Social learning theory explains that behavior in a social world can be modeled (Mcleod, 2023). According to this theory, aggression is a behavior modeled to children by the encounters they have during their lives (Mcleod, 2023). When it comes to changing the world for the better, I truly believe it starts early. By understanding my direct effect on future generations, I can ensure I’m modeling the changes I want to see in the world to my children and other kids I come in contact with. Since children are our future, it makes sense to help change the future by showing children the changes we want to make.

Schema theory explains how our knowledge and perspectives about the world are shaped by the way our brains organize information early on (Nickerson, 2024). According to schema theory, we make quick judgements about people and our environments based on our past experiences and current knowledge (Nickerson, 2024). This concept helps immensely when perspective taking. By understanding that other people also view the world through the lens of their past experiences, I can approach situations more empathetically. When advocating for social change, it’s important to understand that people aren’t innately ignorant, they’ve simply created a worldview based on past experiences. By approaching their beliefs and thoughts with compassion and empathy, it is immensely easier to educate and guide them towards better alternatives.

When it comes to social change, often times people are complacent with the ways of the world either because they’re overwhelmed with the prospect of so much change or because they don’t perceive a need for it. In an effort to heighten awareness of the need for social change, I believe Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can be a useful tool to foster understanding and motivation. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs explains that motivation of action is fueled by five levels of human needs and, when one level has not been met, we cannot move onto the next (Mcleod, 2024). In Maslow’s hierarchy, the first levels are basic needs, the next are psychological needs, and the final levels are self-fulfillment needs (Mcleod, 2024). This concept is extremely relevant to social change, especially in the category of poverty. I believe we cannot expect people to be contributing members to a community when their basic needs are failing to be met. If we focus on ensuring a standard for a quality of life that includes every persons’ basic needs being fulfilled, we can better advocate for a socially just society.

Quantitative evaluation tools can aid in measuring attitude changes, baseline knowledge levels, and data about geographic compositions such as ages, ethnicities, and genders (Museums Association, n.d.). These tools can also aid in measuring available programs and educational institutions within various locations. Qualitative evaluation tools can be used to provide insights on attitudes, quality of programs, and efficacy of social change implementation as reported by those affected. These evaluation tools can be conducted via interviews, questionnaires, and surveys (Museums Association, n.d.). These evaluation tools can help us understand what has worked, what hasn’t worked, what might work, and how people are feeling about the changes.

A critical first step in developing an intervention in the workplace involves corporate training. Corporate training is a classic way to introduce social change intervention to employees, give them all of the relevant information, and evaluate their individual performances (SNHU, n.d.). With a workforce that is informed and well-trained, threats to sustainability can become more easily detected and opportunities can be leveraged (SNHU, n.d.). Companies must then look internally to ensure social responsibilities are a natural part of the business practice (SNHU, n.d.). By actively engaging themselves, the company is leading by example which can help to promote positive change (SNHU, n.d.). A third step involves encouraging the employees to volunteer by fostering a culture of shared responsibility and purpose (SNHU, n.d.). Next comes the implementation of policies that are supported by research and customized to current requirements that simultaneously support social change (SNHU, n.d.). The fifth step involves integration of stakeholders, which requires trust building and intentionality (SNHU, n.d.). Lastly, researching is an extremely important step to the process. Collecting and analyzing information identified within the community helps policies target the critical need areas that will have the biggest impact (SNHU, n.d.). By following these steps, companies can more effectively integrate social change priorities within the workplace.

References

Mcleod, S. (2023, October 5). Social Psychology: Definition, Theories, Scope, and Examples. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/social-psychology.html#Example-Theories

Mcleod, S. (2024, January 24). Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

Museums Association. (n.d.). Methods for Measuring Social Impact. https://www.museumsassociation.org/campaigns/museums-change-lives/measuring-socially-engaged-practice/measuring-social-impact/#

Nickerson, C. (2024, February 2). Schema Theory in Psychology. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/what-is-a-schema.html

SNHU. (n.d.). Developing Your Social Change Intervention. https://learn.snhu.edu/content/enforced/1650765-PSY-491-15436.202456-1/course_documents/PSY%20491%20Developing%20Your%20Social%20Change%20Intervention.pdf?ou=1650765