Case Study 2
Case Study 2
CASE#(2)
CASE STUDY
Perspectives:
1. System perspective: (outcome of interactions within and among systems)
(A system perspective is a way of looking at the world and understanding it as a collection of
interconnected and interdependent systems. This perspective recognizes that everything in the world
is part of a larger system, and that any change in one part of the system can have ripple effects
throughout the whole system.
From a system perspective, each system is made up of components that interact with each
other in specific ways to produce certain outcomes. These components can include people,
organizations, processes, technologies, and environments, among others. The behavior of
each component is influenced by the behavior of the other components within the system,
as well as by external factors.
The system perspective also emphasizes the importance of feedback loops within systems.
Feedback loops are mechanisms that allow a system to adjust its behavior based on the
outcomes of previous behavior. They help systems maintain stability and adapt to changes
in their environment.)
The systems perspective sees human behavior as the outcome of interactions within and among systems
of interrelated parts. Its roots are very interdisciplinary, and there are many theoretical variations.
During the 1940s and 1950s, a variety of disciplines—including mathematics, physics, engineering,
biology, psychology, cultural anthropology, economics, and sociology—began looking at phenomena as
the outcome of interactions within and among systems. Mathematicians and engineers used the new
ideas about system feedback mechanisms—the processes by which information about past behaviors in
a system are fed back into the system in a circular manner—to develop military and communication
technologies. The development of the computer and sophisticated computer models for analyzing
information has influenced continuous revision of the systems perspective.
1. In Pakistan, there are significant challenges in providing quality healthcare services to the
population, particularly in rural areas. From a system perspective, this problem can be
understood as a complex and interdependent network of factors, including the availability of
resources, healthcare infrastructure, government policies, and cultural beliefs about health and
illness. To address this problem, a system-wide approach is needed that involves collaboration
between different stakeholders such as government, healthcare providers, community
organizations, and individuals.
2. In Pakistan, there are many environmental challenges such as air pollution, water pollution, and
deforestation, which have negative impacts on public health, natural resources, and
biodiversity. From a system perspective, these environmental challenges are part of a complex
and interconnected system of factors, including economic development, urbanization,
government policies, and cultural beliefs about the environment. To address these challenges, a
system-wide approach is needed that involves collaboration between different stakeholders
such as government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and individuals. This approach
should focus on promoting sustainable development, reducing environmental degradation, and
improving the quality of life for the population.
2. Conflict perspective: (conflicts that arise because of inequalities in the distribution of resources)
(The conflict perspective is a sociological approach that emphasizes the role of power and inequality
in shaping social relationships and structures. It views society as a collection of groups and
individuals who are in competition with each other for limited resources and opportunities.
According to the conflict perspective, social order is maintained through the use of power by
dominant groups to control and exploit subordinate groups. This power can be economic, political,
cultural, or a combination of these factors. Conflict theorists argue that social institutions such as the
government, the legal system, and the media serve the interests of the dominant groups and
reinforce their power and privilege.
The conflict perspective is particularly concerned with issues of social justice and inequality. It seeks
to uncover the ways in which social structures and institutions perpetuate oppression and
marginalization, and to develop strategies for challenging these systems of power.
Some of the key concepts associated with the conflict perspective include class struggle, exploitation,
alienation, and ideology. Class struggle refers to the ongoing conflict between the working class and
the capitalist class over the distribution of resources and power. Exploitation refers to the process by
which the capitalist class extracts surplus value from the labor of the working class. Alienation refers
to the feeling of disconnection and powerlessness experienced by workers in capitalist societies.
Ideology refers to the dominant beliefs and values that serve to justify the existing social order and
maintain the power of the ruling class.)
The conflict perspective emphasizes conflicts that arise because of inequalities in the distribution of
resources. It typically looks for sources of conflict in the economic and political arenas, and more
recently in the cultural arena. The conflict perspective is a way of understanding society as a system
characterized by inequality and conflict over limited resources and power. In the context of Pakistan, a
conflict perspective can help us to understand how different groups within society are competing for
resources and power, and how this competition can lead to conflict.
