As I reflect on ways to improve social services in the U.S., one question I have considered is how social services function in other countries.
This is never an apples-to-apples comparison, as each nation has unique perspectives on social impact and distinct approaches to addressing social challenges.

That said, I believe we can enrich our understanding of social services in the U.S. by examining other nations' approaches. While I have personal experience living overseas, I am also fortunate to be surrounded by many friends and colleagues who have lived outside the U.S. and were kind enough to share their insights with me.

I took time to reflect on my own experiences and then engaged with others in my life, asking them:
"What countries have you lived in or spent time in? What would you say is different about how they approach social impact compared to the U.S.?"

While this is not a comprehensive or definitive research article, it serves as a conversation starter—an exploration of firsthand experiences that offer valuable insights.

United States

• Individualistic culture emphasizing personal responsibility
• Debate on the level of government involvement and responsibility
• Focus on careers and jobs to promote economic growth
• Established infrastructure of nonprofit organizations, philanthropic foundations, and government programs
• High standard of living and access to resources
• Belief in voting as a means of enacting social change
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) among companies
• Focus on data-driven methods and measurable outcomes
• Strong culture of advocacy

Canada

• Greater government responsibility, with more social services such as healthcare and affordable housing
• Higher taxes to support expanded services
• Perspectives on social impact vary by province

El Salvador

• Limited resources and a lower standard of living, shifting focus toward meeting basic needs
• More capacity to volunteer time than financial resources
• Strong emphasis on child welfare
• Less expectation for corporate involvement in CSR
• Presence of nonprofit monopolies

Honduras

• Social impact viewed primarily as the responsibility of the government and international organizations
• Citizens often expect external assistance

Brazil

• More collective and family-focused culture
• Strong emphasis on relationships, including in business contexts

Burkina Faso

• Strong communal culture with an emphasis on mutual care
• Significant poverty and humanitarian challenges
• Limited opportunities for people with disabilities
• Foreign funding is a primary resource, often channeled through the government
• Lack of regulatory controls, increasing the risk of corruption and fraud

Uganda

• Government plays a minimal role in addressing social issues (similar to many developing nations)
• Responsibility primarily falls on:
  • Extended family
  • Foreign aid (NGOs and other governments)
  • Local initiatives from churches and communities
• Limited faith in voting as a mechanism for change, though protests and riots are sometimes attempted

China

• High government responsibility in caring for the poor, with many social services supported by higher taxes
• Limited resources available for individuals with disabilities
• Strong expectation for children (especially sons) to care for elderly parents

Thailand

• Strong emphasis on collective responsibility, with significant government and royal initiatives
• Strong Buddhist influence shaping social values
• Growing corporate engagement in social impact
• High respect for authority and social hierarchy
• Strong community support during crises

While you may or may not agree with all the observations my colleagues and I have shared, I hope this list sparks curiosity and meaningful discussions. Each country has its own way of thinking about social issues, shaped by culture, history, available resources, and core beliefs.

Exploring these diverse perspectives can be eye-opening and valuable as we strive to support vulnerable populations and drive positive change.

A few questions that arise as I reflect on these insights:

• How do different nations leverage their resources compared to the U.S.?
• Are there key infrastructural elements that could have a widespread impact if adopted?
• What can we learn from the strong family and communal ties that drive social support in many other nations?

May we all continue growing in our understanding of how best to serve others.

Are you an organization or agency looking to make a social impact in your community?
Contact us at info@soar.partners to learn more about how SOAR can partner with you in your service to others.

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