The hottest Social Change Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Underrated ways to change the world

Experimental History • 67383 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Change Community Building Cultural influence Altruism
  1. You don't have to be super rich or super selfless to help the world. Sometimes just being brave and encouraging others can make a big difference.
  2. Building a community and working together is essential. You can accomplish more and create positive change when you have friends by your side.
  3. Getting the right information to the right person is key. Think of yourself as a switchboard, connecting people and ideas to help everyone succeed.

You Will Never Be a Billionaire You Stupid Fuck

antoniomelonio • 1368 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Class Struggle Wealth Inequality Social Change Consumer Culture
  1. The idea that anyone can just hustle their way to becoming a billionaire is a big lie. Most people are stuck in a system that keeps them from rising to the top.
  2. Society feeds you illusions about success to keep you working hard for little reward. Rather than idolizing the rich, we should unite and demand better for everyone.
  3. Real change comes from solidarity with others who struggle, not from individual pursuits. We need to challenge the system and fight for true equality and liberty for all.

Pessimistic thoughts about the left

Philosophy bear • 328 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Critique Economic Models Social Change
  1. The left often avoids discussing difficult trade-offs because they don't want to upset their supporters. This can lead to a lack of solid plans when they gain power.
  2. There's a problem with administrative spending in universities that the left doesn't address openly. Many unnecessary positions could be cut, but it’s a touchy subject.
  3. Pessimism about the left’s ability to create real change stems from a reluctance to make tough decisions. They need to start thinking about practical economic planning to be effective.

Thankfully, Some Things Never Change

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 18283 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Opinion Cultural History Media influence Social Change
  1. The world has faced a lot of crazy changes recently, but some things remain the same, like the joy of kids during the holidays and the laughs we share. These simple joys can help ground us during difficult times.
  2. There has been a shift in how quickly ideas and beliefs spread, often due to influential figures. This rapid change has sometimes made it hard to hold on to what we once believed.
  3. Despite the challenges of recent years, there's a sense of relief that things are starting to feel normal again, allowing us to enjoy life without the confusion of contradicting truths.

Playing for Change

Steady • 20558 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎶 Music Social Change
  1. A new rendition of John Mayer's song brought together 100 artists from around the world to raise awareness about climate change.
  2. Playing For Change is a global nonprofit that offers arts education to marginalized young people in 17 countries.
  3. Music has positive effects on the brain, enhancing cognition, memory, literacy, creativity, and self-confidence.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Doctrine encrusting the lava of rebellion

Wrong Side of History • 223 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Social Change Philosophy Religious Studies Historical Analysis Literary Criticism
  1. Society has gone through a big change in values over the last several decades. What was once considered moral has shifted to a new set of beliefs.
  2. This shift can feel like more freedom or tolerance, but it's really about replacing one moral order with another. It's a change not just in laws but in what people believe is right or wrong.
  3. Just like in ancient Rome when Christianity took over, our current times show how one belief system can dominate and change the views of the elite as well.

Notes On the Great Vibe Shift

The Ruffian • 510 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political culture Social Change Corporate Policy Identity politics
  1. There has been a noticeable shift in company policies, with many businesses moving away from diversity and inclusion initiatives since Trump's second win. This suggests that leaders now feel free to express their true beliefs.
  2. Unlike in previous elections, Trump's return has not sparked widespread outrage or resistance, showing a possible acceptance from even his opponents. People are more willing to see him as a leader they can work with.
  3. This change in culture not only affects American workplaces but also extends internationally, with global leaders now more eager to engage with Trump than oppose him. It marks a return to more traditional values in politics and business.

The Fascinating (and Surprising) History of Women Drivers

Culture Study • 2026 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Consumer Culture Marketing Strategies Social Change
  1. Women drivers have a rich history that challenges common stereotypes about them. Early ads showed women as capable and independent drivers, but this changed over time, leading to gendered marketing that focused on appearance rather than usability.
  2. Market research played a key role in shaping how car companies viewed and communicated with female consumers. Many studies failed to accurately reflect women's interests and preferences, often focusing on superficial traits instead of their real needs.
  3. Over the years, women have shifted from being sidelined in automotive culture to actively sharing automotive knowledge and experiences. This change was influenced by feminist movements that encouraged women to take charge of their own narratives and seek information.

Gen X Man's conflicted call to greatness

Jeff Giesea • 1417 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Generations Identity Social Change Leadership Individualism
  1. Gen X men are often overlooked and feel comfortable being the quiet listeners in conversations. They have a unique ability to understand and connect different generations without needing the spotlight on themselves.
  2. Although Gen X men pride themselves on independence, there's an importance for them to step up and lead as older generations exit. Younger men look up to them for guidance, support, and structure in navigating modern challenges.
  3. Despite their strong individualism, Gen X men are builders who have shaped the world we live in today, and they need to recognize their value in helping the next generation without losing their own identity.

