WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCES ‘SOCIAL

EVILS’?

Most commonly cited as responsible for social evils were government and the media. The government were seen to be out of touch with the real issues people face and to be ineffective at tackling social problems. The media was criticised for fuelling negative and damaging attitudes and behaviours. Big business and religion were also said to be responsible: religion was identified as a cause of conflict and

confusion and big businesses were blamed for fuelling inequality and consumerism. In addition to these four institutions, people also emphasised the importance of individual choice in causing and perpetuating social evil and stressed people’s personal responsibility for overcoming social problems. Others blamed the structure of society, which can limit opportunities and underlie problematic or damaging behaviour. Some participants suggested that social evils are entrenched in current ways of living and thinking and that we seem to be locked into a culture where consumerism and greed are prioritised over other people and the community.