As you noted, there is not a consistent, clear definition of social change identity, but there were recurring themes throughout the scholarly sources I reviewed. I found that motivation, the power of the collective, and the significance of politics as a structural institution in shaping identity and change to be commonly applicable to this exploration. Even when examining other aspects, such as trauma, race, or culture, the three themes still had a role in shaping perspectives and behavior, which is at the core of all social change.
I feel the motivation theme to be the most significant theme personally. I have experienced the power of motivation, especially in the face of great adversity. Throughout my development, both personally and socially, I have encountered numerous factors that are out of my control, yet influential to my perspectives and interactions. Being motivated has helped me remain persistent in the pursuit of goals and in commitment to my values and decisions. My motivation has encouraged me to be honest, reflective, and beneficial to my overall psychological well-being, encouraging me to recognize the need for improvement and striving for more.
I believe the theme that has the greatest societal significance is the role of politics in defining social change. Political allegiance is often a guiding factor in identity, inspiring an individual’s values and beliefs. Collectively, our behavior, norms, and cultures are influenced by the leaders and parties that govern our society. Playing a vital role in the choices we make and our daily living, politics have the power to identify, resolve, or perpetuate societal injustice. This is critical in guiding individual and societal attitudes and responsible for encouraging our social change identity, collectively and individually.
Source –
Jardina, A., Kalmoe, N., & Gross, K. (n.d.). Disavowing White Identity: How Social Disgust Can Change Social Identities. Shapiro Library - SNHU; Political Psychology. Retrieved July 7, 2024, from https://eds-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=4&sid=1694ed83-293d-4f17-91b0-98f2b64eb76c%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#AN=151432902&db=tsh
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The demographics of race and ethnicity have consistently remained two of the most significant aspects that shape identity. The unfortunate reality is that these elements often influence where one lives and works, and what education and health resources they have access to. The authors of this article explore the connection between identity and political views, particularly how the election of President Barack Obama enforced this connection, while Donald Trump discouraged it. They theorize that disgust towards Donald Trump after the 2016 election was responsible for the unprecedented decline in white identity. I think this source eloquently investigates these two very sensitive issues at a very relevant time in history, explaining the connections between our identity, how it is influenced, and the societal changes that may indicate. With escalating racial and political tensions, a better understanding of this social change identity can provide valuable insight into the complexity of how these social identities are perpetuated or dismantled.
Source –
Turner, K., Lilgendahl, J., Syed, M., & McLean, K. (2024, January). Testing Exploratory Narrative Processing as a Mechanism of Change in Identity Status Processes Over 4 Years in College-Going Emerging Adults. Shapiro Library - SNHU; Developmental Psychology. https://eds-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=7&sid=1694ed83-293d-4f17-91b0-98f2b64eb76c%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#AN=174778215&db=ccm
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Our college experience may be the most influential 4 years in our emerging adulthood. This article takes an in-depth look at how the self develops through this time, paying particular attention to identity exploration and commitment. Using a longitudinal design, the authors consider the dual-cycle identity model, focusing on the commitments we make and the cycle of commitment evaluation, and its role in dictating our present and defining the future. This information is critical to understanding how and why we make some of our most important life decisions. The choices we make at this time, our values working in conjunction with societal forces and attitudes, undeniably dictate our future selves. This new generation will be a valuable component of society, promoting social change through their newly defined identities.
Source –
Yip, L., Thomas, EF., Amiot, C., Louis, WR., & McGarty, C. (2023, January 21). Autonomous Motives Foster Sustained Commitment to Action: Integrating Self-Determination Theory and the Social Identity Approach. Shapiro Library - SNHU; Sage Publications. https://eds-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=9&sid=1694ed83-293d-4f17-91b0-98f2b64eb76c%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#AN=36680466&db=cmedm
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Even in the term “social change identity,” we can conclude there is a connection between social change and the self. It is the collective group, made up of many individuals, that we find the power to motivate and commit to enacting change or resisting it. The authors of this article explore how autonomous vs. controlled motivation impact sustained action in relation to social change. Using longitudinal data from global poverty reduction supporters, they find that autonomous motivation positively predicted self-reported collective action and opinion-based group identification. Focusing on the self-determination theory, this line of research is so important to understanding the changing world we live in and the role we play in it. Our behavior and how it is motivated offers insight into how and why change happens, but equally important can give us critical information on how to inspire change, both socially and personally, defining social change identity.
