Comparative Analysis of Self-Advocacy and Peer Advocacy Models
According to Stewart & MacIntyre (2019), self and peer advocacy are widely different
mainly because they address personal and group issues respectively. It, therefore, follows that
self-advocacy is designed for individuals to address personal issues affecting their social,
economic or any other spheres of life (Wilks, 2012). This means that the model is not adequate
for improving specific issues facing people in a given society. Peer advocacy, on the other hand,
is designed to create a platform for individuals, sharing a common background or problem in
their society join forces to remedy the same.
ANALYSIS OF THEORIES & MODELS OF ADVOCACY & SOCIAL CHANGE
Focusing on a trending Brexit debate, British citizens in different parts of the country
have joined forces lobbying the government and politicians supporting Brexit not to leave the
EU, given the expected social and economic issues associated with the leave. It, therefore,
follows that unlike self-advocacy, the model of peer advocacy allows for balanced power among
individuals in solving specific issues affecting their living. Consequently, due to the
collaborative power in this model, it is more effective in addressing a common problem affecting
people.
Theories of Social Change
Traditionally, societies have been dynamic primarily because peoples’ needs have an
evolutionary nature. In this way, it is key that people living in different societies across the world
change their environments based on prevailing needs and or problems affecting their living. With
respect to this, sociologists developed five models of social action (Arbor, 2015). For this
comparative analysis, the Economic and Conflict theories of social change will be used.
According to Arbor (2015), the economic theory of social change is heavily embedded in
Marxist views of global societies and economies.
The theory is based on the fundamental premise that an economic change in a society or
country is the most critical source of desired societal changes. The model advocates for
continued changes in political, ideological, legal and religious infrastructural systems in a said
society with the goal of establishing a platform for continued economic improvements in the face
of a specific social problem. According to Marx, religion and its manifestations, morality and the
different social structures all depend on economics. The manner people choose to worship is
based on their views, Calvinists, for instance, are capitalists. There is a direct relationship
between economics and social aspects which implies that in order to achieve social change then
ANALYSIS OF THEORIES & MODELS OF ADVOCACY & SOCIAL CHANGE
economics need to be considered as well. Further, Marx argues that the efficient change in what
measure is that which encompasses both the social and economic aspects.
On the other hand, the Conflict theory of social change revolves around the idea that all
societies must function as a unit. In this way, social integration leads to conflict between
individuals, and or groups of people in a given society when faced by a common issue (Wilks,
2012). Consequently, this theory was developed on the premise that societies function as a unit
and as such their members must from time to time disagree on changes required to improve their
social, political and economic environments. Change according to this theory, is based on
interactions. Human beings being social by nature cannot avoid change as their interactions in
one way or another cause this. Life is a competition characterized by daily efforts to distribute
resources and power. Additionally, persons deserve equality, and this is sought by them.
Through this, there is a motivation for social change.