Winnifred R. Louis - Böcker

Why do some societies evolve and adapt while others remain stagnant? What creates divisiveness and exclusion, and what leads to community cohesion and social progress? This book discusses the psychology of social system change and resistance to change, offering readers a deep exploration of the psychological dynamics that shape societal transformations. Readers explore psychological perspectives on intergroup relations and group processes, alongside interdisciplinary perspectives from environmental science, history, political science, and sociology, to question and challenge conventional thinking. This readable, entertaining book contains clear definitions, lucid explanations, and key learnings in each chapter that highlight the take-home points and implications, so that readers can apply these insights to their real-world challenges. Whether you're a student, scholar, community member, or leader, this book provides important knowledge for all who are interested in understanding and influencing the dynamics of social change.

Why do some societies evolve and adapt while others remain stagnant? What creates divisiveness and exclusion, and what leads to community cohesion and social progress? This book discusses the psychology of social system change and resistance to change, offering readers a deep exploration of the psychological dynamics that shape societal transformations. Readers explore psychological perspectives on intergroup relations and group processes, alongside interdisciplinary perspectives from environmental science, history, political science, and sociology, to question and challenge conventional thinking. This readable, entertaining book contains clear definitions, lucid explanations, and key learnings in each chapter that highlight the take-home points and implications, so that readers can apply these insights to their real-world challenges. Whether you're a student, scholar, community member, or leader, this book provides important knowledge for all who are interested in understanding and influencing the dynamics of social change.

This Element reviews the social psychology of effective collective action, highlighting the importance of considering activists' goals, timeframes, and psychological perspectives in seeking to conceptualise this construct. A novel framework 'ABIASCA' maps effectiveness in relation to activists' goals for mobilisation and change (Awareness raising; Building sympathy; turning sympathy into Intentions; turning intentions into Actions; Sustaining groups over time; Coalition-building; and Avoiding opponents' counter-mobilisation). We also review the DIME model of Disidentification, Innovation, Moralization and Energization, which examines the effects of failure in creating trajectories of activists' disidentification from collective action; innovation (including to radicalisation or deradicalisation); and increased moral conviction and energy. The social psychological drivers of effective collective action for four audiences are examined in detail, in four sections: for the self and supporters, bystanders, opponents, and for third parties. We conclude by highlighting an agenda for future research, and drawing out key messages for scholars.