Introduction
The culture and established norms in every society tend to undergo considerable changes over time which can be repressed for a certain period but eventually are unavoidable. Researchers in the field of sociology have been studying the concept of social change for decades, and there is a variety of frameworks which describe the exact mechanics behind the phenomenon. Although every approach seeking to provide a thorough account of the social change aspects has significant insights, the political opportunity theory delivers the most comprehensive analysis of the matter. Essentially, social change occurs as a result of the presence of engaged and organized individuals and political conditions which are conducive to the transformation in society.
A New Culture and Engaged Individuals
The most important component in every social change is the people who are not satisfied with the status quo and desire to transform the existing situation for the better. Usually, such people are individuals who experience oppression or are deprived and mistreated by the authorities and laws of the country. Essentially, there must be a group of people who consider the political and social system in place as unjust and discriminatory against them and their rights. Moreover, such a group should not only be unsatisfied with the current state of affairs but also have a certain idea about positive changes which need to be introduced. Additionally, the individuals who are directly affected by the mistreatment can be supported by those who are not impacted by the discriminatory policies.
There have been many social movements in history which can serve as an example for the aforementioned information. For instance, in the 1950s, in Montgomery, the Jim Crow laws implied ensuring segregation between white and black riders in local busses. As a result, the African-Americans were prohibited from becoming drivers for the bus companies in the region. Moreover, the black riders were required to pay a fare at the front of the bus and then go to the back of it where the area for people with the “untouchable” status was1. Rosa Parks and her supporters became the engaged individuals who were dissatisfied with the discriminatory laws and openly defied them as a form of protest. People such as Rosa Parks experienced direct oppression by the authorities, and they decided to oppose them through violations to achieve a positive change.
Organizational Infrastructure
At the same time, the actions of a small group of people are still not sufficient to produce a change of a scale which could affect the entire society. In order to achieve success in transforming the social and political system of the country, a more organized effort is required from people. As a result, the engaged individuals who share the same vision, values, and interests have to form an organization which could amplify their message to a larger audience. Moreover, formal organizations ensure the mobilization of new people and help to educate them on the existing social problems which need to be solved through change. Organizations also facilitate the accumulation of resources needed for the successful achievement of the goals of the movement.
The story of Rosa Parks and protests in Montgomery had an effect on local authorities, but it did not change the condition for African-Americans in the entire country. The major role in the advancement of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s was played by notable organizations. For instance, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, led by Martin Luther King Jr., provided support for non-violent protestors and publicity for their activities. There was also the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), another organization which was instrumental in the dismantling of the segregation system.1. The organizations managed to mobilize large numbers of people and eventually cause a change in the perspective of a significant share of the population on the injustice targeted against African-Americans.
Political Opportunities
Nevertheless, an organized group of engaged individuals who share the same views also need to rely on the political system. In other words, in order to ensure that the message of the protestors is heard and their demands for a change are implemented, there must be certain opportunities. Political opportunities can arise as a result of several factors, including the division among elites. The lack of repressive laws and the guarantees of basic political freedoms are also political opportunities. Countries where populations have a limited number of civil rights, tend to be more democratic. As a result, whenever a large social movement emerges, such countries quickly respond to the demands of the protestors.
The civil rights movements would not be possible without the U.S. Constitution and the rights guaranteed by it to the people. The first amendment of the American Constitution guaranteeing “the right of the people peaceably to assemble” and freedom of speech was essential for the success of the civil rights movement in the 1950s-60s2. Additionally, the movement also had the support of certain politicians who promoted the idea of racial equality and justice. For instance, Ivan Allen was a mayor of Atlanta during the years of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. As a liberal, Allen actively participated in the desegregation efforts, although some of his actions were criticized by the activists3. Nevertheless, the activity of politicians such as Allen and the basic constitutional freedoms became the political opportunities for the civil rights movement.
Socialization
The three aforementioned components constitute the main factors which enable people to effect social change. At the same time, once the change is implemented, the need for socialization arises in order to ensure that the new situation is now accepted as normal. It is natural that every major social movement receives criticism from the people who oppose it since they are satisfied with the status quo. Such people also can continue to demonstrate their dissatisfaction even after the change has occurred. Therefore, a certain period of time must pass before all members of society, or at least the majority, have accepted the new terms as the new status quo. Even after the passing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, many white politicians and organizations maintained their opposition to the law4. At the same time, today, half a century later, the Civil Rights Act does not raise any concerns and is widely recognized as one of the main milestones in American history.
Conclusion
Social change is a process which occurs in a situation when three components are in place, engaged individuals, organizations, and political opportunities. The civil rights movement of the 1950s-60s constitutes an example of how the aforementioned elements came together to produce social change in the form of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. At the same time, every social change requires further socialization to become a new reality and be accepted by the majority of people. Thus, in order for social change to be successful, not only political actions are needed, such as protests, but also the acceptance of the wider public.
Bibliography
“Amdt1.4.1 Freedom of Assembly and Petition: Overview.”Constitution Annotated.
Anderson, Carol. White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide. New York: Bloomsbury USA, 2016.
Holt, Thomas C. The Movement: The African American Struggle for Civil Rights. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2021.
Joseph, Peniel E. Stokely: A Life. New York: Basic Books, 2014.
Footnotes
- Holt, Thomas C. The Movement: The African American Struggle for Civil Rights. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2021.
- “Amdt1.4.1 Freedom of Assembly and Petition: Overview.” Constitution Annotated.
- Joseph, Peniel E. Stokely: A Life. New York: Basic Books, 2014.
- Anderson, Carol. White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide. New York: Bloomsbury USA, 2016.