Power imbalances and competition abound in the social services sector. Funding for social service agencies and grassroots organizations is consistently inconsistent and meager, as many programs are supported by short-term grants that are won through a competitive process. Workers are typically underpaid and overworked, and the sector experiences a high rate of staff turnover and ongoing staff shortages. Agencies frequently rival for the same (small) pot of money, resulting in the perpetual scarcity of resources – money and people – for all social services, breeding competition and mistrust.
Power imbalances show up in material realities, but also symbolic terms. Processes work to stigmatize certain neighborhoods, devalue grassroots organizations, and sideline residents.
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Patterns of Injustice
Underlying and stubborn injustices are revealed in discernible patterns in who gets ahead and who falls behind.
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