'Double Trouble – Politicians Are Looking in the Wrong Place'

Focusing on the values of individuals is misplacing political efforts to address social problems, according to psychologists Magnus von Campenhausen.

The argument is that when politicians frame social issues like unemployment, crime, and integration difficulties as stemming from the values of those affected, the focus shifts to the wrong level. This approach leads to ineffective interventions because it fails to address the root causes.

Instead, the authors contend that these societal problems are deeply rooted in underlying societal conditions. Therefore, any effective solutions must target these broader systemic factors rather than solely concentrating on individual behaviors or beliefs.

The piece advocates for a shift in policy and intervention strategies, urging a move away from blaming individuals and towards addressing the societal structures that contribute to social challenges.