- Current Social Policy
- What forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination result from the policy you’ve selected? Discuss a case study that illustrates the negative impacts of the policy.
- How many people are negatively impacted by the current social policy? Is there a ripple effect from these consequences? If so, how does it manifest?
- Share an outside resource (image, video, article, research study, recording) that provides insight into the practice or importance of gap analysis. Share the link within your post and explain why you chose to share it.
- Explain which of this week’s concepts resources or activities is of most interest to you and your professional development Offer some specific examples.
The policy I selected is the “War on Drugs” in the United States. This policy has resulted in various forms of oppression and discrimination, particularly impacting minority communities. The “War on Drugs” has disproportionately targeted communities of color, leading to mass incarceration, racial profiling, and unequal enforcement of drug laws (Alexander, 2010). Mandatory minimum sentences and harsh penalties for drug offenses have contributed to the overrepresentation of African American and Hispanic individuals in the criminal justice system, perpetuating cycles of poverty, disenfranchisement, and social marginalization (ACLU, 2018).
A case study illustrating the negative impacts of the “War on Drugs” is the story of Kalief Browder. Browder, a young African American man from the Bronx, was arrested at the age of 16 for allegedly stealing a backpack. Unable to afford bail, he spent three years in pretrial detention at Rikers Island, where he endured abuse and solitary confinement. Despite never being convicted of a crime, Browder’s detention led to profound psychological trauma, and he tragically took his own life after his release (CNN, 2016). Browder’s case highlights the human cost of draconian drug policies and the systemic injustices within the criminal justice system.
The negative impacts of the “War on Drugs” policy extend beyond the individuals directly affected to their families and communities. Mass incarceration disrupts families, erodes social bonds, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality. Children of incarcerated parents face higher rates of poverty, educational disadvantages, and mental health issues (The Sentencing Project, 2019). Additionally, the collateral consequences of criminal convictions, such as barriers to employment, housing, and voting rights, further marginalize individuals and impede their ability to reintegrate into society.
An outside resource that provides insight into the practice and importance of gap analysis is a research study titled “Closing the Racial Wealth Gap: Establishing an Inclusive Process for Wealth Building in America” by the Center for American Progress (CAP). This study examines the systemic factors contributing to the racial wealth gap in the United States and proposes policy solutions to address disparities in wealth accumulation among racial and ethnic groups (Center for American Progress, 2021). I chose to share this resource because it highlights the importance of conducting gap analysis to identify and address disparities in various domains, including wealth, education, healthcare, and criminal justice.
Among this week’s concepts and activities, the topic of social policy analysis and its implications for marginalized communities is of particular interest to me. As a social worker, understanding the ways in which policies impact individuals and communities is essential for advocating for social justice and promoting equity. I am particularly interested in exploring strategies for conducting policy analysis, identifying disparities, and advocating for policy reform to address systemic injustices and promote positive social change.
