Hallward, Epstein, and Duhigg’s writings provide examples of major social change in various areas, from discrimination against those who are AIDS-positive to the push for African-American rights.  All are instances of  movement toward a brighter future for these groups.  Yet at first glance, to those who didn’t participate in such movements, these issues seem distant.  They may assume because they aren’t in these groups, social change that occurs doesn’t influence them.  It’s true that the majority typically aren’t the ones being freed from the oppression of stigmas or granted new rights.  However, they can be affected by the new ideas brought about, as the concepts may lead to behavior changes, even in neutral or opposing parties.

Why would someone who was initially not part of a movement or against it change their behavior?  Duhigg writes “[A movement] endures because [its] leaders give participants new habits that create a fresh sense of identity” (87), and later explains that this “new identity” can spread to others who initially weren’t part of the movement as they follow by example, both during a protest and afterwards (if it’s successful). This phenomenon is due to the other part of Duhigg’s argument, the power of “strong ties” between friends and “weak ties” among acquaintances combined.  These encourage the idea of “if they’re doing it, I should do it too in order to be accepted,” which is increasingly common in today’s more globalized society; we’ve all felt the pull of peer pressure.  Epstein actually provided an example of a behavior change among the “common folk” when she observed how in Uganda, the personal talks about AIDS, “…[P]ersuade[d] Ugandans to come to terms with the reality of AIDS, care for the afflicted, and change their behavior” (116).  This proves that anyone, including those not belonging to the subject group, can be influenced to alter their beliefs and ways.

Works Cited

Duhigg, Charles. “From Civil Rights to Megachurches.” The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. “Emerging.” Edited by Barclay Barrios, 3rd ed., Balford/ St. Martin’s 2016, pg.85-106

Epstein, Helen. “Aids Inc.” The Invisible Cure, “Emerging,” edited by Barclay Barrios, 3rd ed., Balford/ St. Martin’s 2016, pg. 109-121