What really drives social change—policy or culture? In this episode, we unpack a persistent misconception in the world of activism and advocacy: that visible policy wins are the ultimate measure of transformation. While mass demonstrations may not always lead to immediate legislative reform, they often signal deeper cultural currents at work. Drawing on sociology, anthropology, and systems thinking, this conversation explores the distinction between policy and culture, and why culture—though slower and less tangible—represents the deepest leverage point for long-term change. From values and norms to mental models, worldviews, and collective narratives, we look at how culture shapes what societies consider possible, and why ignoring it can limit our impact. Using Margaret Archer’s morphogenetic approach and Donella Meadows’ systems thinking, the episode reframes social change as a process rooted not just in structures and laws, but in the shared stories and paradigms that guide human action.
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The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.