Overview

The efforts of social activists and mental health professionals to institute population-level social change, such as reducing poverty, building better schools, and establishing more effective substance abuse programs, often fail. They tend to focus on individuals and not real-life community conditions; they fail to take into account stakeholders' efforts to maintain the status quo; and they do not develop concrete strategies to build coalitions to alter policies. These unsuccessful attempts at change can leave citizens, community groups, and healthcare professionals feeling dispirited and overwhelmed.Principles of Social Change is written for those who are impassioned and driven by social justice issues in their communities and seek practical solutions. Leonard A. Jason, a leading community psychologist, demonstrates how social change can be accomplished and fostered by observing five key principles: (1) determine the nature of the change desired, (2) identify who holds the power, (3) create coalitions, (4) be patient but persistent, and (5) measure your success. Describing these principles through first-hand accounts of the experiences of people who have worked on a range of social justice issues, Jason gives unique insight and presents a comprehensive approach toward the development of social and community interventions, such as protecting the well-being of children, providing affordable housing, combating abuses of power, and cleaning up the environment. Principles of Social Change provides answers about what citizens and community action groups can do in collaboration with healthcare professionals to address these seemingly intractable problems. It is essential reading for community psychologists, social activists, policy makers, and students and trainees in these fields.

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9780199841851

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Reviews

<br> Jason shares with us his life-long journey to empirically address and reduce negative social forces. He presents his own cogent insights as well as the wisdom of others. The book gives us concrete steps, hope, and a resolve to redress social injustices while we aspire for a more coherent and just world. -- James G. Kelly, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago <br><p><br> Principles of Social Change represents a unique melding of the author's four-decade personal journey and broadly applicable principles of social change. Replete with and smoothly integrating a wealth of examples from both Dr. Jason's own multifaceted community-based research and social activism throughout history, the book demonstrates the applicability and power of five crucial principles of change, as well as obstacles that may arise and ways to stay the course in spite of them. Principles of Social Change is highly readable, engaging, and essential knowledge for those seeking to effect meaningful change. -- David Glenwick, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Fordham University <br><p><br> A view into the processes of an American community psychologist of the first rank. What one finds is a caring and focused scientist and activist who translates his skills into real life results. Feisty, engaging, and insightful. -- John Moritsugu, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Pacific Lutheran University <br><p><br> In Principles of Social Change, readers will find inspiration in the life of Dr. Leonard Jason, an individual who charted a course from political to academic activism, who overcame significant health obstacles, and who has remained singularly dedicated to social justice. Readers will enjoy learning how the field of community psychology (a field built on second-order change) came to be, as well as how small-scale efforts can serve as inspiration for major policy initiatives. This book will prove especially useful for academics who long to effect social change beyond pub

<br> Jason shares with us his life-long journey to empirically address and reduce negative social forces. He presents his own cogent insights as well as the wisdom of others. The book gives us concrete steps, hope, and a resolve to redress social injustices while we aspire for a more coherent and just world. -- James G. Kelly, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago <br><p><br> Principles of Social Change represents a unique melding of the author's four-decade personal journey and broadly applicable principles of social change. Replete with and smoothly integrating a wealth of examples from both Dr. Jason's own multifaceted community-based research and social activism throughout history, the book demonstrates the applicability and power of five crucial principles of change, as well as obstacles that may arise and ways to stay the course in spite of them. Principles of Social Change is highly readable, engaging, and essential knowledge for those seeking to effect meaningful change. -- David Glenwick, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Fordham University <br><p><br> A view into the processes of an American community psychologist of the first rank. What one finds is a caring and focused scientist and activist who translates his skills into real life results. Feisty, engaging, and insightful. -- John Moritsugu, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Pacific Lutheran University <br><p><br>

The arguments that he makes are not only profound but reflect the importance of the potential of the contributions of a community-based psychology. The Australian Community Psychologist, 1 June 2013 This book will prove especially useful for academics who long to effect social change beyond publications. Journal of Groups in Addiction & Recovery, June 2013 It is a wonderful and refreshing addition to the community psychology literature, and indeed to the broader social change literature... Principles of Social Change is more than an excellent text on social change; it allows us into the thinking and world of Len Jason. The reader can't help but be moved by the author's contributions. Len's passion and doggedness are remarkable, as is his focus and commitment. Global Journal of Community Psycholoy Practice, June 2013

Author Information

Leonard A. Jason, PhD, is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center for Community Research at DePaul University. Dr. Jason has investigated topics such as the prevention of alcohol and substance use disorders within recovery homes, youth tobacco prevention programs, school-based preventive interventions, and the prevalence and treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. He has received more than $26 million in federal grants and published 575 articles, 77 book chapters, and 23 books.

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