In suggesting the contrast between the obvious causation of problems
(homelessness) due to natural disasters vs the often cited individual
failure causes for problems, I did not mean to neglect the other, and more
difficult for the public to accept/understand models of causation, the
so-called "structural" explanations. Disaster might be termed an immediate
and obvious structural explanation to which the public shows sympathy and
action, but the more subtle and complicated structural issues of class
inequality, prejudice and discrimination (the isms), etc. do not receive
popular public responses because, unless it is obvious (natural disaster),
the public is much more comfortable with psychological (individualistic)
explanation than sociological (structural). BEC
"Live an active not a reactive life."
Carl Rogers
Brian E. Copp, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
KFA 330
410 S. Third St.
River Falls, WI 54022
(715) 425-3992 or 3260, FAX (715) 425-0657
