Describe the problem and explain how and why it is a social problem.

This semester you have developed an understanding of how water impacts the City of New Orleans. Imagine that you have been tasked with sharing your findings on a social problem within this system with Tulane university leaders and New Orleans officials. Additionally, they have asked you to assess one promising solution (which could be an organization, program, policy, etc.).
1,200 minimum word count; cite your sources using APA format.
EVENT: Describe the problem and explain how and why it is a social problem. Include who or what it affects, who benefits from the status quo, and the depth and breadth of the problem’s impact (health/quality of life, economic cost to society, etc.).
PATTERNS: What has changed over time about the problem? What patterns have become visible?
STRUCTURES: What structures have influenced the patterns and trends (i.e. policies/laws, practices, resource flows)? What relationships and connections can you identify between different elements of the system? How does power flow within the system? What is keeping the status quo in place?
MENTAL MODELS: What assumptions, beliefs, and values do people hold that impact this system? What historical events led to these mental models? How do those contribute to the problem? (e.g. mental models are iceberg model, individualism, fatalism etc.)
SOLUTIONS LANDSCAPE: Consider solutions on campus and/or in New Orleans that are already addressing the problem in some way. Who is already trying to solve the problem? What solutions have already been tried? Be sure to consider institutional level solutions – policies, programs, etc.
GAP ANALYSIS: Based on what you’ve learned, what gaps need to be filled in the solutions landscape? What additional questions need to be explored? What role can you play in creating change?
FOCUS on social and geopolitical issues in the city of New Orleans, mainly the water issue.

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