Can We Affect Social Change?

Can We Affect Social Change?
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Can We Affect Social Change?
Studies have shown that new generations tend to change significantly from the ones that came before them. Changes in social practices are often associated with changes in social behaviors, attitudes, and practices and these are witnessed among newer generations. In the “The Primacy of Practice,” Kwame Anthony Appiah argues that incest between siblings is shunned for different reasons. Coexistence has often depended on the ability to agree about practices, even when people disagree about their justifications (Appiah, n.d, 50). Equally, Charles Duhigg shares the same sentiments on changes in social practices by giving an example of an individual, such as Rosa Parks who managed to contribute to the social movement. Both her weak and strong ties managed to initiate a social movement of change (Duhigg, n.d, p.96). Her efforts to resist discrimination were instrumental in motivating a whole generation of Blacks to demand their rights. Such actions were instrumental in instigating social change, an issue that had appeared to be impossible in a society that is as big as America. Both Appiah and Duhigg have presented a wide range of evidence that indicates how people can effect social change.
Thesis: This paper critically analyzes how people can advocate for change in social practices.
In medieval Spain, Christians and Jews lived under the leadership of Muslim rule, and this was only possible since it was not a must for different communities to agree on all forms of universal values. In the 17th century, the Jewish community was assimilated into the Dutch society as a result of social and intellectual exchange between the Jewish and Christian communities. “Christian toleration of the Jews did not depend on express agreement on fundamental values” (Appiah, n.d, 51). Numerous examples have historically proven that religious toleration were some of the early experiments that multiculturalism is one of the main components of this society. Therefore, to advocate for change in social practices, the society must be able to respect other people’s cultures and share a willingness to be governed by similar rules. Duhigg gives an example of social habits that are powerful enough to inspire change in social practices. For instance, the Negro community decided not to board the buses as a way of protesting against racism that was rampant across the American society. “The once dormant and quiescent Negro Community was now fully awake” (Duhigg, n.d, p.96). Such a protest is a clear indication that unity can be instrumental in influencing social change and enabling people to attain what they inspire. The fact that the Blacks were united in extending a boycott of a single day into a movement that lasted one year was a clear indication that they were determined in influencing change.
Furthermore, both scholars have proved that unity is one of the most powerful factors when it comes to promoting multiculturalism and fighting for social change. As Appiah claims, if people from different religions were able to live together in the past, it implies that social rules and regulations play a significant role in initiating change. Duhigg also argues that changes in societal practices can also be brought about by the efforts of people to fight against discrimination and demand for their social rights.
Currently, the American society has established a system that enables them to be governed based on the rules and regulations that are incorporated in the constitution. However, this does not imply that people must agree with claims that are made based on religious values, especially when they tend to forbid free exercise. “People mostly agree that it would be wrong for the Congress to pass laws prohibiting the building of mosques, for example, without exactly agreeing exactly as to why” (Appiah, n.d, 51). This implies that changes in...