1. In Pakistan, there is a significant gender inequality issue, where women are often discriminated
against in various areas of life, such as education, employment, and political participation. From
a conflict perspective, this inequality is seen as a result of power imbalances and social
structures that favor men over women. The conflict perspective would suggest that the solution
to this problem lies in challenging and changing these power structures through collective
action, such as feminist movements and advocacy for women's rights.
2. In Pakistan, there are many ethnic and sectarian conflicts, particularly in areas such as
Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwah, and Karachi. From a conflict perspective, these conflicts are
seen as a result of power struggles and resource competition between different ethnic and
sectarian groups. The conflict perspective would suggest that the solution to these conflicts lies
in addressing the root causes of the conflicts, such as resource allocation, political
representation, and cultural differences, and promoting social justice and equality for all groups
involved.
4. Social Constructionist perspective: (focuses on how people construct meaning, a sense of self,
and a social world through their interactions with each other)
(The social constructionist perspective is a theoretical framework used in sociology and other social
sciences to understand how people create and maintain social realities through their interactions
with each other. This perspective emphasizes the role of language, culture, and social institutions in
shaping our perceptions of reality.
According to the social constructionist perspective, social reality is not fixed or objective, but is
instead created and maintained through social processes. Our understanding of reality is shaped by
the language we use to describe it, the cultural norms and values we learn, and the social
institutions that surround us.
One of the key concepts associated with the social constructionist perspective is the idea of social
construction. Social construction refers to the process by which people collectively create and
maintain social reality. This process involves the use of language to describe and define reality, the
development of shared cultural meanings and symbols, and the creation of social institutions that
reinforce particular ways of understanding the world.
The social constructionist perspective is particularly concerned with issues of power and inequality. It
argues that dominant groups in society have the power to shape social reality in ways that benefit
them, while marginalizing and oppressing other groups. It also emphasizes the importance of
recognizing the diversity of perspectives and experiences that exist within society, and the need to
challenge dominant narratives and social norms in order to create more inclusive and just societies )
To understand human behavior, the social constructionist perspective focuses on how people
construct meaning, a sense of self, and a social world through their interactions with each other.
They learn, through their interactions, to classify the world and their place in it. People interact
with each other and the physical world based on shared meanings, or shared understandings
about the world. In this view, people develop their understandings of the world and themselves
from social interaction, and these understandings shape their subsequent social interactions.
Reality is shaped through social interaction and is continuously reshaped by ongoing social
interaction.
Example#1. In Pakistan, there is a widespread belief in the importance of preserving traditional gender
roles. From a social constructionist perspective, gender is not a fixed biological fact, but rather a socially
constructed category that is constantly being reproduced and reinforced through everyday practices and
beliefs. In this context, gender roles are constructed through social norms, cultural practices, and
individual experiences that shape the way individuals perceive themselves and others.
Example#2. In Pakistan, the perception of mental illness is often stigmatized. From a social
constructionist perspective, mental illness is not a fixed medical condition, but rather a socially
constructed category that is shaped by cultural and historical contexts. In this context, mental illness is
constructed through social norms, cultural practices, and individual experiences that shape the way
individuals perceive and respond to mental health issues. The social stigma associated with mental
illness in Pakistan can lead to negative consequences, such as discrimination, exclusion, and lack of
access to resources and treatment.
5. Psychodynamic perspective: (how internal processes such as needs, drives, and emotions
motivate human behavior.)
The psychodynamic perspective is concerned with how internal processes such as needs, drives, and
emotions motivate human behavior. The perspective has evolved over the years, moving from the
classical psychodynamic emphasis on innate drives and unconscious processes toward greater emphasis
on the adaptive capacities of individuals and their interactions with the environment.
1. In Pakistan, there is a cultural emphasis on the importance of family and social relationships.
From a psychodynamic perspective, this emphasis on social relationships reflects the influence
of early childhood experiences on adult personality development. In this context, individuals
may have a strong attachment to their family members and may experience anxiety or
depression when these relationships are threatened or disrupted.
