Social change is contextual
prepare a brief explanation of your understanding of the meaning of positive social change thus far. Refer to the additional sources you have reviewed this week, and comment on how they are shaping your experience. Use the data you gathered from your analytic memo to support your explanation.
Example student 1
Discussion 2-Week 5
Social change is contextual. It can mean changing organizational culture that leads to transformational outcomes [Walden University, 2015] or it could mean advancing the greater global good [Walden University, 2015]. Positive social change is a fluid concept and depending upon the social identity of the person effecting the change his/her motives drive what kind of change will result from action as well as inaction (Thomas, McGarty, & Mavor, 2009). Social change can be driven by individuals, groups, and organizations. The relationships that develop amongst, and between these levels within institutions also influence social outcomes (Aguinis & Glavas, 2012).
After viewing videos, listening to pod casts, and reviewing articles I believe social change is a combination of motives, personal accountability, desired outcomes, and world views. Social change occurs when ontology coupled with education work in concert to create an environment that betters people’s lives. The environment that results from impactful, positive social change will not only improve the physical, emotional, socio-economic circumstances of the disadvantaged group; it will also unite them with the advantaged group, even if only for the short term (Thomas et al., 2009). Together, in groups and out groups can create platforms that give disenfranchised individuals a voice, a seat at the table where their futures are being decided (Creswell, 2009; Thomas et al., 2009).
The resources reviewed for this week’s discussion post have helped me realize that I am not as enlightened about social change and social responsibility as I thought. I am hoping that my story is unique enough to influence others to consider how their actions impact their communities, but I am still on that journey (Simmons, 2006). I have an obligation to leave this world a better place than I found it but how will I do that? Positive, social change is transformational not transactional (Northouse, 2013). I desire to be a true change agent; a person who strives for long lasting reform for marginalized people and groups (Creswell, 2009). This goal will be achieved only when either working alone or within a group I commit myself to creating inclusive strategies and new normals for everyday interactions (Thomas et al., 2009).
References
Aguinis, H. & Glavas, A. (2012). What we know and don’t know about corporate social responsibility: A review and research agenda. Journal of Management, 38(4), 932-968.
Creswell, J.W. (2009). Research design:Qualitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Northouse, P.G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Simmons, A. (2006). The Story Factor. (Rev. ed.). Cambridge, MA: Basic Books.
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.