For many, news of social injustices and systemic corruption can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of dread and anxiety. It can be easy to feel powerless, but in truth, we all have the chance—and a responsibility—to fight to make our society more equitable and just. Social change is the process of working toward a better society, and it can be achieved through a variety of means, such as education, activism, policy reform, and community engagement.
Understanding Social Change
What is social change? Broadly, it is a complex process that can be driven by a variety of factors:
- Education is one of the most powerful tools for social change. It can help people develop the critical thinking skills they need to challenge the status quo and create a more just and equitable society. This can happen through community engagement programs that educate citizens on how to improve their communities as well as the education and training of professionals in a variety of fields so they are equipped with the skills that drive change.
- Activism is another important driver. Activists work to raise awareness of social problems and injustices, and they often engage in direct action to bring about change. They may work in outreach groups that work directly with individuals and communities to offer services, or they may liaise with political officials on behalf of communities in need. Many activists work on behalf of a cause that is important to them, such as combating homelessness or raising awareness for climate change initiatives.
- Policy reform is also an important tool. By changing laws and regulations, we can create a more just and equitable society. Activists often work in a volunteer capacity to raise awareness and fight for changes to policies that negatively affect communities. Those who earn a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in public administration or public policy may work in a professional capacity to advocate for reforms that can help people live healthier, more productive lives.
- Community engagement is essential for social change. This is when individuals come together to work toward improvement or to fight for a change within their community. These efforts are usually led by volunteers or public administrators. Community engagement efforts can be incredible powerful, bringing entire groups of people together to build stronger communities and create a more sustainable future.
- Social entrepreneurship is a form of entrepreneurship that seeks to create positive social change. Social entrepreneurs use their business skills to address social problems and create a more just and equitable world. Many social entrepreneurs build their businesses around an issue for which they feel passionate, and they may do with within the communities they serve to improve services and resources. Successful social entrepreneurs may use their power and influence to help other businesses or organizations with similar missions, in the interest of the common good.
The SocialChange Masters Series
Walden University is committed to helping people make a positive impact on the world by fostering a vibrant, diverse community of career professionals. Here, students can transform themselves into scholar-practitioners working as change agents in their communities.
As part of our commitment to social change, Walden is proud to present the SocialChange Masters Series. This educational resource available at no cost features industry leaders and experts who share their insights, strategies, and personal stories on a variety of topics related to social change, including corporate social responsibility, the social change model, and examples of social change.
The SocialChange Masters Series is an empowering experience that provides real-world applications and practical strategies for making a difference. Each video in the series is designed to inspire and empower you to become a change agent in your community and profession.
Featured Speakers in the SocialChange Masters Series
Walden’s SocialChange Masters Series will kick off with three sessions from influential change makers:
Nedra Glover Tawwab (Topic: Personal Boundaries and Social Change)
Nedra Glover Tawwab is a mental health therapist, a writer, and an expert on setting boundaries to find balance and well-being. Her book, Set Boundaries, Find Peace, explores the nature of our relationships with family, friends, and work, and how setting clear boundaries can lead to stronger self-awareness and healthier relationships.
In her SocialChange Masters session, she discusses the importance of setting and maintaining boundaries, strategies for addressing violations to your boundaries, and how respecting your boundaries—as well as others’—contributes to positive change, for you and for society.
Dr. Eric Hickey (Topic: Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice)
Dr. Eric Hickey is a true crime author and professor of forensic psychology. Dr. Hickey provides consultations to private agencies and serves as an expert witness in criminal and civil cases, focusing on sex crimes against children and adults, criminal paraphilia, stalking, homicide, domestic violence, offender psychology, victim-offender dynamics, and serial crimes. He also supports local, state, and federal law enforcement by offering training and investigative assistance, and he helps review cold case files.
In his session, Dr. Hickey delves into the complex world of serial killers, offering insights into their psychological makeup, motivations, and methods, as well as the strategies used to apprehend them. He also examines the crucial role of forensic psychology in improving decision-making processes in criminal investigations, law enforcement, and court proceedings. Additionally, Dr. Hickey addresses the common misconceptions and surprising truths about forensic psychology, highlighting the differences between its portrayal in the media and the actual day-to-day experiences of professionals in the field.
Dr. Beverly Malone (Topic: Nursing Leadership and Community Impact)
Dr. Beverly Malone is the chief executive officer of the National League for Nursing in the United States, and in 2023 she was named a “Top 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives in Healthcare” by Modern Healthcare magazine. Throughout her career she has worked across a range of nursing roles, including surgical staff nurse, clinical nurse specialist, director of nursing, and assistant administrator of nursing.
Dr. Malone’s SocialChange Masters session is focused on inspiring nurses to create meaningful change in healthcare settings. She examines the values that are at the heart of compassionate nursing, and how nurses can harness those values to become more effective in any setting. Learn as Dr. Malone focuses on equipping participants with new strategies to create a meaningful impact in hospitals, clinics, and communities. She also delves into the core values and qualities that define the most effective nurses, and explores various levels of power and how to leverage them effectively in leadership roles.
Walden University’s Role in Social Change Education
For more than 50 years, Walden University has been empowering passionate individuals to make a difference in their lives and communities. Walden’s mission is to provide a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves into scholar-practitioners, enabling them to effect positive social change. The university envisions itself as a premier, inclusive online learning community where knowledge and professional competencies are highly valued for their contributions to solving critical societal challenges and advancing the greater global good.
All of Walden’s online programs are designed to equip students with the tools they need to lead and implement social change in their fields. We encourage our students to explore their passion for making a difference and to choose a degree program that aligns with their goals.
Make a Difference With Walden
Social change is essential for creating a more just and equitable world. Through education, activism, policy reform, and community engagement, we can all make a difference.
To explore how Walden can help you become a change agent in your community, check out the SocialChange Masters Series, and learn more about our online degree programs in social change. Together, we can create a better world.
Walden University is an HLC-accredited institution offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs online. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) ,www.hlcommission.org, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.