. Millions more are affected indirectly, including children of a trafficked parent.” (Wood, 2020)

     When I looked up references and found this statistic I was shocked.  I had no idea how pervasive human trafficking and child sex slavery is.  My hope is that the growth of social innovation and entrepreneurship will be able to address and eradicate this deeply disturbing social crisis. 

     While my social issue of homelessness and substance abuse among released prisoners pales in comparison to the outrage of human trafficking, I do feel it is an important issue.  It affects not only those suffering from the issue, but the entire community.  I am looking forward to learning more about the root causes and influencing factors around this problem, as well as investigating what programs are already in place, and the failures and successes of each.  As I move forward with my career in public health, this is an issue I want to work on, and this project will help with the process of coming up with innovative solutions to resolve homelessness and substance abuse among released prisoners in the local community. 

Reference

Wood, L. C. N. (2020). Child modern slavery, trafficking and health: a practical review of factors contributing to children’s vulnerability and the potential impacts of severe exploitation on health. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 4(1), e000327. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2018-000327