Consider the United States — and even the world — at the start of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries compared to today. Much has changed in how people live, work and communicate, as well as in the policies and laws shaped by broader societal movements. Many of these transformations are, at least in part, the results of strategic initiatives intended to bring about social change.
What Is Social Change?
Social change refers to a major shift in the structure, behavior or culture of a society over time. There’s no specific formula for what social change entails — it can involve changes in policies, relationships, religious practices, values, behaviors, attitudes and more. Changes may occur suddenly or gradually and can drive or be driven by factors such as politics, economics, technology or shifts in media practices and public perception.
There is a long-running debate about whether social change can best be described as the result of other structural forces (e.g. technology advancements, economic developments and policy changes), their cause, or a little of both. Karl Marx famously postulated that economic changes were the fundamental driver of political and social change; the latter two he described as “superstructure” resting on the foundations of economics.
7 Examples of Social Change
What does social change look like? Chances are, you’re already familiar with some powerful examples. Here are a few of the most impactful ones.
- Abolition of slavery: Slavery in the United States is often traced back to 1619, but it wasn’t until the 1830s to 1860s that the abolitionist movement gained significant traction, led by figures like Frederick Douglass. In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which marked a major turning point by officially beginning the process of ending slavery. This monumental action signified a crucial step forward for human rights and equal protection under the Constitution in the United States.
- Women’s suffrage: In the middle of the 1800s, women began marching, lobbying and voicing their support for a change in the Constitution that would guarantee women the right to vote, marking one of the major political changes in the United States. It wasn’t until 1919 that the 19th Amendment passed, after being either rejected or ignored by Congress for 42 years.
- Civil Rights movement: The civil rights movement was a fight for social justice, primarily occurring in the 1950s and 1960s, aimed at securing equal legal rights for Black Americans in the United States. Numerous milestones helped shape and propel the movement, which ultimately led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968, all aimed at eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal rights for African Americans.
- The rise of feminism: Also referred to as “the second wave,” this movement spanned the 1960s to the early 1980s and was fueled by the publication of The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan, which examined women’s roles and societal expectations in the mid-20th century. Across the country, women advocated for social and political equality, leading to significant milestones such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Supreme Court’s ruling in Griswold v. Connecticut, which protected women’s access to contraceptives and other forms of birth control.
- LGBTQ+ rights movement: The early gay rights movement began in the 1920s, while modern efforts are often traced to the mid-20th century, marked by key events such as the founding of the Society for Human Rights, the first known gay rights organization in the United States, and the Stonewall Riots in New York City, widely considered the start of the LGBTQ+ rights campaign. While this remains a movement advocating for equal rights, there have been significant policy changes, including Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage.
- Environmental conservation and sustainability: While this movement doesn’t have an official starting point, significant milestones have shaped its progress, including the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring in 1962, which examined the dangers of pesticides, and the celebration of the first Earth Day in 1970. U.S. environmental protection laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, along with the international Paris Agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, have also played key roles in advancing these causes. These movements also intersect in complex ways with environmental justice, food justice and Indigenous land stewardship efforts.
- The digital revolution: Starting in the 1980s, the digital revolution marks the transition from analog and mechanical devices to digital technologies, including smartphones, tablets, the Internet and, more recently, widespread artificial intelligence and automation. This revolution has changed the way businesses operate and how people live and work.
Why Should You Care About Social Change?
Whether you realize it or not, social change shapes our daily lives — impacting everything from the way we interact with each other to the availability of quality education, healthcare and fair wages. Changing social norms even affects the function of political institutions at the highest levels: as John Adams once wrote, “We have no Government armed with Power capable of contending with human Passions unbridled by morality and Religion.”
The examples of social change in the previous section showcase both injustices and the much-needed improvements in policies and access to opportunities around the world. Social change not only fosters a better society but also builds resilient communities with improved living conditions. Beyond that, it offers a chance for personal fulfillment — knowing that your efforts make a real difference. After all, today’s actions shape tomorrow’s policies, laws and opportunities.
How Does Social Change Happen?
While it often takes time to see results, social change can evolve in many ways, including through technological and ideological advancements, as well as economic and political campaigns.
Grassroots movements, educational awareness, cultural shifts, evolving values and influential leadership are also major drivers of change. Sometimes, it takes a significant event to ignite the start of something transformative, as was the case with the Stonewall riots in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, the death of George Floyd in the Black Lives Matter movement or the horrors at the Battle of Solferino in the establishment of international humanitarian norms.
How Can You Learn More About Social Change?
If you’re interested in expanding your knowledge about social change, congratulations! Reading this blog post is a great first step. Here are a few additional ways you can broaden your understanding:
- Online platforms/courses: Many online platforms, including those affiliated with colleges and universities, offer courses on social change. These range from free resources to paid programs, making it easy to find an option that fits your budget and needs.
- Master’s degree programs: A master’s degree program in humanitarian action, social innovation, social work, nonprofit leadership and management, public health, public administration or a related field will likely cover topics on social change. These programs also provide a wealth of related knowledge that can deepen your understanding and help you grow professionally.
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How Can You Affect Social Change?
Ready to make a difference? Here’s how you can start creating meaningful change and driving social impact:
- Educate yourself and others: Embrace learning opportunities — whether it’s taking an online course, diving into a thought-provoking book, enrolling in a master’s program or engaging in educational, challenging conversations.
- Engage in your community: Give back through volunteer opportunities or outreach efforts. Schools, churches, nonprofits and other organizations are always seeking passionate volunteers who can offer their time, resources and expertise.
- Advocate for policy change: Meaningful change often starts with one person. Consider partnering with individuals or organizations dedicated to causes you care about.
- Use social media in positive ways: With about 63.8% of the world’s population (5.22 billion people) on social media, there is a significant opportunity to use it for good. Share valuable information and resources, support causes and campaigns, engage in constructive conversations and create content that promotes the issues that matter most.
- Support ethical companies: Invest your money and support in businesses and organizations that uphold strong ethical principles. Research how companies treat their employees, their commitment to sustainability and whether their goals and values align with yours.
- Participate in peaceful protests and demonstrations: Take a stand and show your support by joining peaceful gatherings that advocate for the causes you believe in.
- Help amplify marginalized communities: Leverage your network, resources and support to give a voice to those who need it most. This could range from sharing their stories to offering opportunities and advocating for their rights.
Drive Social Change With a Master’s Degree from USD
If you’re interested in an advanced education that equips you with the knowledge, tools and skills to tackle social change, consider the University of San Diego’s Master of Science in Humanitarian Action. This innovative, multidisciplinary curriculum is taught by experienced, knowledgeable faculty. Want to learn more? Download the eBook — 6 Ways a Master’s Degree Can Benefit Your Humanitarian and International Aid Career — for valuable insights and an overview of common humanitarian careers.