The examined concepts correlate with environmental trends and, therefore, are important for their consideration. Social change is viewed as a shift in people’s interactions transforming societal institutions (Dunfey). Social movements are campaigns aimed at achieving goals for society’s benefit, and collective behavior implies combined efforts in organizing activities (Anindya and Avci). In turn, the environmental movement positively affects society since it helps people develop their organizational skills and attain unity in critical matters. Thus, the issue of climate change, a shift in weather patterns causing global warming, contributes to this aspect (“Climate Change: How Do We Know?”).
The arguments are people’s confirmed responsibility for their actions, rising levels of human-produced gases, and temperature shifts (Gaby; “Is Human Activity Primarily Responsible for Global Climate Change?”). They affect social change by increasing awareness and involving more people.
Social movement theories are also important for environmental projects. For example, the structural strain theory explains the deficiencies evoking citizens’ concerns (Anindya and Avci). These programs imply gains and losses, reflected by better conditions for future generations alongside the struggles of present-day people in the lack of resources. Collective behavior leads to everyone’s involvement in the recycling process for people’s safety, but most citizens tend to join because others participate.
There is no clear view of the opposing perspectives since the issue is too complex and there are enough arguments from both sides (“Is Human Activity Primarily Responsible for Global Climate Change?”). The only confirmed facts are the impact of one’s culture and community on willingness to participate in environmental projects, and some people can refuse to join, thereby demonstrating their individuality.
Collective behavior affects every decision, whether it is joining different movements or having social media accounts. It is explained by the fact that humans are social beings and need to conform to some extent. Therefore, citizens tend to copy their peer’s behavioral patterns. The concepts studying during the course reflect on these mechanisms, and social theories allow gaining a better understanding of how much individuality one might express in their actions.
Works Cited
“Climate Change: How Do We Know?” Global Climate Change, n.d. Web.
Dunfey, Theo Spanos. ” What is Social Change and Why Should We Care?” Southern New Hampshire University. 2019. Web.
Gaby, Keith. “Is Global Warming Real? A 30-Second Answer.” Huffpost. 2014. Web.
“Is Human Activity Primarily Responsible for Global Climate Change?” Britannica ProCon. 2020. Web.
Sen, Anindya, and Omer Avci. “Why Social Movements Occur: Theories of Social Movements.” Journal of Knowledge Economy and Knowledge Management, vol. 11, no. 1, 2016, pp. 125-130.