Social Change in AQA A-Level Psychology PDF

Social Change in AQA A-Level Psychology Introduction to Social Change Social change refers to shifts in societal attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours over time. This transformation occurs when new ways of thinking or behaving become widely accepted as the norm. In psychology, social change is often...

Social Change in AQA A-Level Psychology Introduction to Social Change Social change refers to shifts in societal attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours over time. This transformation occurs when new ways of thinking or behaving become widely accepted as the norm. In psychology, social change is often explored through the lens of social influence, particularly how minority influence, conformity, and obedience contribute to these changes. The Role of Minority Influence in Social Change Minority influence occurs when a small group or individual persuades the majority to adopt a new perspective. Moscovici (1969) demonstrated this in his blue-green slides experiment, showing how consistent minorities can influence a group’s opinions. The Six Steps of Social Change Through Minority Influence: 1. Drawing Attention – The minority highlights an issue, often through protests or demonstrations. Example: The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s publicised racial injustices in the USA. 2. Consistency – The minority must be consistent over time and across its members to gain credibility. Example: Suffragettes persistently campaigned for women’s voting rights despite opposition. 3. Deeper Processing – The majority begins to question the status quo, reflecting on the minority’s arguments. Example: Many previously indifferent individuals started considering why racial segregation was unfair. 4. The Augmentation Principle – The minority’s commitment to the cause, particularly through self- sacrifice, strengthens their influence. Example: The Freedom Riders of the Civil Rights Movement faced violence and arrest for their activism. 5. The Snowball Effect – A tipping point is reached where more members of society adopt the minority viewpoint, gradually shifting it towards majority status. Example: In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was passed, marking a legal and social transformation. 6. Social Cryptomnesia – The majority forgets the origins of the change, but the new norms become ingrained. Example: Many now accept gender equality without realising the struggle it took to achieve it. Conformity and Social Change 1. The Role of Dissent – Asch’s (1951) research on conformity highlights how dissenters can weaken the majority’s influence and encourage change. When just one confederate in Asch’s study gave the correct answer, conformity rates dropped significantly. 2. Normative Social Influence (NSI) – People conform to social norms to gain approval or avoid rejection. Example: Nolan et al. (2008) demonstrated that energy consumption was reduced when households were informed that most of their neighbours were doing the same. 3. Informational Social Influence (ISI) – People conform when they believe others possess superior knowledge. Example: The acceptance of climate change is partly due to scientific consensus convincing the public of its validity. Obedience and Social Change 1. Disobedient Role Models – Milgram’s (1963) obedience study showed that when one participant refused to administer shocks, obedience rates among others dropped significantly. 2. Gradual Commitment (Foot-in-the-Door Effect) – Zimbardo (2007) argued that when individuals comply with small requests, they become more likely to comply with larger ones over time. This process can lead to widespread behavioural shifts. Example: Anti-smoking laws started with small restrictions before leading to full bans in public spaces. 3. Government and Social Change – Health campaigns and laws often use obedience principles to promote change. Example: Anti-drink driving campaigns framed legal consequences to deter people from drinking and driving. Factors Affecting the Success of Social Change 1. Strength of Minority Influence – A minority must be consistent, committed, and flexible to influence the majority successfully. 2. Barriers to Social Change – Bashir et al. (2013) found that people resist social change due to negative stereotypes (e.g., feminists as 'man-haters'). 3. Indirect and Delayed Effects – Nemeth (1986) argued that minority influence is often slow and indirect. Change can take decades, as seen in attitudes toward smoking and drink-driving. Exam Preparation: Evaluation of Social Influence and Social Change Support for NSI – Nolan et al. (2008) demonstrated that exposure to social norms can change behaviour. Weakness of Minority Influence – Minority views often face resistance, and their effects may not be immediate (Nemeth, 1986). Deeper Processing Debate – Moscovici suggested minority influence leads to deeper thinking, but Mackie (1987) argued that majority views, not minority views, trigger critical thinking. Methodological Issues – Research like Asch, Milgram, and Moscovici took place in artificial settings, limiting real-world applicability. Conclusion Social change is a complex process influenced by minority influence, conformity, and obedience. While minority groups play a crucial role in initiating change, societal shifts require the support of wider social influence processes. The study of social change in psychology helps us understand real-world movements, from civil rights to climate activism, demonstrating the power of social influence in shaping modern society.