The Behavioral Traits of the Underprivileged People - Research Paper Example

? Personal Growth Experienced Low income families are often underestimated with regard to their potential to propel social influence. The objective of this paper lies with discussing the behavioral traits of the underprivileged people on the grounds of my experience with them during my internship in a non-profit organization. This will also analyze the intensity of the problems they face and the way they respond to issues in terms of their limited access to social privileges. In order to analyze the factors that influence such people’s behavioral pattern various theories have been employed. Introduction The non-profit organization crisis center in which I have interned as a voluntary receptionist and assistant taught me life-lessons and imbued me with practical wisdom. We aid low income people with pledges for fuel, electric and rent assistance for individuals with termination notices. We also help with a food bank, emergency shelters for homeless, literacy programs and training for job placement. Working for the poor requires extensive knowledge about the areas where they experience tribulations, lack of care, and insecurity. As the Congressional Record (May 6, 2004) proposes, in order to address the issues related to low income group people effectively, one must also be aware of various governmental programs and no-profit organizational initiatives proposed for the uplift of the poor (p. 8643). It is this knowledge along with a social worker’s creativity to align various community based programs brings about changes in the community. For instance, a social worker who works for the benefit of pregnant women can easily ensure her subjects’ medical care if and only she is well aware of related projects run by the government and other various organizations. Behaviors Observed During the Internship Although it is impossible to explain the behavioral pattern of each and every individual I confronted during my internship, an all-inclusive analysis would give general idea about the group concerned. I had no idea about what growing up in poverty was alike before I took up the task in my organization. However, what I learned about these people has depressed me to a great extent. To illustrate, as stated in O’Reilly (2010), what typically goes on in the homes of low income people is often something that can contribute to a person’s apathy (p. 182). Many of them seemed a bit aggressive and this trait could be attributed to lower class issues like lack of politeness and etiquette. Yet many of them showed emotional and social instability. Evidently, many of them had formed weak attachments that sometimes resulted in full-fledged insecurity throughout their lives. A decreased level of sensitivity was found in many of the subjects concerned; and this resulted in poor performance and low self esteem. According to Epstein (1961), the quality of relationship among the low income families is always a matter, for it plays a leading role in the development of one’s social functions and social competence. As Mayes and Lewis (2012, p. 156) point out, since a safe and stable environment is less likely, consistent love and care is also uncertain in low income groups. However, it does not mean that all individuals in low income families are deprived of reliable primary care and love. Positive aspects of some traits identified involve forgiveness, gratitude, and empathy that are not very deeply found among high income groups. In addition, as compared to high income groups, individuals of the socially disadvantaged groups have destabilized aspirations (Dobkowski & Wallimann, 1998, p. 260), (Vilhena, 2007). In contrast, as mentioned in the beginning, there are individuals who demonstrate unusual capability of social interaction and community building. To illustrate, individuals having such trait revitalize the society as a whole developing relationships among residents within the area they move around. These individuals who normally turn to be the grassroots community leaders enabled me to carry out my activities in a timely manner. The initial step of every community based programs is to identify individuals who have leadership traits and could raise voices, build bridges among individuals, and highlight the strength they possess. Theory Theoretical understanding of the development of the above said behaviors is important in this context. There are certain very important psychological aspects that are to be taken in to consideration when working with people of low income groups. Evidently, poor people are highly affected by their most pressing needs rather than influenced by their aspirations (UNO). The main determinants of this character formation involve less access to healthcare, lack of education, and inadequate care from families. Hence, a theoretical basis is required for working with this sector. A multidisciplinary approach is essential in this regard, and this is possible using psychoanalysis as an appropriate tool. As experts purport, “psychoanalytic theory is more concerned with long-term personality reconstruction than with short-term problem solving.” (Corey, 2009, p. 87). How low income people interact with the society is important. Unlike that of high income groups, their social activities involve