We explain what social actors are, what their characteristics are and various examples. Also, what types exist and why they are important.
What are social actors?
In the field of sociology, we speak of social actors to refer to people or groups of people (such as organizations or groups) that promote certain strategies of change and transformation in society, responding to the interests of a portion of the population whose values represent. In other words, are social action groups that look after the interests of a specific sector of citizens and they try to ensure that their needs are taken into account.
This means that social actors represent specific sectors of society and, therefore, have their own social identity and a social role to play in the community. Its purpose is to achieve a balance in power understanding society as a system of powers and interests that requires negotiation and agreement to prosper in peace.
To this end, social actors have an impact on the economy, culture and/or politics whether they are part of the State apparatus or not. This incidence is manifested through a social rolethat is, a function that the community assigns to them and that they perform voluntarily.
For example, in contemporary society the Church and the clergy are powerful social actors, who administer spirituality and respond to tradition, that is, they promote more or less traditional values. But, at the same time, there are churches that follow a theology of liberation, assuming a political message of change.
See also: Social processes
Characteristics of social actors
The social actors are characterized by the following:
- are representative of a portion of the population who identifies with them through their values and their concrete actions.
- assume a specific role and identity within society, and may vary according to the specific issue or topic being studied within society. That is, the social actors involved in one issue may not be involved in a different issue.
- are defined by their proposed goals the function they fulfill within society and the sector whose values they represent, that is: who does what and in whose name.
- can be more or less powerful actors within society, and also more or less visible and formal.
Types of social actors
There are two types of social actors: direct and indirect, and they differ from each other according to their way of influencing society.
- The direct social actors They are those who play their social role directly, that is, they are closely involved in the tasks that the community expects of them.
- Indirect social actors They are those that do not act directly on society, but rather provide support to those who do: financing, promotion, etc.
Importance of social actors
The social actors are essential to promote a dynamic of change in today's society. They not only give voice to the plurality of sectors that comprise it, but also materialize people's aspirations and promote collective action. Seen this way, social actors are nothing more than a kind of inciter to action, that is, to change.
Examples of social actors
Some examples of social actors are:
- Neighborhood or community boards. They are grassroots institutions identified with a specific territory within the city. There, not only are people's concerns channeled, but social organization and people's involvement in improving their living conditions are promoted.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO). They are international organizations that pursue humanitarian, ecological and democratic goals without the support or control of the State. They are often the only voices raised against authoritarian regimes.
- Political parties and groups. They are formal political organizations that act towards the State and public powers, with the purpose of either mobilizing the government and making decisions, or serving as a counterweight to the government when it is in opposition.
- Workers' unions. They are union organizations that represent the interests and values of different sectors of the working class against their employers and against the State. They are the ones who discuss and define the terms of collective contracts, for example.
- Entrepreneurs and businessmen. They are legal entities and corporations that look after their own economic interests, but at the same time provide employment and growth opportunities for people.
- The Church and the clergy. They are institutions that bring together a group of faithful who profess a certain belief or religion. Defenders of morality and tradition, the Church (whatever it may be) is and has been an important social actor in almost all civilizations.
Continue with: Social practice
References
- “Social role” in Wikipedia.
- “Social actors: the subjects of change” at the University of La Plata (Argentina).
- “Social actors” in the Pan-Hispanic Dictionary of Legal Spanish of the Royal Spanish Academy.
