How social activism fights unfairness and oppression through group efforts

What is it about?

Social activism is a way for people to fight against unfairness and oppression. When people with the same beliefs work together for good causes, they can make big changes in their communities and society. This works best when they aim for common goals rather than personal or financial gain. Successful social action needs more than just protests. It requires well-planned efforts that involve all members, not just leaders, to stand up against harmful forces like neoliberalism and fascism. In this book chapter, the author explains that emotions drive people. To get them to take action, their feelings need to be stirred and directed into action. This is called affective intelligence. This chapter also points out that expecting everyone to stand up against oppression isn’t effective today. Groups formed on shared ideals, or formal groups, are more united and quicker to respond to injustices.

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Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash

Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Society is changing. Neoliberalism, which focuses on making money and growing personal or corporate wealth, has become normal. People are judged for their success and wealth. They are encouraged to focus on personal gain over the well-being of society. Media and technology feed people information nonstop, making it hard for them to think independently or to tell the right from wrong. Drawing insights from Jean Paul Sartre’s book “Critique of Dialectical Reason,” the author suggests that in a neoliberal society, it is unlikely that the working class will overthrow the capitalist system. Activism should focus on organized groups, not waiting for everyone to rebel. KEY TAKEAWAY: Social action is at risk in a society becoming capitalistic by the day. Relying on a mass uprising is not effective. Close-knitted ‘formal groups’ based on shared ideals are more effective at social activism. These groups need to be motivated by affective intelligence, channeling their emotions, like anger, into action. This research relates to the following Sustainable Development Goals: • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth • SDG 4: Quality Education • SDG 5: Gender Equality