The kind of relationships that society expects from its citizens and the way it organizes its important institutions - the family, the system of governance and control - can either nurture or stunt people's impulses to give help to relatives, friends, and needy strangers" (Mandell and Schram, 2012, p. 28).

After watching the Meaning of Human Services video, and reflecting on the quote above, use the outline below to describe the history of human services in western society.

1. History of Human Services. Discuss the history of helping behavior and human services in western culture. What factors have influenced our ability and willingness to help society members?

2. Changing Nature of Helping. Describe how societal circumstances shape helping behavior. Explain the principle of reciprocity and its relation to western cycles of giving and helping. Be sure to include such philosophies as means tested vs. universal programs, culture of poverty vs. opportunity theory, etc.

3. Cycles of Helping. Discuss the cycles of helping in the American society as they relate to welfare, juvenile justice, mental illness, and criminal justice. In your opinion, are we doing enough in these areas? If not, why not?