Change Conundrum: Societal Solicitation & Social Movements

Desire is a fundamental human emotion that can be defined as a strong wish to do/achieve something. However, where does this desire come into picture in a society which seeks to reproduce itself through the medium of socialisation? Perhaps the answer lies in the understanding of ‘social movements’. When individuals or groups feel strongly about a particular cause, they may be motivated to take ‘collective action’ to bring about a variation in their community, society, or even the world. Desire for societal change often sprouts from a sense of injustice/inequality, a responsibility to future generations, or simply a desire for personal growth and fulfilment. This paper attempts to explore the role of desire as a driving force behind societal change and answer various questions along the way like- is desire enough to change society? How can one’s desire motivate others to take action? In the pursuit of desire, how come comfort becomes less important, at the cost of which change occurs? The youth are considered as the torchbearers of transformation, hence, their say is recorded as a part of research methodology. Society may appear static on the face of it but it holds the ability to change gradually. Thus, by recognizing and harnessing the power of desire, we can strive for a positive and meaningful change in the world.