Social change identity refers to the changes in appearance experienced in response to changes in social structures, values, and beliefs (Dunfey,2019). Social change in identity can take many forms, such as changes in gender, race, sexuality, class, lifestyle, education, and work. Social motives are individuals’ goals for establishing and maintaining relationships with others (American Psychological Association,2020). The five core social motives are integral to understanding and responding to social change, and they include belonging, understanding, controlling, enhancing, and trusting (Geiger& Brick,2023). By exploring how these five core social motives contribute to social change identity, it is possible to gain insight into how individuals can counter the effects of societal modulation.
Belonging
Belonging is the feeling of acceptance and connection to a community (Allen et al.,2021). The belonging motive contributes to individuals’ social change uniqueness by allowing them to identify with a particular group. In times of social change, many individuals seek out communities in which they can find a sense of belonging and security (Geiger& Brick,2023). This sense of belonging helps individuals to cope with the challenges of social change, as it provides them with a source of comfort and support.
Understanding
Understanding means making sense of the world and comprehending the reasons for things. Understanding is a motive devoted to individuals’ societal conversion distinctiveness as it helps them gain insight into the changes. By understanding the causes and effects of social change, they can cope better with the changes occurring (Geiger& Brick,2023). Additionally, understanding the changes will help them develop a more positive attitude towards them, as they will understand the benefits they can bring.
Controlling
Controlling means the need to be in charge of one’s destiny and to influence others. Controlling motive commits to individuals’ communal transmutation oneness by allowing them to take control of their own life, especially in times of social change where they may feel powerless and unable to influence changes (Geiger& Brick,2023). However, by taking control of their own lives, it becomes easy to create paths and develop strategies to cope with the changes that are taking place. They will also gain control and confidence in responding to changes.
Enhancing
Enhancing motive means the need to improve oneself and one’s situation. Enhancing accords with individuals’ social turnover coherence as it helps them develop their skills and abilities (Geiger& Brick,2023). In times of social change, they may feel overwhelmed and lack coping skills and knowledge. Enhancing their skills and abilities allows them to better adapt to the changes and take advantage of the opportunities these changes can bring.
Trusting
Trusting means depending on others and having faith in them. The motive of trusting presents to individuals with communicative variance identity as it allows them to trust in their abilities and the abilities of others. In times of social change, they may feel uncertain about their abilities (Geiger& Brick,2023). By learning to trust in themselves and the abilities of others, it becomes easy developing a sense of confidence and hope in their ability to cope with the changes occurring.
Countering the effects of societal transition
By understanding the quinate root social motives, individuals can better encounter the outcomes of social reconstruction. By recognizing the importance of belonging, understanding, controlling, enhancing, and trusting, they can cope with the changes occurring and take advantage of the opportunities they can bring (Geiger& Brick,2023). Understanding these motives will also create a sense of solidarity and unity amongst them and other people, as it will be easy to recognize the everyday challenges they are all facing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the five core social motives are integral to understanding and responding to social change. By exploring how these motives contribute to social change identity, individuals can better counter the effects of social change and develop a sense of solidarity and unity amongst themselves. Understanding the five core social motives can help individuals better understand and respond to the changes around them.
References
Allen, K. A., Kern, M. L., Rozek, C. S., McInerney, D. M., & Slavich, G. M. (2021). Belonging: A review of conceptual issues, an integrative framework, and directions for future research. Australian Journal of Psychology, 73(1), 87-102.https://doi.org/10.1080/00049530.2021.1883409
Dunfey, T. S. (2019). What is social change, and why should we care? Southern New Hampshire University. https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/social-sciences/what-is-social-change#:~:text=Sociologists%20define%20social%20change%20as,long%2Dterm%20consequences%20for%20society.
American Psychological Association (2020). Social motive. In APA dictionary of psychology. https://dictionary.apa.org/social-motive
Geiger, N., & Brick, C. (2023). Core social motives explain responses to collective action issues. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, e12732,17(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12732
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