Chapter 1-6: Introduction to Social Change and Communication (Video)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on social change, technology, and communication.

Social change

The process by which technology, policy, and everyday interactions reshape society; a central theme of how people and machines drive change.

Policy decisions

Choices made at local, state, or national levels that guide the direction of social change.

Mechanisms of technology

The ways machines, computers, and digital tools influence how change occurs in society and how we fit them into social life.

Neighborhood change

Shifts in a neighborhood’s population and activity patterns, often tied to income changes and new residents.

Professional class

Younger, educated workers whose presence in a neighborhood can drive demographic and economic shifts.

Gentrification

The process of neighborhood change characterized by rising incomes and costs, sometimes displacing long-time residents.

Micro-level change

Change that occurs at the interpersonal or individual level, such as one-on-one conversations and local networks.

Macro-level change

Change driven by large-scale institutions or government policies, including funding decisions.

Community-based organization

Local groups that organize people with similar ideas to create and implement change.

Block captain

A neighbor who leads one-on-one outreach to foster change within a block or community.

College Station / Bryan (Texas)

Texas cities used as examples of growth and gentrification effects linked to Texas A&M and regional development.

Target audience

The specific group a communicator aims to reach, considering class and educational background.

Audience analysis

The process of identifying who you are talking to in order to tailor a message.

Communication advocacy

Using messaging to promote a cause or solution within organizations or the broader community.

TikTok ban (university policy example)

An instance of policy decisions at a university that affect communications strategy on campus.

Funding (macro-level)

Government or large-scale financial support that enables broader changes and programs.