[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# How Can We Use Systems Thinking to Find a Solution to the Problem of Poverty in Panama?

## Details

**Authors** Muschett M

**Year** 2016

**Publisher** Cornell Policy Review

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Public Policy

**Kind of engagement** applications

[Read it](https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/how-can-we-use-systems-thinking-to-find-a-solution-to-the-problem-of-poverty-in-panama/)

## In authors' words

### Abstract

Poverty in Panama is a problem that may seem impossible to solve if we consider it as a whole. At the same time, providing partial solutions without understanding the root of the problem won't solve it either. Systems Thinking emerged as an attempt to solve problems by addressing the mismatch between how real-world systems work and how we think they work by applying four simple rules: distinctions, systems, relationships, and perspectives, known as DSRP. This paper analyzes the problem of poverty in Panama using DSRP. These rules help identify the complexity of the problem as an extensively relational network and serve as a guide to detect leverage points in organizing the thinking process and making it simpler and easier to comprehend.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

A Cornell Policy Review piece analyzing poverty in Panama with the four DSRP rules.

### What they found (results)

Treated as a whole the problem looks unsolvable, and partial fixes miss its roots; DSRP renders it an extensively relational network with detectable leverage points, making the thinking simpler to organize and comprehend.

## Commentary

### In short

A student application of DSRP, from the Cornell Policy Review systems thinking special issues.

**Patterns it shows** S, R

**How to cite this** Muschett M (2016). How Can We Use Systems Thinking to Find a Solution to the Problem of Poverty in Panama?. Cornell Policy Review.