Creating Social Change
Most philosophy majors and faculty are
committed to social change. There may be
disagreement about the nature of that change and
the extent to which it is required, but
nonetheless most of us intend our professional
lives to contribute toward positive social
change. The Concentration includes three courses
in Ethics and Social/Political Philosophy not
only because it is an important part of the
discipline, but because we expect our graduates
to be leaders in creating a more just society. How
you combine your career with your vision of
social justice is a personal decision, but here
are some options you may have not considered:
- Find employment in non-profit
organization (NPO), non-governmental
organization (NGO), advocacy group, or
political action committee (PAC).
These are the organizations that work
behind the scenes to create social
change. They require administrators,
managers, and specialists. NPOs, NGOs,
and PACs may not pay well, but they may
be very rewarding.
- Consider working for the government.
At all levels of government (federal,
state, and local) and in all branches
(administrative, legislative, and
judicial) policy decisions are made and
implemented that have a direct impact on
the lives of countless citizens. This
includes health care, worker rights,
environmental issues, trade and
international relations, and criminal
policies to name a few examples of the
myriad of ways the government impacts our
lives.
- Volunteer your services to NPOs, NGOs,
and PACs. You might serve on the
board of one of these organizations or
volunteer your expertise. Lawyers
practicing in firms, for example, are
typically expected to do pro-bono work
for community and civic groups.
Still unconvinced? Afraid you'll have
to sell your soul to the prison-industrial
complex in order to have a job?
Try this. Make a list of positive, substantial
social changes that are important to you and that
have occurred in the last 20 years. Then describe
how those changes came about. Chances are these
positive social changes came about because of the
actions of PACs, NPOs, lawyers, administrators,
government officials, and so forth. And, chances
are, future progress is going to occur in the
same fashion.
In her book Caring for Justice, Robin
West argues that almost without exception the
most important social changes that improved the
status and prospects of women in contemporary
society have come about because of changes in the
law. If she's right--and it is certainly a
reasonable hypothesis--then that's where we can
expect justice to be advanced in the next
generation. It is worth considering how you can
be a part of that process.
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