Analyzing and Solving Social Problems ● 131In order to maintain a focus on change, radical theory emphasizes the impor-
tance of advocacy and empowerment. The limitations of radical theory include
that a structural and collective understanding of a social problem may not
necessarily achieve change or empowerment for specific individuals who are
in dire poverty or need.
Humanist Theory
Humanist theory, or humanism, focuses on “the capacity of conscious human
beings to reason, make choices, and act freely” in a nondeterministic way, free
of the influence of gods and religious perspectives (Payne 2014, 275). It is
associated with concepts of participation, democracy, and worth; all people
are viewed as having worth, equality, and a right to participate. It has several
key tenets:
● (^) self-actualization: the ability to fully develop emotionally, spiritually, intel-
lectually, and physically to obtain fulfillment of one’s potential, although
this is only possible when basic human needs are met (Rogers 1961)
● (^) a hierarchy of such needs, from physiological to safety to belonging
to esteem, with the need for positive regard (love) being paramount
(Maslow 1943)
● (^) the belief that every individual has the internal resources for growth, if
these are not blocked
● (^) the belief that blockage leads to the creation of a negative self-concept
If basic physical and emotional needs have not been met (usually in child-
hood and carried through to adulthood), persons are unable to fully function, so
they fail to realize their potential. From a humanist viewpoint, social problems
that people face are addressed through practical interventions (such as provi-
sion of food and clothing), emotional interventions (such as counseling), and
perhaps spiritual support. People are not seen as bad or deviant, but as having
value and worth and as deserving of help and care. Most important, they
are seen as having the potential to make decisions for themselves on their
pathway to wholeness and fulfillment. One limitation of humanist theory is
that the theory is overly optimistic, crediting all people with having the inner
resources for change or growth, when for some people change is not possible.
Interventive Theories and Strategies
Interventive theories generally relate to corresponding explanatory theories,
as the latter have theories of change built into them. Interventive theory