What exactly is social change?
On an individual, group, or social level, social transformation generates community-based responses that address fundamental social problems. Attitudes, actions, laws, regulations, and institutions can all be influenced by social change to better represent principles of inclusion, justice, diversity, and opportunity. Individuals who are closest to social problems can work together to find solutions that solve social concerns, which is known as social change.
Now that you understand the concept of social change, let's review an example:
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Diagram showing a cycle of support from the individual to the group, the group to society, and then from society back to the group.
Dorthea Dix (1802-1887) crusaded for the moral treatment of the mentally ill in the early 1800s. She investigated mental wards and found patients placed in straitjackets and shackles, who were beaten and unfed. Horrified, she knew human beings deserved better treatment and focused her efforts on passionately telling civic leaders about this problem and urging for immediate change. As a result, drastic changes were made in medical care, both nationally and internationally. This is an example of social change, where transformations to social institutions, policies, and law resulted from the collective actions of those closest to the problems and issues.