Source –
Miller, J. (2021). The Politics of Perception and the Aesthetics of Social Change. Shapiro Library - SNHU; Columbia University Press. https://eds-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=13&sid=1694ed83-293d-4f17-91b0-98f2b64eb76c%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#AN=2700028&db=nlebk
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There is an interesting relationship between art, culture, and identity. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on representation in arts and media, advocating for under-represented groups. This representation can play a crucial role in defining one’s personal and social identity, as well as inspiring social change. In this article, author Jason Miller explains the political and aesthetic value of representation in art and its relation to self-awareness. His points support the importance of culture in shaping an individual’s beliefs and in understanding the humanity of our out-groups. He discusses in detail certain works of art and aspects of popular culture, allowing me to see a perspective I previously was not exposed to, making this article personally enlightening. This evidenced how art and the culture it represents can influence our identity and alter perceptions, becoming a vital component to recognizing the need for and encouraging social change, and forming our social change identity.
Source –
Muldoon, O., Nightingale, A., Lowe, R., Griffin, S., McMahon, G., Bradshaw, D., & Borinca, I. (2023, December). Sexual Violence and Traumatic Identity Change: Evidence of Collective Post‐Traumatic Growth. Shapiro Library - SNHU; Wiley-Blackwell . https://eds-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=15&sid=1694ed83-293d-4f17-91b0-98f2b64eb76c%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#AN=174032636&db=ccm
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Our psychological well-being, trauma, and adversity all play important roles in defining our social identities. The authors of this article interview 4 women who were sexually assaulted to investigate how the effects of personal trauma impact and reshape social identity. The reality is that trauma, physical and emotional, are defining aspects in the lives of many individuals. It is critical that we understand how our identity is changed by such events and its sociocultural relevance. Equally important is discovering how to use these adversities to motivate positive social identity change, which the authors refer to as collective post‐traumatic growth. Understanding how identities change, in addition to how to use this change as a growth opportunity, can provide useful information for inspiring social change as a result of societal issues, injustices, and traumatic events we endure collectively, providing another social identity change opportunity.
While many of the theories of personal change resonate with my personal identity, I feel the Maslow inspired self-actualization theory is most applicable to my life. When reflecting on my development and future goals, I clearly see how my behavior and identity are influenced by the hierarchy of needs. Regardless of my situation, with many setbacks and elements out of my control, I have been motivated to find the deeper meaning in all I encounter, driven by a determination to grow. Self-reflecting and honest introspection enables me to find purpose for every day, with a personal goal to reach the ultimate level of self-actualization. In my opinion, this is the only path to true happiness.
One social change initiative that aligns with my personal ideals is the reduction of climate change. While this has been a topic of concern for some time, I only recently put in the effort to inform myself of how dire this situation is. I firmly believe that as humans we have a moral responsibility to respect life and the incredible planet that provides for us. This concern extends to all people regardless of geographic location, as well as future generations. Having children has completely changed my perspective on the future of this world, now envisioning my great-great-grandchildren and the suffering they may endure due to our negligence, instead of an abstract concept. This value for humanity and my sense of duty have made me passionate about raising awareness and working towards a resolution for this crisis.
References –
Murphy, Q. (n.d.). Theories of Personal Change. Bright Space; Southern New Hampshire University. https://learn.snhu.edu/content/enforced/1650745-PSY-491-15148.202456-1/course_documents/PSY%20491%20Theories%20of%20Personal%20Change.pdf?isCourseFile=true&ou=1650745