Humanism emphasizes the importance of individual choice and personal development, advocating for self-growth and free will. This positive outlook has influenced various aspects of society, including education, where modern systems encourage personal strengths, curiosity, and creativity among students.
Feminist theory examines inequalities
between the genders, and advocates for
women's rights, equality for all, and
the transformation of gender roles.
Can be viewed as positive and adaptive
in terms of the changes that have
been made in society to battle gender
norms and inequalities.
Ex2. Women's Suffrage Movement
This movement changed the
rights of women vastly. Throughout the
late 19th century and early 20th century,
a movement took place that would
ultimately grant women the right to vote
in the United States. This change is
something that has not only impacted the
lives of millions of women, but as also
altered political viewpoints as well.
Ex1. The #MeToo Movement
A conflict addressing sexual
violence against men and women and
structures of power within society.
The viral # has led
to millions stepping forward, and sharing
their own lived experiences. This movement
has allowed the voices of many silenced
speakers to come forward and advocate
for themselves.
Explains how society can work
together in order to benefit
a root cause. Also looks at each
contributing factor as to how
they can all influence each other.
Can often look at societal change
as positive and adaptive in order
to benefit the future of social groups
and society as a whole.
Ex2. The Digital Age
The digital age can be viewed
as an adaptive opportunity for
society today. This change was
positive and influential for not only
humans as individuals, but also the
working world. It has changed the way
society functions for the benefit of
research and growth.
Ex1. The Civil Rights Movement
A structural functionalist would
look at this event of change
through the future of the cause.
The changes that occurred from this
movement arguably helped American
society to grow and continue their demand
for equality.
This theory explains how differing forms
of discrimination and privilege can overlap
to shape a person's experiences
and livelihoods. Things like race, gender,
and class can be referred to as
'interconnected' and are all linked to each other.
Although intersectionality is argued to
be primarily positive in terms of social change; there are also negatives in that it could potentially oppress certain groups that are subject to discrimination in order to advocate for another. However, some of the positives include: addressing more than one form of discrimination, activism for all, and inclusivity.
Ex2. The COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic affected
billions of people worldwide. People with
low income, disabled communities, and racial
minorities were all affected on top of the virus.
There were also numerous people who lost
their jobs due to the virus and essential workers
who worked in unsafe conditions daily.
Through the pandemic, researchers and
organizations were able to create relief programs
for those who were most vulnerable and who
were in need of help. This change helped
oppressed groups and was not limited to
certain individuals; it took into account
large groups of people.
Ex1. The Americans with Disabilities Act
People with disabilities faced discrimination
within the workplace, in schools and education systems, and in public places. Disabled people of colour or who were 2SLGBTQIA+ were faced with double discrimination. The act not only made things like public spaces more accessible for people with disabilities, but they also focused time on how race, gender, and class can affect disability justice and the livelihoods of people living with a disability.
Cognitive theory doves into
psychological perceptive and how
humans perceive and store information.
Cognitive theory has a lot to do with
behaviour and how others can
influence, alter, and change behaviour
depending on circumstances and
observation.
Cognitive theory can more often be
viewed as a positive in terms of events
of change. This is due to the fact that
it enhances the actions, thoughts, and
decision making of humans. These
positives have ultimately led to extremely
useful things such as teaching, therapy,
and active problem solving.
Ex2. The Social Media Revolution
The advancements of media sources
like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
have changed the way people
communicate with each other, access
information, and how society interacts.
These progressions have allowed
global communication to be more
adaptive and beneficial. However,
the rise in social media sources has also
created a negative outlook on things
like body image and mental health.
Ex1. The Cognitive Revolution
The revolution caused cognitive
psychology to be revolutionized and
housed the opportunity for better education,
artificial intelligence, and problem solving
techniques to aid in work related fields.
The revolution shifted humans away from
the idea that behaviour shapes
intel, and more into the idea that there are
other means of learning, educating, and
understanding human behaviour.
Cultural materialism explains how
cultural practices can be formed into
material like conditions. Things like resources,
technology, and the environment can be
described as materialist things
that can influence change within society
and differing cultures. Cultural materialism
has a lot to do with power and how it
is being distributed.
Cultural materialism can be viewed as both
negative and positive in terms of societal
change and events that have taken place
impacting this theory. Although the evolution
of materialistic goods has created sustainable
solutions and adaptive means of survival within
different societies; cultural materialsm can
also be viewed as a negative. This is in the idea
that it can lead to environement exploitation
and potentially a justification for oppression.
Ex2. The Green Revolution
New technologies were sent to
developing countries such as
fertilizers and pesticides in order to
grow agricultural innovation. Although
some of these demands were necessary
to produce crop globally, there were also
major negatives that came with this change.
For example, the overuse of harmful
chemicals became an immense issue
especially in developing countries who
relied on farmers and good crops to
source their food.
Ex1. The Industrial Revolution
Through technological advancements
within the work force and the need for
mass production, the industrial revolution
took place. This caused many to move
from rural areas into major cities
in order to work for mass institutions
and manufacturing services. The labour
union commenced, and with that a demand
for better working conditions.
Power plays a large role in conflict
theory. It build on the idea that
competition is always in play
when it comes to social norms and
these conflicts can shape the
way social structures and institutions
are formed.
Can often be perceived as a negative
in terms of social change because of
the conflict needed; however, it can
also be a huge positive in that it
encourages change to occur through
its drive for transformation.
Ex2. The Black Lives Matter Movement
The conflict within the BLM
movement was needed in order
for people to respond to the systemic
police violence, as well as the racial
inequality taking place in America. This
conflict has ultimately led to changes in the
criminal justice system and more discussion
about racial inequality. These changes have made and will continue to make a difference
in the lives of many Americans moving
forward.
Ex1. The French Revolution
During the French Revolution, the
monarchy held immense power over
the lower class people of France.
The wealth of the monarchy, led to
poverty and oppression of the lower
class. The revolution and conflict
within the war led to the overthrow of
the French monarchy. This also led to
democratic ideals for France. This change
rehabilitated the lives of many lower class
citizens of France and drastically improved
their issues with poverty and oppression.
Humanism explores the idea that
humans as individuals are subject to
choosing their own path in life and are
able to make their own choices, with their
own insights. It builds on the ideas of self
growth and free will.
Humanism promotes personal positivity
and self growth. Because of this, it is
primarily a positive theory in terms of social
change.
Ex2. Modern Education Systems
In creating schools and education
systems, we have allowed for students
and children alike to explore their own
personal strengths, curiosity, and
creativity. Personal development
is also key within education systems
to help navigate difficult tasks and
gain confidence.
Ex1. The Human Rights Movement
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
has worked to establish the rights
of all humans. This is in the idea that
as humans, we are all different and each
have a uniqueness that differentiates
us all; however, we must all be allowed the
same rights, freedoms, and abilities.