Nations that Resist New Approaches to Solving Social Problems

Nations often resist new approaches to solving social problems.
Describe a specific situation in which a nation did or might attempt to solve a social problem with a new approach. Discuss what you think determines when a new approach would be the best way for a nation to solve a social problem.
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Developing nations are plagued with a multitude of social problems-from malnutrition and lack of natural resources to suppression of civil rights and widespread violence. It is very difficult to solve these issues--which are often inextricably related---and most of these nations will likely stay impoverished through time. More wealthy and stable nations give humanitarian aid and start programs to improve human capacity and development in these nations. Unfortunately, nations often grow dependent on these foreign handouts and do not take serious measures to solving systemic social problems.

Part of the reason why developing nations seem resistant to new approaches in solving social problems is that they are usually run by corrupt leaders. These leaders horde available funds for themselves and associates and/or refunnel money in ways that do not benefit the general population. In almost all developing nations, leaders and a few business owners lead incredibly luxurious lifestyles while most of the citizens struggle to survive each day. Some of these leaders may enter office with the sincere desire to bring many out of poverty; however, corruption may be so endemic in the system that these leaders cannot help but tangle themselves in corrupt deals to maintain their power and influence. When leaders lose focus as to what would best serve the people, they cannot even begin to take the first steps to alleviate social problems in society.

Some developing nations and their people have become so dependent on handouts from wealthier countries that they do not come up with their own innovative ways to solve social programs. Indeed, food donations by USAID and other such organizations are designed to help the most impoverished people of developing nations. Often, however, corrupt leaders reserve this aid for supporters of their political parties and not necessarily for those really needing help. Unfortunately, regular handouts from wealthier nations cause governments of developing nations to become dependent and not invest properly on their people---for instance, on education and programs that would develop their citizens' ability to help themselves.

In rich and poor nations alike, citizens struggle with the problem of bureaucracy and red tape in government. Paperwork and decisions move slowly through the system. Since they do not operate on a for-profit basis, workers have less incentive to be as responsive and accountable as their private sector counterparts. Government workers also need to follow certain procedures when doing their work, which often contributes to the red tape. For all these reasons, it is difficult for governmental departments to plan and implement new approaches to solving social problems.

As long as corruption remains endemic, nations cannot begin to tackle their wide range of social problems. In order to implement new approaches to improving the state of the nation, a government must somehow rid itself of corruption to divert funds in ways that invest in the education and development of regular people. Furthermore, wealthier nations should take measures to ensure that their aid reaches the most vulnerable people and also consider alternative ways (i.e., other than handouts) to help people help themselves.