Problem
Preoccupation with isolated problems
Other Names:
Overemphasis on discrete problemsFailure to focus on fundamental systemic problems
Overemphasis on symptoms of more fundamental problems
Piecemeal approach to problem-solving
Individual problem overemphasis
Oversimplified problem approaches
Instrumental problem solving
Nature:
Many problems are treated in isolation, whether for political reasons (as in the case of CFC effects on the ozone layer, for which corrective measures are obvious) or for public relations reasons (as in the case of endangered species such as the condor, which lend themselves readily to public campaigns). Perceived in this way, remedies can be found to such problems. This approach fails to deal with much more fundamental problems, whether economic, social or environmental, which result from the complex dynamics of the system in question.Public belief in atomism legitimates the position of those who argue that fixing the parts is sufficient, as well as the position of those who argue that fixing the parts has not been effective in the past and that thus nothing can be done.
Incidence:
Measures to decrease acid rain by improving the fuel efficiency of cars or power plants would also decrease emissions of carbon dioxide and, hence, global warming. On the other hand, attempts to address the same problem by using catalytic converters or equipment to remove sulphur oxides would lead to slightly higher carbon dioxide emissions. Broader Problems:
AtomismGeneral obstacles to problem alleviationDehumanized individual scientific research Narrower Problems:
Political myopia Aggravates:
Inaction on problemsShort range planning for long-term developmentFragmented social care at the neighbourhood levelInstitutional preoccupation with obsolete problemsIncompatibility of environmental and economic decision-makingSimplistic technical solutions to complex environmental problemsStifled potential for social interaction among different age groups Reduces:
Lack of individual initiative Reduced By:
Complex interrelationship of world problemsStrategies:
Integrating problem-solving approachesFocusing on isolated problemsRelaxing preoccupation with isolated problemsRelaxing preoccupation with isolated problemsFocusing on fundamental systemic problems Subject(s):
Medicine → DiagnosisSociety → Individuals
Societal Problems → Failure
Societal Problems → Isolation
Informatics, Classification → Classification
Science → Theoretical
Policy-making → Policy
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems Date of last update
01.01.2000 – 00:00 CET