By Benedicta Sackey-Clarke
Social activism is known to be a prominent force driving change across various societal domains. From advocating for basic human rights and environmental sustainability to fighting for racial and gender equality, social activism encompasses a wide array of causes aimed at addressing injustices and effecting positive transformation.
According to Forrest Briscoe and Abhinav Gupta–management professors at Penn State and the University of Washington respectively–social activism can be defined as “instances in which individuals or groups of individuals who do not have full access to institutionalized channels of influence engage in collective action to fix a perceived social problem, or to help or counter changes to the existing social order.” In our current society, many social issues come up that concerned parties deem needing to be addressed to protect members of a certain group, usually a minority.
Activists continue to recognize and address the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression, understanding that issues such as racism, sexism, economic inequality, and environmental degradation are often intertwined. This intersectional perspective has led to more inclusive and holistic activism that aims to uplift marginalized communities and tackle systemic injustices from multiple angles.
Recruiting young people for social media is one of the most effective ways to getting energetic, strong-spirited people who are concerned about their future to push whatever agenda is on the ground. Youth-led activism has surged in recent years, with young people around the world taking a leading role in advocating for change. Movements like “Fridays for Future”, sparked by Greta Thunberg’s climate strikes, and the “March for Our Lives” campaign against gun violence in the United States are just two examples of how young activists are driving meaningful societal shifts. With their frequent use of social media platforms, they are able to spread more information to a larger audience within a short time.
Technology also enables young activists to organize protests and rallies and raise awareness on a global scale. Movements on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok and other viral campaigns, along with online petitions have become powerful tools for mobilizing support and holding institutions and governments accountable. Hashtags like #BlackLiveMatter, #MeToo, #ClimateStrike, etc. on social media, have gathered a massive following and have led to resolving social injustices.
The use of phone and text banks allows activists to reach a larger number of people with their message to get the needed support to make a difference in society. Unlike many years ago when people had to knock on doors of their neighbors, receive physical and verbal abuse from strangers, and possibly get in trouble with the law for disturbing public peace, technology has made it safer for young people to get involved in activism from the comfort of their homes without becoming victimized.
Voting rights are of major concern to most activist movements that are involved in supporting politicians whose agenda matches their own. They mobilize young voters to register to vote and increase the probability of their preferred political parties winning elections.
Environmental activism remains a pressing issue, with activists calling for urgent action to combat climate change and protect the planet’s ecosystems. From grassroots initiatives to international movements, environmental activists are demanding policy changes, promoting sustainable lifestyles, and challenging industries to adopt more eco-friendly practices.
Reproductive rights is another issue that is of concern for many activist groups fighting for policies that promote the use of contraceptives and abortions. After the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade, the focus of abortion rights activism shifted to access, with groups working to support providers, counter restrictive laws, and provide financial assistance to women. Ongoing priorities for the reproductive justice movement include fighting the demonization of women, especially those who are poor, young, and of color, and framing abortion as a matter of justice, human rights, survival, and public health rather than a “necessary evil”.
Throughout history, social activism has played a crucial role in driving progress and challenging oppressive systems. From the civil rights movement to the environmental movement, activism has led to significant social change and advancements in human rights. In these modern times, activism has become a more powerful tool for social change across all sectors. It makes the public aware of social injustices and involved in activities that spread various messages by sharing posts, retweeting, posting with hashtags, etc.
Social activism has been so far very successful in influencing policymaking, both for the left and the right. Consistent activism influenced the overturning Roe v. Wade in the ruling of Dobbs v. Jackson. Social media protests like #BlackLivesMatter led to a change in how security officials handle matters concerning black people and ensured that the officer who killed George Floyd was brought to justice.
Activism is very necessary in every community and it will continue to play an important role in social change and policymaking.
