Policy Brief 2 part Breaking the Silence: Lack of recognition of red flags in the early stages of intimate partner
V. Problem
Description (~1.5-2pp.): 2nd part due on Week 8
This
section identifies, defines and elaborates in some detail the social
issue/problem at hand including the history of the problem, its causes, who is
affected, descriptions of previous policy efforts, addressing the problem, and
the outcomes of implementing those policies (positive and negative).
a.
Background Information/History of the Problem:
Give some historical
background on the issue or problem.
Why should this issue
and policy proposal be raised at this time in history?
Is this a “new” problem
or has it been going on for a long time and has not been adequately addressed?
b.
Present Status of the Problem:
How is the problem
defined? What is the terminology (language) associated with the problem?
Explain the causes of the problem. What are the values and beliefs that make
this issue a social problem.
c.
Stakeholders & Costs:
How many are affected
by this problem? What are the costs associated with this problem? How does this
problem impact society (e.g., New York City and its residents)? Are there
organizations that are researching or advocating on the problem (if so,
describe their work)?
d.
Outcomes of implementing policies (positive and
negative) related to problem
1.
Important Aspects/Intended Results and/or Merits of
Existing Policy (depends on your topic)
i.
Example:
“One intended beneficial aspect and/or benefit and/or aspect of the current
policy is …”
ii.
Example:
“Another intended beneficial aspect and/or benefit is …”
iii.
Example:
“One final…”
2.
Problems with Existing Policy
i. Example: “The most significant problem
is…”
ii. Example: “The second crucial difficulty
is …”
iii. Example: “Lastly, …”
3.
Concession/Refutation: If your issue/position is a
controversial one with a strong opposing argument, you need to articulate and
INVALIDATE the opposing argument.
i. Example: “Some claim that…”
ii. Example: “However, this is not a valid
argument because…”
*If there is no existing
policy for this issue then you must articulate the social problem and
stakeholders and the problem caused
iii. Example “The lack of government policy
and regulation has impacted…”
iv. Continue with b. and c.