Bulletproof Problem Solving

Chapter NineWicked Problems

“Wicked problems” is the name given to describe a class of problems that seem to defy problem definition and solution because they are impossibly linked to complex systems.¹ These problems typically involve multiple causes, major values disagreements among stakeholders, unintended consequences, or substantial behavior change in order for the problem to be solved. Terrorism, environmental degradation, and poverty are often proffered as examples of wicked problems. Wicked problems are different, and we won't pretend they are easy to crack. But we believe the seven‐steps approach sheds light on even these most difficult conundrums. As citizens, we have to have tools to help us understand and evaluate the solutions proposed by politicians and policy makers.

In this chapter we explore the range of problems that have been termed wicked problems. These are typically at a societal or even global scale. In particular, we take on the “wickedness” involved in two case examples, obesity and overfishing of the commons.

Obesity as a Wicked Problem

Obesity is a global phenomenon with huge economic, social, and personal costs. The McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) estimated obesity to have a similar social burden ($2 trillion) as smoking, armed violence, and terrorism. As the authors put it, “Obesity is a complex, systemic issue with no single or simple solution. ...