SOCIAL CHANGE
social problem -condition or behavior that has negative consequences for a large number of people and
is generally recognized as needing to be addressed.
Social change- refers to the transformation of culture, behavior, social institutions, and social structure
over time.
The term social problem is used in public and political discussions and refers to very different social
situations, conditions, and forms of behavior that disrupt or damage society, like crime, racism, drug
use, unemployment, poverty, exclusion, alcoholism, sexual abuse, and madness. Social problems in
Philippine popular culture reflect the broader societal issues that are manifested and sometimes
perpetuated through various cultural forms.
While popular culture is often a reflection of the prevailing attitudes and values in a society, it can also
contribute to the reinforcement of certain social problems. It includes Gender Stereotypes, Beauty
Standards, Body Shaming, and etc.
2 TYPES OF SOCIAL CHANGE
There are two main types of social change. The first is evolutionary social change, which happens as a
natural result of societal trends. Evolutionary social change is a gradual and incremental transformation
of societal structures, norms, and institutions over an extended period. It occurs as a natural and often
slow process in response to societal trends, technological advancements, demographic shifts, or changes
in cultural attitudes. Example of this is the changes in Gender Roles. Evolutionary changes in societal
attitudes toward gender roles have occurred over time. There have been a gradual shift toward more
inclusive and egalitarian perspectives on gender roles and expectations.
The second is revolutionary social change, which is a drastic alteration from previous social norms.
Revolutionary social change is a rapid, drastic, and often intentional alteration from established social
norms, structures, or systems. It involves a fundamental transformation in the way society is organized
and operates, challenging existing power dynamics and institutions. An example of this is the Digital
Revolution: The rapid emergence and integration of digital technologies in the late 20th century can be
considered a form of revolutionary social change, transforming the way people communicate, access
information, and conduct business.
Types of Social movements
1. Alternative movements: Alternative movements are less group-oriented and instead encourage
changes to individual’s lives. This could include new types of diets or health practices.
2. Environmental movements: Environmental movements are typically concerned with protecting or
preserving the environment. For example, there are many social movements surrounding climate
change that seek to change laws and regulations to protect the environment, and many anti-nuclear
movements are environmental movements.
3. Reform movements: A reform movement aims to change something about the social structures of
society or the political systems in place. A reform movement may be an attempt to prevent change to
society, revert to an old way of living, or create new laws or sanctions for a better system. Examples of
reform movements include the Civil Rights Movement, apartheid segregation in South Africa, or the
Black Lives Matter movement (BLM) in which Black people have sought changes to society that give
them more freedom and equality Another example is the women’s suffrage movement in which women
sought voting rights.Kilusang Propaganda (Propaganda Movement) 19th-century reformist movement
led by Filipino intellectuals like José Rizal, Graciano López Jaena, and Marcelo H. del Pilar. Advocated for
political reforms, representation in the Spanish Cortes, and secularization of parishes.
4. Religious movements: Religious groups typically organize these efforts to encourage spiritual change
or conversion in others.
5. Resistance movements: A resistance movement has the characterization of a reactionary movement
in which people wish to undo a specific change made to their society. Examples of resistance
movements include labor movements in which farm workers or industrial workers resist the wages and
conditions that corporations imposed on them.
6. Revolutionary movements: A revolutionary movement exists to change almost all aspects of a current
society through total revolt.
The People Power Revolution (1986)
One of the major social changes that happened in the Philippines is The People Power Revolution also
known as the EDSA Revolution, was a significant social and political movement that led to the nonviolent
overthrow of the authoritarian regime of President Ferdinand Marcos. It took place from February 22 to
25, 1986, at the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Manila.
The People Power Movement offers several lessons. We can see the courageous solidarities and
coalitions that might mobilize against authoritarian restrictions on civil liberties. But we must also look
at the importance of finding ways to build a new and address the grievances and injustices that have
made such authoritarians so popular in the first place. The EDSA protests in 1986 were a remarkable
moment in Philippine history, a moment filled with the sense of unlimited hope and possibility. And for
those with democratic dreams, it provides both a lesson and a warning for the battles ahead (Sanchez,
2021)
