Making a difference in society
The concept of “making a difference” in society encompasses a wide range of actions and motivations aimed at creating positive change. This can involve individual efforts, collective movements, or institutional initiatives that seek to address social, cultural, or environmental issues. The research papers provided explore various dimensions of making a difference, from personal motivations to broader societal impacts.
Personal Motivations and Evolution
Making a difference often begins with a personal choice or realization. Individuals may start with a focus on basic research or personal interests and gradually shift towards applying their knowledge for societal benefit. This evolution can be influenced by external encouragement or personal encounters with impactful figures (Dweck, 2019).
The desire to make a difference is closely linked to benevolence, which is fundamentally about wanting the world to be better. However, framing this desire in terms of “difference-making” can sometimes conflict with true benevolence, especially when decision-making under uncertainty is involved (Greaves et al., 2024).
Communication and Social Impact
Communication research plays a crucial role in making a difference by influencing practices and outcomes. The discipline’s contribution to society can be seen in solving problems and promoting well-being, public health, and social justice. However, there is a need for a deeper understanding of communication’s unique impact to fully realize its potential (García-Jiménez and Craig, 2010).
The presence of historically excluded groups in political and social spaces can disrupt traditional power dynamics and contribute to social change. This highlights the importance of considering socio-spatial impacts when discussing making a difference (Puwar, 2004).
Philanthropy and Planned Giving
Planned giving has become a popular method for individuals to make a lasting impact on society. By integrating philanthropy with financial and estate planning, more people can contribute to causes they care about while also benefiting from tax advantages. This democratization of legacy creation allows a broader segment of the population to participate in societal change (Lehman, 2012).
Challenges and Considerations
The quantification of social differences poses challenges in measuring and addressing structural disadvantages. While it is essential for identifying and remedying inequalities, the process can obscure complexities and lead to oversimplified comparisons. This highlights the need for careful consideration of the values and priorities in scientific evaluations of social difference (Cruz, 2017).
In the context of civil society development, particularly in regions like Russia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have shown both promise and limitations. While they contribute positively, their impact is often constrained by broader social and political challenges (Crotty, 2009).
Conclusion
Making a difference in society is a multifaceted endeavor that involves personal choices, communication strategies, philanthropic efforts, and the navigation of complex social dynamics. Understanding the motivations, methods, and challenges associated with these efforts is crucial for effectively contributing to positive societal change.
References
Dweck, C., 2019. The Choice to Make a Difference. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 14, pp. 21 – 25. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691618804180
García-Jiménez, L., & Craig, R., 2010. What Kind of Difference Do We Want to Make?. Communication Monographs, 77, pp. 429 – 431. https://doi.org/10.1080/03637751.2010.523591
Lehman, A., 2012. Making a difference.. The American journal of psychiatry, 169 7, pp. 678-80. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2012.12040538
Greaves, H., Thomas, T., Mogensen, A., & MacAskill, W., 2024. On the desire to make a difference. Philosophical Studies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11098-024-02102-0
Puwar, N., 2004. Thinking About Making a Difference. The British Journal of Politics and International Relations, 6, pp. 65 – 80. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-856X.2004.00127.x
Crotty, J., 2009. Making a Difference? NGOs and Civil Society Development in Russia. Europe-Asia Studies, 61, pp. 108 – 85. https://doi.org/10.1080/09668130802532936
Cruz, T., 2017. The making of a population: Challenges, implications, and consequences of the quantification of social difference.. Social science & medicine, 174, pp. 79-85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.12.025
