In community psychology, amelioration is understood as change withing a system, or a first-order change (Nelson & Prilleltensky, 2010). Transformation, on the other hand, is a second-order change, or alteration of the basic premises of a system (Nelson & Prilleltensky, 2010). In simple words, ameliorative interventions aim at promoting well-being, while transformative efforts aim at addressing power relationships and eliminate oppression (Nelson & Prilleltensky, 2010). While ameliorative work is needed and valued, without transformation long-term gains may be undermined. Social psychologists are to keep in mind that transformation that addresses inequality often brings amelioration to many issues (Nelson & Prilleltensky, 2010). When selecting between an ameliorative and transformative interventions, social psychologists need to understand their benefits and drawbacks.
Currently, the majority of interventions are ameliorative in nature due to their distinct advantages. Ameliorative interventions are based on the rational model, which implies that the issues are framed as problems that can be solved using evidence-based methods (Nelson & Prilleltensky, 2010). Since such interventions are on the individual level, they are relatively easy to implement and measure. While ameliorative interventions address the problem, they do not solve it long-term, as the core of the problem, which is usually power dynamics, remains unaddressed (Nelson & Prilleltensky, 2010). Transformative changes on the ecological level are more difficult to analyze and implement (Nelson & Prilleltensky, 2010). They require more resources, deeper understanding, and partnership of numerous stakeholders. Additionally, the results of such interventions are difficult to measure (Nelson & Prilleltensky, 2010). However, transformative interventions ensure long-term results and bring amelioration, as many problems are solved without addressing them in particular (Nelson & Prilleltensky, 2010). Therefore, social psychologists are to aim at transformative changes before considering amelioration.
Reading about transformative and ameliorative approaches to interventions contributed to my understanding of interventions. Before taking this course, I believed that evidence-based solutions to social problems are the best, since they are measurable, reliable, and cost-effective (Mullen et al., 2008). Social psychology interventions opened a new focus to interventions, as they see beyond the problem. Social psychology aims at addressing the root of many problems, which may bot be straightforward but much needed. Thus, my perspective to interventions has changed to favor holistic transformative ecological interventions during the course. When trying to implement such changes, I think I will come across numerous issues, such as lack of experience in the sphere, insufficient information and evidence on such interventions, and inappropriate analytical skills to see the root of the problem. However, I will try to address these barriers to ensure the focus on transformation rather than amelioration.
References
Mullen, E. J., Bledsoe, S. E., & Bellamy, J. L. (2008). Implementing evidence-based social work practice. Research on social work practice, 18(4), 325-338.
Nelson, G., & Prilleltensky, I. (2010). Community psychology: In pursuit of liberation and well-being (2nd ed.). Palgrave Macmillan.