You Are Not Powerless, Because You Don't Stand Alone

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1876 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Social Change Political Movements Dystopia
  1. You're not alone in wanting to change the world. Many people are waking up and realizing that the current system needs to change.
  2. Even if it feels like you have little power, together with others, your small efforts can lead to big changes.
  3. Real change comes from teamwork, not just from one hero. It's about many people joining forces to create a better world.

The 11 New Idea Books to Spring into Summer

Granted • 5690 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
📚 Literature Motivation Work Social Change Thinking
  1. Motivation is key: Explore books on perfectionism, finding motivation, and unleashing creativity to overcome obstacles and move forward.
  2. Work-life balance matters: Discover titles advocating for good quality jobs, designing work around life, and finding significance in work for a fulfilling career.
  3. Social change and innovation are crucial: Learn from books on sparking revolutions, promoting inclusivity, and reimagining government for a more inclusive and digital future.

Maladapted: Aaron Bushnell, Mental Health, and the Role of Heretics in Fostering Social Change

Humanities in Revolt • 938 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Mental health Social Change Activism Human Rights
  1. Many mainstream views associate extreme actions like self-immolation with mental illness, but a humanistic perspective suggests that such actions can be driven by a desire for social change and justice.
  2. Labeling someone as 'mentally ill' based on their dissenting actions or beliefs may be a way to dismiss their ideas without engaging in a meaningful discussion.
  3. Heretics and rebels throughout history have played a crucial role in driving positive social changes, challenging norms, and promoting critical thinking over blind adherence to tradition.

Wars of the Sexes

In My Tribe • 820 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Social Change Human Rights Cultural Conflict Feminism
  1. Cultural conflicts often arise between men and women, but not everyone fits neatly into one side or the other. It's more about which side certain people feel connected to.
  2. Women's movements like suffrage and temperance had a huge impact historically, but not every cause gained lasting support. For example, the end of Prohibition showed a shift in societal values.
  3. There's a growing trend in institutions towards more feminine values, but this can create tension. Ideally, we should find a way for masculine and feminine values to coexist peacefully and appreciate each other.

The revolution will be organized by group chat

Jeff Giesea • 539 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Change Digital Media Political theory Historical Analysis
  1. Group chats are powerful tools for change, similar to historical meeting places like coffee houses and salons. They allow people to connect and organize around common interests in real-time.
  2. Group Chat Theory suggests that important movements today will likely be coordinated through digital communication rather than just in-person meetings. This means that social and political changes can happen quicker and on a larger scale.
  3. While group chats can promote positive causes, they're also used for bad purposes. It's important to recognize that the same tools for good can be misused for harmful activities.

Freud and the Beatles

In My Tribe • 440 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music Philosophy History Social Change Art
  1. Sigmund Freud had a huge impact on how we view ourselves, and even those who reject his ideas still carry some of his influence. It's hard to imagine our culture without him.
  2. The Beatles changed their music style after 1965 and became more complex, which helped them stay relevant. If they hadn't evolved, they might not have had the same lasting impact on music.
  3. The Beatles influenced popular culture in various ways, from hairstyles to attitudes towards drugs and spirituality. Their actions and style helped spread the hippie culture much wider than it would have gone on its own.

On Techno-pragmatism

ailogblog • 579 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Pragmatism Technology Ethics Social Change
  1. Techno-pragmatism offers a balanced approach to technology, acknowledging both its potential and risks.
  2. Pragmatism emphasizes action and adequacy, rejecting fixed principles and absolutes.
  3. In the face of uncertainty with emergent technologies like AI, a pragmatic mindset that prioritizes observation and experimentation is crucial.

From the outside in

City Quitters • 639 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Urban living Mental health Creativity Economics Social Change
  1. Living in big cities can be really stressful and overwhelming. Many people are finding it harder to keep up with costs and expectations, leading to anxiety and burnout.
  2. Smaller towns and rural areas might offer a better chance for creativity and community. People are starting to move away from crowded cities to find space and balance in their lives.
  3. The idea of constant urban growth is being challenged. As cities struggle to provide basic living conditions, it's time to rethink how we value urban living and explore alternatives.

Links to Consider, 10/13/2024

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Economics Labor Market Public Policy Social Change
  1. Urban areas are not friendly to big families, which contributes to decreasing birth rates. When people live in cities, they often have fewer children than those in suburbs.
  2. Social views on marriage and careers have shifted. Now, many see being a single working woman as more prestigious than being a married stay-at-home mom, which can affect family size.
  3. AI is changing the job market a lot, and there’s going to be a lot of job turnover. The official job numbers might not show the full picture of these changes.

