Can Collective Action Drive Change?

Throughout history, social change has come as a result of people standing together with a shared vision and goal. Collective action drives real, lasting impact because as individuals united toward a common goal, it creates a multiplier effect that amplifies the impact. Also, because of the interconnected nature of social change, collective action can go beyond individual efforts.

What is collective action? Collective action can be defined as an action or a set of actions carried out by a group of people focused on a common vision. Individuals working together toward a common goal is a powerful force for social change because it leads to shifts in behavior, policies, and societal norms. With collective action, individuals are able to achieve outcomes they couldn’t achieve alone. They are able to exert pressure on those in power and foster broader societal transformation. 

An example of collective change affecting social change is Civil Rights Movement, where widespread activism and protests led to the desegregation of public spaces and the passage of landmark legislation. Other examples include labor unions advocating for better working conditions and wages, and community initiatives like neighborhood cleanups or fundraising for local projects. 

Here’s a more detailed look at these examples:

• Civil Rights Movement: Millions of people across the United States organized marches, boycotts, and protests to fight for racial equality, ultimately leading to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
• Labor Unions: Workers organize into unions to negotiate with employers for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. The collective power of these unions has historically led to significant improvements in the lives of workers.
• Community Initiatives: Local residents can come together to improve their neighborhood by organizing cleanups, advocating for better public services, or fundraising for local projects. 
• Environmental Activism: Groups like MN350 organize protests, lobby for policy changes, and advocate for sustainable practices to address environmental issues like climate change. 
• International Efforts: International agreements and collaborations, like those aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions or preventing the spread of diseases, demonstrate the power of collective action on a global scale. 

These examples highlight key strengths of collective action. They are as follows: (1) Collective action leads to tangible, real-world changes, be it policy shifts or community-level transformation; (2) Collective action gives individuals empowerment and a sense of control as it combats feelings of powerlessness and helplessness; (3) Collective action brings individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, disciplines and experiences together, bridging divides and fostering a sense of community, and building solidarity.

But how does collective action affect change? Here are the ways collective action can make a change:

• Increased Influence and Power: By uniting, individuals can amplify their voice and exert greater influence on decision-makers and institutions, leading to policy changes and increased awareness of social issues. 
• Shifting Public Opinion: Collective action can raise awareness and shape public attitudes, influencing how people perceive social issues and potentially leading to changes in individual behavior. 
• Building Social Movements: Collective action can be the foundation for social movements, which can drive significant societal changes by mobilizing individuals, challenging existing power structures, and advocating for new norms. 
• Promoting Psychological Outcomes: Participating in collective action can lead to positive psychological changes, including increased self-efficacy, social bonding, and a sense of collective identity, which can further motivate ongoing activism. 
• Addressing Common Pool Resources: Collective action can be particularly effective in addressing issues related to common pool resources, where individuals’ actions have collective consequences that can be improved through coordinated efforts. 
• Solving Collective Action Problems: Collective action helps address situations where individual actions, even if seemingly beneficial, lead to negative outcomes for the group as a whole. By working together, individuals can overcome these problems and achieve a more positive outcome for all. 
• Structural Change: Collective action can also aim to alter the underlying social structures and institutions that shape social interactions and relationships, leading to more just and equitable outcomes. For example, Social Venture Partners’ article on the power of collective action highlights how collective action can lead to more effective resource allocation and community support, as individuals pool resources and expertise to achieve a greater impact. 

Affecting change in a world inundated by societal challenges won’t be easy, but through the power of collective action, we can surely find a way to shape the world the way we want it to be.