2. In Pakistan, there is a high prevalence of trauma and violence due to ongoing conflicts and social
unrest. From a psychodynamic perspective, trauma can have long-lasting effects on an
individual's psychological development. In this context, individuals who have experienced
trauma may develop symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
The psychodynamic perspective emphasizes the importance of exploring the unconscious
motivations and conflicts that underlie these symptoms, in order to promote healing and
recovery.
6. Developmental perspective: (how human behavior unfolds across the life course, how people
change and stay the same over time)
(The developmental perspective is a theoretical framework used in psychology and other social
sciences to understand human growth and development across the lifespan. This perspective
emphasizes the ways in which individuals change and develop over time, and how these changes are
influenced by biological, social, and environmental factors.
According to the developmental perspective, human development can be understood in terms of a
series of stages or milestones that individuals pass through as they mature. These stages are
characterized by specific physical, cognitive, and emotional changes, and are influenced by a variety
of factors, including genetics, nutrition, and social experiences.
The developmental perspective also emphasizes the importance of early experiences in shaping later
development. For example, early childhood experiences with caregivers can influence attachment
patterns, which in turn can affect social and emotional development later in life. Similarly,
experiences during adolescence can shape identity formation and decision-making processes.
The developmental perspective has implications for a wide range of areas, including education,
parenting, and public policy. By understanding the factors that influence development across the
lifespan, researchers and practitioners can develop interventions and strategies to support healthy
development and well-being)
The focus of the developmental perspective is on how human behavior unfolds across the life course,
how people change and stay the same over time. Human development is seen to occur in clearly
defined stages based on a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social processes. Each
new stage involves new tasks and brings changes in social roles and statuses.
1. In Pakistan, children are expected to follow cultural and religious traditions that are passed
down from generation to generation. From a developmental perspective, children go through
different stages of cognitive and moral development that influence their understanding and
acceptance of cultural norms. In this context, children may initially accept these traditions
without questioning them, but as they develop cognitively and morally, they may begin to
question and challenge these norms.
2. In Pakistan, there are limited educational and economic opportunities for girls and women
compared to boys and men. From a developmental perspective, this gender inequality can have
long-term effects on the cognitive and socio-emotional development of girls and women. In this
context, girls may receive limited access to education and job opportunities, which can restrict
their ability to develop their cognitive and socio-emotional skills. As a result, they may be more
likely to experience poverty, limited social mobility, and other negative outcomes later in life.
7. Social Behavioral Perspective: (human behavior is learned as individuals interact with their
environments)
(The social behavioral perspective is a theoretical framework used in psychology and other social
sciences to understand human behavior in social contexts. This perspective emphasizes the ways
in which social factors, such as norms, attitudes, and group dynamics, influence our thoughts,
feelings, and actions.
According to the social behavioral perspective, human behavior is shaped by a combination of
internal factors, such as personality traits and individual values, and external factors, such as
social norms and cultural expectations. These external factors can exert a powerful influence on
our behavior, often in ways that we are not consciously aware of.
The social behavioral perspective also emphasizes the importance of social learning in shaping
behavior. Through observation and interaction with others, individuals can learn new behaviors
and attitudes, and can be influenced by the behaviors and attitudes of those around them.
Social psychology is a field of study that is closely related to the social behavioral perspective.
Social psychologists study a wide range of topics, including conformity, obedience, group
dynamics, and intergroup relations, in order to gain a better understanding of how social factors
influence behavior).
Theories in the social behavioral perspective, sometimes called the social learning perspective,
suggest that human behavior is learned as individuals interact with their environments. There
are disagreements among the different streams of social behavioral theory, however, about the
processes by which behavior is learned.
1. In Pakistan, there is a high prevalence of child labor, especially in the informal sector. From a
social behavioral perspective, child labor can be explained by the interplay of environmental and
social factors that influence individual behavior. In this context, children may be forced to work
due to poverty, lack of access to education, and cultural norms that prioritize family income over
child welfare.
2. In Pakistan, there are widespread gender disparities in access to healthcare, education, and
other resources. From a social behavioral perspective, these gender disparities can be explained
by the influence of social norms and power structures that shape individual behavior and
decision-making. In this context, girls and women may face discrimination and social pressure to
conform to traditional gender roles, which can limit their access to resources and opportunities.
