Exploring the Power Dynamics Behind Policy Decisions: Which Societal Needs Are Addressed?

In this discussion, we will discuss the spectrum of societal needs and what needs are addressed by policy and what needs are not. We will also discuss the reasons behind this reality.
Policy itself can be a scarce resource with many competing for policy that addresses their specific needs. Whether policy is created is often determined by the power possessed by those who support the policy.
For this discussion, focus on the question of who has the power when it comes to policy, and how and why that influences what policy is created or not created.
Examine what constitutes the power for those who seem to get their needs addressed and expand on why some consistently have their needs addressed and others do not. After a careful review of the textbook readings for this module, in your initial post:
Identify a societal need that seems to regularly be addressed by policy and identify the power base (e.g., a political or demographic group) that ensures this.
Identify a societal need that seems to consistently go unaddressed and explain the lack of a power base that you believe allows this to happen.
Video link
https://doi.org/10.4135/9781526420008

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

---

Step 1: Understand the Assignment Requirements

For this discussion, you’re asked to focus on the spectrum of societal needs and the role of policy in addressing or failing to address those needs. Specifically, you need to identify one societal need that is consistently addressed by policy, and one that remains unaddressed. Then, you need to examine the power dynamics behind why some needs are met, and others are neglected.

Step 2: Review the Textbook Readings and Video

Before writing, review the textbook readings and the video linked in the prompt. Focus on understanding the factors that contribute to which needs are addressed by policy. Consider the roles of political, economic, and demographic groups in shaping policy. In particular, pay attention to who has power in the policymaking process and how that power influences which needs are prioritized.

Step 3: Choose Your Examples

Now, think about two societal needs:

1. Societal Need Addressed by Policy: Identify a need that is consistently addressed by policy. For example, you might choose healthcare, education, or infrastructure. Consider the political or demographic groups (power base) that push for policies in these areas and influence the creation of these policies.
2. Societal Need Not Addressed by Policy: Identify a need that often goes unaddressed. Examples could include issues like poverty, homelessness, or environmental justice. Discuss why this need remains unaddressed, focusing on the lack of a strong power base advocating for the issue.

Step 4: Analyze the Power Dynamics

Once you’ve identified the societal needs, reflect on the reasons why these needs are or are not addressed. Analyze the power base behind the policies that address certain needs. This could include:

• Political influence: How do lawmakers or political parties support certain needs?
• Economic influence: How do businesses or wealthy individuals impact policy decisions?
• Demographic influence: How do voting populations or interest groups shape which policies are prioritized?

Also, consider why some groups or needs are consistently ignored. Is it because they lack representation, funding, or visibility?

Step 5: Organize Your Post

Now, structure your post in a clear, organized manner. Here’s a suggested outline:

1. Introduction:
   • Briefly introduce the concept of societal needs and how policy addresses (or doesn’t address) them.
2. Societal Need Addressed by Policy:
   • Identify a societal need that is regularly addressed by policy.
   • Discuss the power base responsible for ensuring that this need is met.
   • Provide examples or evidence from the readings, video, or your own knowledge.
3. Societal Need Not Addressed by Policy:
   • Identify a societal need that seems to go unaddressed.
   • Explain why this need remains unaddressed, focusing on the lack of a power base advocating for it.
   • Discuss the consequences of this neglect.
4. Analysis of Power Dynamics:
   • Analyze how power influences which needs are addressed and why some are neglected.
   • Reflect on the political, economic, and demographic factors that contribute to this reality.
5. Conclusion:
   • Summarize your key points and suggest how power dynamics could be shifted to better address unmet needs.

Step 6: Review and Revise Your Post

Once you’ve written your post, review it for clarity and coherence. Make sure your argument flows logically and that you’ve supported your points with evidence from the readings and video. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and revise any areas that need more depth or explanation.

Step 7: Finalize Your Post

Once you’re satisfied with your post, make sure it follows any formatting guidelines provided (e.g., word count, citations). After finalizing your post, submit it for discussion.

ORDER A SIMILAR PAPER NOW