U2L8: Barrier and Conditions for Social Change

Question 1

What is Social Change?

Answer 1

Defined as transformations in the belief, social interactions, practices, organization, and structure of society. These changes occur overtime.

Question 1

What is Social Challenge?

Answer 1

Refers to a problem or issue within a society that affects a significant portion of its population. It requires Collective action, policy change, and community involvement and can be complex, requiring comprehensive strategies and solutions.

Question 2

What are the three conditions for change?

Answer 2

1) Leadership: a charismatic individual (large vision, personality, strong support. EX: malala, viola desmond, etc)
2) Role of modernizing elite: in many situations, no single individual leads - sometimes groups of people (EX: Black lives matter, end poverty, free palestine)
3) Population ready for change: Vision of leader or modernizing elite must match the overall mood of the people. The change must benefit the general population (EX: covid, free rights and freedoms, LGBTQ+)

Question 3

What are the two barriers to social change?

Answer 3

1) Traditional cultural values: push adherence to old practices, modernization is seen as harmful to a culture, feelings of unwillingness to change.
2) Expense: in developed nations, the government pays for new social programs using taxpayers money. Only so many programs can be financed.

Question 4

Why is there resistance to change?

Answer 4

1) Comfort: slight change → everything falls apart.
2) Having routine: change may not be induced