Skip to main content

What Is Social Change & Why It Is Important




Social change has a profound impact on society. It is an outlet for conversations amongst human interactions while aiding change from socio-cultural norms, social values, customs, traditions, social orders, and societal standards. However, change begins when we listen as social change as a social issue comes from first understanding the problems within the social system that create social problems and issues. It is imperative to help make strides and make a difference for the community and the people. Intentionally and positively sparking and evoking change through open mindset and conversations, in my opinion, are all a great way or start in breaking generational perspectives, societal beliefs, and behaviors that negatively affect society, collectively. 

Social change provides a forum in how society can interact and connect from cultural and social institutions to collide and impact the community. This type of environment and open outlet allows for societal change from the individuals contributing factors, impact, and adaptation to go forward healthy and effectively. According to the (American Sociological Association, 2021), research aligns not just from historical but from past literature, and comparative studies within the war social revolution and war case studies within that individual and cultural factors that mold and shape the behavioral change agents. 

Positive social change is the being of change, advancement, growth, development, and transformation that helps lead to societal progress or prosperity and personal. The positive social change applies to communities, organizations, government, families, neighborhoods. Change is applicable, and established methods within human relationships and religious, economic, political, and social revolution and demographic represent societal change. Social change is never-ending and requires individuals and people in power to continue to strive for positive social change and be the voice of reasoning and understanding, the causes and effects.

Speaking from a graduates perspective with a Clinical Psychology background,  (Walden University, 2018), Walden University's mission statement, for social change, is a foundation and essential commitment throughout one's experiences and development as they take each step and navigate through the respective curriculum of continuity of improving. Students can utilize new skills learned, gain rooted knowledge, develop and grow their network, and recognize perspectives varieties. Last but not least, addressing constructive concerns and problems, not just as individuals but also as communities, organizations, and society. Social change is a positive element, and  social change to be in both environmental and social factors, one needs to improve one's life effectively.


The (American Psychological Association, 2013), explains social change structures and varies through the determined actions within individuals or groups such as economically, social injustice, culture change, and social movement, to name a few examples. Social change is essential and necessary in society; therefore, social change requires action and can be collected, according to (You & Brewer, n.d.), consisting of research, educating, and teaching.

Social change initiates from a collaborative methodology and diversity in a cultivated society recognizing and understanding the seriousness and importance of the respective social change. Social change intentions and objectives are to constantly and consistently seek positive change to bring awareness and increase quality or conditions of not just the social precedence but also the quality of humans. For example, (Thomas et al., 2009) expressed a claim that advantaged groups within society are more inclined to acknowledge and respond to social injustices to push society to more prosocial behavior.


Neuroscience is another contributing influence social change amongst psychologist and researchers according to (Rosenzweig, Breedlover, & Leiman, 2002), due to the human brain study providing contingency with inaugurating both mental and behavior in linking while possibly disintegrating the long-term bicker.  The overall contribution to social change within the study of neuroscience and psychology contributes to enhance and be effected based on the provision of momentum as well as the acceptance and believe in from a societal factor. According to (Dugan 2006), social change isnt just an outcome or result from extraneous forces unbound. It is also formed consciously and stems from the person or individual that recognizes and understands present and current societal issues. Therefore, the individual establishes their voice and becomes the person advocating change. 

My academic journey in learning more about social change has put a more profound meaning, and perspective through the things I am passionate about that require permanent social change, such as social injustice and gender inequality, to name a few. According to (Walden University, 2021), it supports and encourages members of society. Social change can help contribute to society as a community, individual, and globally as a whole, both negatively and positively via mannerism, the mindset, thought patterns, and the policies and rules in place and governed by lawmakers and the social and justice system. 




In order to face and contract the social issues and problems, you have to go out and be proactive and present. Based on my academic background and knowledge, I can contribute based on evidence-based research by being active in the solution and experiencing them with understanding and adding to the cause. When researchers navigate and advocate in taking actions for social change through their attained knowledge, experiences, and academia , this all will contribute to helping others socially and as individuals for change. According to (Riess 2017), cognitive empathy must play a role when a lack of emotional empathy exists because of racial, ethnic, religious, or physical differences. Empathy is a critical both interpersonally and societally, it allows sharing of experiences, needs and desires between individuals and providing an emotional bridge that promotes prosocial behavior. 

As a Walden University graduate student, I collectively can be an agent for positive social change through various outlets such as residencies, coursework, and social network. Walden University encourages and supports students' growth and their journey to enforce positive social change while giving them the chance to see how crucial and imperative it is for social change and positive social change. The tools I have been given, training, experiences,  academia, etc. helps me to continue to support , advocate, educate, and truly make a difference in the world and I hope you will too. 

Reference
American Sociological Association. (2021). Social Change. Retrieved from https://
        www.asanet.org/topics/social-change.
Walden University (2021). Social change. https://www.waldenu.edu
Yob, I., & Brewer, P. (n.d.). Working toward the common good: An online universitys  perspectives on social change, 1-25.
Thomas, E. F., McGarty, C., & Mavor, K. I. (2009). Transforming apathy into movement”: The role of prosocial emotions in motivation action for social change. Personality & Social Psychology Review, 13(4), 310-333. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/088868309343290
Rosenzweig, M. Breedlove S. & Leiman, A. (2002) Biological psychology: An introduction to behavior, cognitive, and clinical neuroscience. Sunderland MA: Sinauer Associates, Inc.
Dugan, J. P. (2006). Explorations using the social change model: Leadership development among college men and women. Journal of College Student Development, 47(2), 217–225.
Riess H. (2017). The Science of Empathy. Journal of patient experience4(2), 74–77. https://doi.org/10.1177/2374373517699267