Factually! with Adam Conover Philosophers Explain How a Single Person Can Make a Difference with Alex Madva and Michael Brownstein
Dec 3, 2025
Joining Adam are Alex Madva and Michael Brownstein, philosophy professors and co-authors of 'Somebody Should Do Something.' They delve into how individual actions can catalyze social change, emphasizing that every person influences others. From the dynamics of voting to the need for coalitions, they argue that protests build community rather than instant policy. Michael offers insights on 'job crafting' to find meaning in small tasks, while both highlight that meaningful change requires collective, long-term efforts.
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Research Links Individual Acts To Structural Change
- Social change research shows individual actions matter by influencing other people and shaping institutions over time.
- The authors packaged academic and scientific findings into practical narratives to guide everyday civic action.
Choose Actions That Pressure Power
- Prioritize actions that realistically pressure decision-makers rather than only soothing your emotions.
- Use protests to build community and legitimacy that enable future leverage on power holders.
You Are A Node Of Social Influence
- Many behaviors spread via social influence, so your choices signal norms to others.
- Small visible acts like "I voted" stickers or solar panels often multiply through networks.
