PSYA2 Social Change

Social Influence Today we will consider… What is Social Change How does Social Change come about? What are the factors which make Social Change successful?

Social Influence Task: In pairs discuss… 5 Minutes Task: In pairs discuss… Think of social group who has a poor status in society. How might they go about improving the status of their social group?

Social Influence What is Social Change? Social change is when a society adopts a new way of behaving which then becomes widely accepted as ‘the norm’. Social influence research also tells us how whole societies might change. It is the process of bringing about significant societal changes, which usually results in a conflict with those in authority or power. A group of people will collectively try and fight for their cause. Most importantly, it always starts out with a small group or a minority, trying to win over the rest of society!

Social Influence Task: Minority Influence Re-cap 3 Minutes Task: Minority Influence Re-cap Think back to what we have studied on minority influence… What are the factors which make a successful minority? Discuss for 3 minutes!

Social Influence Conditions Necessary for Social Change by Minority

Social Influence Conditions Necessary for Social Change by Minority Drawing attention to the issue! If we are exposed to the views of a minority then this draws our attention to it. If their view is different this causes a conflict which we want to reduce.

Social Influence Conditions Necessary for Social Change by Minority 2) The role of conflict As a result of the conflict we examine the minorities arguments closely. We think more deeply about it. E.g. we may receive a leaflet about animal rights. It may create conflict and encourage us to change our behaviour, by purchasing cruelty free animal products. The more people change their attitude to the minority, the greater the effect of change.

Social Influence Conditions Necessary for Social Change by Minority 3) Consistency Minorities are more influential when fighting for social change, if they are consistent. They express their arguments consistently over time and across each other. This means they are taken more seriously as they are seen to truly believe in the cause. Moscovici!

Social Influence Conditions Necessary for Social Change by Minority 4) The Augmentation Principle! If there are risks involved in putting forward an argument, then those who express such views are taken more seriously. If minority members are willing to take the consequences of their views, the impact is increased. A minority position often risks abuse and media attention. Sometimes imprisonment or death!

Social Influence Task: Real life examples of Social Change! Groups will receive a real life historical change. Read the case study as a group and consider: What happened? What were the reasons for the success of the case? Did the case contain any of the conditions necessary for social change through minority influence?

Social Influence Fathers 4 Justice

Social Influence The Polish Trade Union Solidarity

Social Influence The Suffragettes

Social Influence Human Rights Campaign: Same Sex Marriage

Social Influence To Finish: I am Rosa Parks… In 1955, Rosa Parks, an African American seamstress broke the laws of segregation and refused to give up her seat at the front of the bus for a White man. Only white passengers could sit at the front, whilst African Americans had to find seats at the back. She knew she was going to be arrested, and indeed she was. This was seen to be the start of the Civil Rights Movement in America. Imagine you are Rosa Parks. Write an account, according to social influence research, of how this event contributed to social change… Why was this event so influential? Which of the conditions did it have?