From Research to Social Improvement: Understanding Theories of Intervention

Social science research can inform the complex and uncertain work of moving toward effective social change on three levels: by describing and analyzing the problems that practitioners confront, by identifying better outcomes for individuals and society, and by illuminating strategies of intervention that practitioners can use to move toward better outcomes. This article offers a conceptual framework for analyzing strategies of intervention, which the author uses to examine U.S. mental health policy between 1948 and 1963. In this case, strong understanding of intervention strategies proved very useful to practitioners attempting to make major social changes in the face of overwhelming obstacles. The example shows that understanding intervention requires different social science tools and ideas than understanding social problems. It also shows that social scientists and practitioners alike may find it valuable to think more systematically about intervention.