Double Standards Chapter Summary

In Double Standard, James Russell discusses the origins of social policies in Europe and the United States and how each country addresses core social welfare problems. The author emphasizes the importance of social theory and the role it plays in how social problems are perceived. James Russell’s discussion on social theory and goals for social welfare problems relies on the views of two nineteenth century thinkers, Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim. During the 1960’s, the issue of poverty was first identified as a social problem and countless efforts have been made to eradicate poverty in the United States. In 1964, the Kennedy-Johnson administration declared a “War on Poverty” after the publication of Michael Harrington’s book, The Other America

As a result, several social welfare policies were established. These social policies are briefly discussed and a conclusion about which social welfare goal, demmodification or social solidarity, would best achieve the goals of the social work profession.

Keywords: demmodification, poverty, social solidarity, social theory, social welfare policy

James Russell, In Double Standard, defines a social problem as common problems that arise out of peoples’ interrelationships, and states that social theory is important in how social problems are perceived (Russell, 2011, p 3). As the social welfare goal for poverty is discussed, it is important to have an understanding of the term social welfare. T.H. Marshall defines social welfare as the policy of governments with regards to action having a direct impact on the welfare of citizens, by providing them with services or income (Russell, 2011 ) Russell states that once a social problem is identified; there are usually three approaches in dealing with the social problem: develop social policies, do nothing; choosing a laissez-faire approach (the principle that responsibility for providing welfare resides in individuals and families themselves), or one of benign neglect.

Both, Marx and Durkheim developed different goals for social welfare. According to Marx, a major problem in capitalism was commodification, the tendency to turn goods and services into commodities. Marx’s solution to this was demmodification, removing all goods and services from the market. Durkheim’s primary goal to social welfare was social solidarity; or a feeling of connection to one’s society. In social policy, this results in policies of social inclusion (Russell, 2011). Durkheim’s concept supports that each member of a community have a bond and that they support those in need. All citizens are entitled to have adequate resources available in order to function in the community. For example, resources that would ensure a certain standard of living and allow members to be a part of the democratic decision process. There is a need for social welfare programs that ensure resources for all citizens in need. The programs mentioned earlier were initiated as the result of the “War on Poverty” Therefore, the social welfare goal of social solidarity will best serve the issue of