Who decides what values are American values? What impact do these values have on health and human services workers and the delivery of services?

The American people decide which values are American values. Individualism and privacy are probably pretty universal American values. However, we are split on many issues that some claim are our values. "Family values" is one of these contentious issues. While the vast majority of people undoubtedly say they believe that a family is a mother, father, and young children, the number of single-parent households shows that this value is not achievable by many people.

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Health and human service workers try to respect privacy and independence, but are required to help everyone, despite other differing values.

The question of who decides what values are American values can be subjective. In a democratic society like the United States, the people collectively determine and shape the values of the nation through various means, including political processes, public discourse, and cultural influences. American values can also evolve over time as societal norms change and new ideas emerge. While there may be some widely accepted values that many Americans share, such as individualism and privacy, there can also be differences and conflicts over specific values due to the diverse nature of the nation.

In terms of the impact that these values have on health and human services workers and the delivery of services, it is important to note that health and human services are deeply influenced by societal values and expectations. For example, the emphasis on individualism in American culture often places a strong emphasis on personal autonomy, privacy, and individual rights. This can have implications for how health and human services workers interact with clients or patients, as they need to respect and support individual choices and decisions.

On the other hand, the concept of family values can also have an impact on health and human services. While there may be a widely held belief that a nuclear family consisting of a mother, father, and children is the ideal family structure, the reality is that many families do not conform to this traditional model. Health and human services workers need to be sensitive to the diverse range of family structures that exist and provide support and services accordingly.

Additionally, societal values can shape policy decisions related to health and human services. For example, debates around issues like healthcare access, reproductive rights, and social welfare programs are often influenced by differing values and ideologies. These discussions and policy decisions have a direct impact on the availability, accessibility, and quality of health and human services provided to individuals and communities.

In summary, American values, which are determined by the collective voice of the American people, can impact health and human services workers and the delivery of services in various ways. These values influence how workers approach client interactions, respect individual choices, and respond to the diverse range of family structures and societal needs. Policy decisions and debates around values can also shape the larger context within which health and human services are provided.