Social behavioral interventions that promote gender equality and challenge gender norms can
help to address these disparities.
(The humanistic perspective is a theoretical framework used in psychology and other social sciences
to understand the human experience from a positive, growth-oriented perspective. This perspective
emphasizes the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, and views human beings as capable
of making choices and directing their own lives.
According to the humanistic perspective, human beings have a fundamental drive to achieve their
full potential, and to live fulfilling, meaningful lives. This drive is referred to as the "actualizing
tendency," and is seen as a central motivating force in human behavior.
The humanistic perspective also emphasizes the importance of personal growth and self-
actualization. Personal growth refers to the process of developing one's own unique potential, while
self-actualization refers to the realization of that potential. Both personal growth and self-
actualization are seen as essential for human happiness and fulfillment.
Humanistic psychology is a field of study that is closely related to the humanistic perspective.
Humanistic psychologists focus on understanding the subjective experiences of individuals, and on
promoting personal growth and self-actualization through therapeutic interventions)
The humanistic perspective is often called the “third force” of psychology, because it was developed in
reaction to the determinism found in early versions of both the psychodynamic and behavioral (behavior
as externally determined) perspectives. We are using the term humanistic perspective to include
humanistic psychology and existential psychology, both of which emphasize the individual’s freedom of
action and search for meaning. We also extend the term to include the growing movement of positive
psychology and the capabilities approach.
1. In Pakistan, there is a strong emphasis on collectivism and social harmony, which can sometimes
come at the expense of individual needs and desires. From a humanistic perspective, this
emphasis on social harmony can lead to a lack of self-actualization and personal fulfillment for
individuals. In this context, humanistic interventions such as counseling and psychotherapy can
help individuals to explore their own values and beliefs, and to develop a stronger sense of self-
acceptance and self-actualization.
2. In Pakistan, there are many marginalized communities such as the transgender community, who
face discrimination and social exclusion due to their gender identity. From a humanistic
perspective, individuals have an inherent capacity for growth, creativity, and self-actualization,
regardless of their gender identity or social status. In this context, humanistic interventions such
as empowerment programs and community support groups can help marginalized individuals to
develop their sense of self-worth and to realize their full potential as human beings.
HB SECTION (A)
Answers to quizzes from chapter 1 and 9:
Quizzes and their answers for Case-1:
1. In 1988, Bhutan underwent a political change that aimed to preserve the country's
Buddhist traditions and culture. The new policies included the enforcement of the
national language, dress, and cultural norms, which impacted the Nepali ethnic group,
also known as Lhotshampas, who had lived in Bhutan for generations. The new
policies imposed by the government led to the cultural suppression of the Nepali
ethnic group and caused social and economic marginalization. As a result, many Nepali
families were forced to leave their homes and flee to neighboring countries, including
Nepal.
2. The soldiers' intimidation and torture of Nepali villagers were primarily due to the
government's policy of cultural assimilation. The Nepali people, who had their own
language, dress, and cultural practices, were viewed as a threat to the government's
efforts to establish a national identity. The soldiers' actions were a part of the
government's efforts to suppress the Nepali culture and force assimilation. In
Manisha's case, her husband was tortured and killed by the soldiers, which led to her
fleeing Bhutan with her family.
3. Manisha and her family fled Bhutan by crossing the border into India, where they
stayed in a refugee camp for several years. They then received assistance from the
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and resettled in the United
States.
4. Manisha's husband chose to live and work in the adjacent Nepali community because
he had previously lived and worked there. He had a job and a home there, and it made
more sense for him to stay there than to move to the refugee camp with his family.
Additionally, he likely hoped that his family would eventually be able to join him
there.
5. The UNHCR representatives provided assistance to the women in the refugee camp by
offering various services, including healthcare, education, and vocational training.
They also helped to reunite families and provide legal assistance to those who needed
it. Additionally, the UNHCR helped refugees resettle in other countries, including the
United States, where Manisha and her family were eventually resettled.