7.8 – Module Project and Reflection
Let’s look at Individual vs. Systemic Problems
Types of Problems
Individual Problem: A problem experienced by an individual and not felt by others. The problem is often solved by the individual. This person may have a negative experience, but the problem is not because of their identity or group.
Systemic Problem: A problem that comes from a social or government system or organization. This type of problem hurts a whole group of people and not just one person. People hurt by a systemic problem are not at fault because they did not create the problem. This problem could be because of a discriminatory or unfair policy or person/people.
| Individual Problems | Systemic Problems |
|---|---|
| A company doesn’t hire one person because he doesn’t have the right education or training. | A company doesn’t hire certain types of people because of their race, age, or sex. |
| One person does not save money for retirement. | Millions of people don’t make enough money to save for retirement. |
| One person decides not to vote because they don’t feel strongly about the election. | No one who uses a wheelchair can vote in a district where their polling place doesn’t have elevators or large enough doorways in its building. |
Project Instructions
As a class, brainstorm a few more examples of systemic problems.
1)
2)
3)
Then in groups of 3-4, choose or think of a systemic civic “problem” in your school or community, give examples of this problem in action, and determine steps to take to solve it.
Optional: with your teacher’s help or on your own, include some online research to help support or explain the problem you wrote about, using at least one credible source.
Remember: evidence is necessary when supporting or proving a problem that needs to be fixed.
When finished, groups can present their work to the class!
| What is the Civic Problem? | |
|---|---|
| Why is this a systemic problem? | |
| Can you give examples of this problem? Or, what information did you find about the problem? | |
| What would you do to solve the problem?
What do you think other communities or groups have done to fix this problem? |
|
| What were your sources? (optional) |
Big Questions
We are at the end of Module 7! Based on your learning, how would you answer these questions?
Do a 3-5-minute “quick write” about one or more of the questions below OR be prepared to discuss one or more of them.
Question #1: In a society, what are the roles and responsibilities of the government?
Questions #2-3: What are the roles and responsibilities of the people? And the media?
Extend Your Learning!
Look at this chart as a class: “Key Questions to Ask When Analyzing Media Experiences” from the National Association for Media Literacy Education. There are many things to think about when analyzing media experiences. After reviewing the chart, what are some of the most important ones?
