Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/change
Coursera’s ‘Social Norms, Social Change II’ is an exceptional follow-up to its predecessor, offering a deeper dive into the mechanisms that drive societal shifts. If you found Part 1 insightful, this course will undoubtedly solidify your understanding and equip you with practical tools for enacting change.
The course begins by exploring ‘Scripts and Schemas,’ delving into the cognitive frameworks that underpin our social expectations and their intricate connection to social norms. This foundational understanding is crucial for anyone looking to influence behavior on a larger scale. You’ll learn how these embedded expectations shape our actions and how to identify and potentially alter them.
Moving on, the syllabus tackles ‘Norm Creation’ and ‘Norm Abandonment.’ The latter section is particularly compelling, as it dissects the relationship between personal beliefs and societal expectations. It critically evaluates various intervention strategies, from legal reforms and information campaigns to economic incentives and group deliberations. This module provides a robust toolkit for understanding why norms persist and how they can be effectively dismantled or reshaped.
Perhaps the most engaging part of the course is the exploration of ‘Trendsetters and Social Change.’ This module unpacks the role of influential individuals and groups in driving societal shifts. You’ll learn how to identify trendsetters, understand their characteristics, and leverage their influence for positive change. The discussion on the impact of soap operas and ‘edutainment’ is particularly fascinating, illustrating how fictional narratives and characters can act as powerful catalysts for social transformation. The comparative advantages of edutainment over traditional interventions are thoroughly explored, offering innovative perspectives on behavior change.
Overall, ‘Social Norms, Social Change II’ is a masterclass in understanding and facilitating societal evolution. It builds logically on the concepts introduced in Part 1, offering a comprehensive and actionable approach to social change. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in sociology, psychology, public policy, or simply those who want to understand the forces that shape our world and how to positively influence them.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/change