You are interested in social change. Therefore, I assume that you are probably angry about something, right?
Anger is a powerful emotion. Repressing anger can create stress and anxiety. It has to be expressed. Anger can sometimes result in hopelessness, or in aggression (anger as payback). But, you don’t have to let anger drain you. You can use it energize your belief that the thing making you angry can be changed.
The thing that allows anger to provoke action for positive change is social agency. Social agency is the belief that you have the capacity to act both independently, and with others to change the world around you. It requires a strong sense of self-efficacy. You have to believe that change is possible, and that you have the necessary power to create that change.
We get angry about injustice. Your anger can help you articulate your values. It can motivate you to take a stand, and work for justice. As Aristotle said back in the fourth century B.C.,“. . . the angry man is aiming at what he can attain, and the belief that you will attain your aim is pleasant.” (Rhetoric, Book II – Chapter 2)
Further Reading on This Site
More Resources
Anger: A Powerful Force for Empathy and Change by Susana Rinderle
Harnessing anger for social change by Dr Monique Mitchell Turner
Authors: Women’s Anger Is A Catalyst For Societal Change by Shannon Henry Kleiber
Leading Differently 