Bystander apathy in psychology refers to a situation where, during an emergency or humanitarian crisis, there are many witnesses around, but no one takes action. Everyone assumes that someone else will act, and so everyone keeps waiting for someone else to take the first step.
Sometimes, a person may even become angry with the person they believe should have acted first.
This situation is also true when dealing with vulnerable people in society.
THE SOCIALIZATION THAT CONTRIBUTES TO THIS.
Growing up, many of us are taught to "mind your own business" and "don't get yourself entangled in things that don't concern you."
If it is an accident, a person may fear the sight of blood, worry that an overturned vehicle on a hill could overturn again, or fear that if people begin stealing from the scene, they may somehow be associated with the stealing.
If it is an attack, people may fear for their lives at that moment or even fear retaliation later.
When it is a humanitarian crisis or a vulnerable person in need, there can also be fears and social questions associated with intervention:
"Why are you helping these people when there are needs in your own family?"
"Is there a romantic relationship between the helper and the person being helped?"
Such questions can discourage people from doing what is right.
THE NEED FOR A SOCIAL WORKER.
The Social Worker is highly trained to place the safety and wellbeing of people in need above cultural barriers and other social considerations,
while also understanding the need for safe and appropriate intervention.
A Social Worker can quickly assess a situation,
identify the need,
mobilize appropriate support,
and help people access the right services and interventions.
Social Workers are also trained to help people resolve conflicts, recognize the need for involvement, and respond quickly and humanely to social problems.
SOCIAL WORKERS CAN RE-SOCIALIZE COMMUNITIES TO NOTICE AND ACT.
Social Workers can help communities develop a keen eye for noticing people and situations that require special attention and appropriate action.
A simple form of empowerment—that when a person notices that someone needs immediate attention, they should not simply wait for others but take responsibility for initiating appropriate support—can help save lives and improve many people's wellbeing.
This does not mean that everyone must personally handle every emergency. Sometimes the most responsible action is to call the police, ambulance, fire service, medical professionals, child-protection services, community leaders, or another appropriate authority.
What matters is not waiting for somebody else to act when you can safely initiate the help.
WE ARE ALL OUR FELLOW HUMANS' KEEPERS.
Social Workers can empower communities to understand that, while one may not be the recognized authority to handle a particular situation, we all have at least the human responsibility to care, respond, or initiate help.
A healthier society is one where people do not simply see suffering and walk away because they assume someone else will deal with it.
Breaking bystander apathy is therefore not only about responding to emergencies.
It is also about building communities where people notice vulnerability, care about one another, and take appropriate action.
ELIJAH MUTUA KIRIMA.
SOCIAL WORKER.
THE WORD OF GOD IS THE WILL OF GOD.
No comments:
Post a Comment