intense misery and apprehension which in turn have a strong influence on their behaviors. As Vilhena (2007) points out, from an upper class perspective, low income groups are offensive and mingling with them involves high amount of risks. This unfair outlook itself has an impact on the way a poor man forms his identity. In this context, it is the particular area or the fraction of the society he lives in determines his identity and self-esteem. To explain, it is likely that a person from a slum is perceived to be a drug dealer or a criminal. Hence, every phase of one’s life including but not limited to work-relations and other social bonds are influenced by one’s interaction with different classes of the society. Applying psycho analytical approach with low income clients involves certain challenges as well. According to Corey (2009), clients of this segment when approaching professionals tend to seek solutions for their concrete problems associated with survival, employment, childcare etc. However, this is not an obstacle by itself; instead, the theory can be more applicable if such more pressing issues are resolved first (p.87). Benefits of Internship and Supervision Exposure to the problems of an alienated cross section of the society was the foremost benefit of the internship. A chance for participation and volunteering vulnerable situations like rehabilitation of delinquents, education of children below poverty line, nutritional deficiency disorders were possible during my internship period. There was ample guidance and support from my organization. Information regarding the governmental grants and aids for the programs were intimidated prior to the work in the respective fields. So I could avail those services without difficulty. This could be an opening to magnificent opportunities like the UNO. I consider my training as an impetus to my career as a social worker with commitment. Recommendations for future interns and working professionals The strong call of a person’s mind that he is needed at that moment irrespective of the profit he makes is what a social worker should possess. The willingness to exercise all your inner strength for a good cause can take you by leaps and bounds in the field of social work. Readiness to be present at the right place at the right time is a pre requisite for the aspirants as well as the professionals in this arena.  Specialties like public health, public relations, legal training, accounting and management are an added advantage for the future interns. A graduate degree in these specialties is advisable to those who are willing to pursue their career as social workers. Those who are already a part of the organization can specialize on any of these disciplines for professional efficiency. Other areas worth mentioning for further studies include child care, mental health and rehabilitation of refugees. Personal growth experienced My experience at this non profit organization has transformed my outlook about life. Empathy for the weaker sections and respect for their tenacity to battle the odds of life were all new experiences for me. Commendable communication skills, patience, perseverance, adaptability and the willingness to interact with the disadvantaged sector were all byproducts of my training session. I regard this opportunity as a turning point in life, getting rid off my myopic thinking and developing a broad spectrum version in my future endeavors. With my well polished skills and irreplaceable hands on experiences I am confident enough to co operate with any international agency pertaining to social work. This experience has made me competent to identify the burning issues of the society and volunteer it wholeheartedly. I owe a lot to my internship for making me capable in meeting challenges and giving me presence of mind during crisis management. My experience here is always an asset in my career as I was lucky enough to encounter myriads of maladaptive behaviors in my clients. Poverty and social inequality has led to multifactorial deterioration of the society. This aspect requires more research and I am glad that I could be a part of it and I intend to work in this field and contribute my share in future. References Corey, G. (2009). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy. Cengage Learning EMEA. Congress.(May 2004). Congressional Record Proceedings and Debates of the 108th Congress Second Session. Vol. 150, Government Printing Office. Dobkowski, M. N & Walliman, I. (1998). The Coming Age of Scarcity: Preventing Mass Death and Genocide in the Twenty-First Century. Syracuse University Press. Ebstein, L. A. (1961). “Some Effects of Low Income on Children and Their Families”. Social Security Bulletin: 12-17. Retrieved from http://199.173.224.109/policy/docs/ssb/v24n2/v24n2p12.pdf Mayes, L & Lewis, M. (2012). The Cambridge Handbook of Environment in Human Development. Cambridge University Press. O’Reilly, A. (2010). Encyclopedia of Motherhood. SAGE. UNO. Resources for speakers on global issues. Rural Poverty in the Developing World. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/en/globalissues/briefingpapers/ruralpov/developingworld.shtml Vilhena, J. (2007). Psychoanalysis and low-income populations: Territory, uprootedness and the production of subjectivity. Artigos, 4 (1): 45-56. Read More