Regime Change, American Style

The Redneck Intellectual by C. Bradley Thompson • 452 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
💾 History American Revolution Social Change Meritocracy
  1. The American Revolution ushered in a new moral universe and a modern, liberal-capitalist society.
  2. The transition from pre-revolutionary society to a new philosophy of Enlightenment liberalism was gradual but accelerated by the American Revolution.
  3. Colonial America evolved from a status-based society to a meritocratic society following the American Revolution.

The "letters to an anarchist" post-mortem

The Novelleist • 141 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Anarchism Political theory Ethics Social Change Correspondence
  1. Peter and Elle wrote a year-long series of letters about anarchism, discussing various topics related to the philosophy. It's an effort to understand and explain anarchism more deeply.
  2. They published their correspondence in eight parts, covering ideas like the goals of anarchism and how societies can protect themselves without traditional governance.
  3. They also held an event to share their experiences and respond to readers' feedback, highlighting the importance of open dialogue in exploring complex ideas.

I heart creativity

Thoughts on Writing • 639 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity Marketing Purpose Social Change Advertising
  1. Purpose-driven initiatives sometimes overshadow creativity in marketing and may not always lead to impactful social change.
  2. The beauty of opt-in participation in branding creates a sense of community without imposing ideologies.
  3. Cognitive empathy and humility are important in creativity, contrasting with the closed mindset often associated with purpose-driven approaches.

Levellers

Life and Letters • 99 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Literature History Inequality Philosophy Social Change
  1. Economic inequality has been an ongoing issue, and mass death is seen as a way to create equality. Big events like wars or pandemics can reduce the gap between the rich and poor.
  2. Throughout history, societies tend to grow more unequal over time, and only major disasters can disrupt this trend. Events like wars or plagues change social dynamics and create new opportunities for survival.
  3. Literature has often reflected these themes of social hierarchy and equality, especially during times of crisis like the Black Death. Writers were influenced by the social changes and questions of equality during these periods.

Disgusting

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 337 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Social Issues Community Dynamics Aesthetics Social Change
  1. A community's shared beliefs can drive reactions of disgust and aesthetics are deeply intertwined with morals and affiliations.
  2. Local housing regulations often have classist roots, leading to unintended consequences like increased homelessness and cost of living pressures.
  3. Aesthetics in housing can be used as a tool for status, hindering change and progress in neighborhoods, but changes have historically occurred when societal attitudes shift.

Hard Times on the Social Change Frontlines

theconnector • 235 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Change Funding
  1. Social change organizations face internal challenges in terms of leadership, finances, and alignment of goals.
  2. Progressive organizations are experiencing economic pressures and a disconnect between younger and older staff.
  3. Advocacy work is primarily funded by major philanthropies, leading to dynamic leadership but potentially poor management decisions.

What Would a Suffragist Do? Lessons for Social Change from Our Feminist Foremothers

Humanities in Revolt • 219 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🚌 Education History Feminism Social Change Cultural criticism
  1. The 19th Amendment marked a significant advancement in women's rights in the US, championed by suffragists like Susan B. Anthony who fought tirelessly despite not living to see the victory.
  2. Lessons from feminist foremothers emphasize the importance of lifelong commitment to the cause of justice, regardless of age, and the need to honor those who paved the way for expanded rights.
  3. Challenges by suffragists like Sojourner Truth and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper against dehumanizing norms and cultural ideologies demonstrate the vital role of critical consciousness in driving social change.

The New American Revolution

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 31 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Movements Social Change Political theory Civil Liberties
  1. The U.S. is experiencing a significant political shift, referred to as a new revolution, which is unlike previous events in history. It’s driven largely by wealthy tech leaders and is reshaping power dynamics in the country.
  2. This revolution is being executed quietly through technology rather than through violent means like armies or revolts. Important systems, such as the U.S. Treasury payment system, are major targets for those seeking to take control.
  3. The goal of this movement goes beyond just changing leadership; it aims to fundamentally reshape people's beliefs and identities. This manipulation of 'subjectivity' could lead to a very different form of governance and society in America.

Why has Latin American female employment risen in the absence of growth?

The Great Gender Divergence • 176 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Employment Social Change Cultural Shifts Media influence
  1. Latin American female employment has increased despite economic stagnation, challenging conventional wisdom.
  2. Latin America's unique situation suggests that women's desire to work may increase with rising opportunity costs.
  3. Social and economic factors like hyper-inflation and individualism may play a significant role in driving female employment in Latin America.

Reverse Dominance Coalitions

The Great Gender Divergence • 176 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Equality Patriarchy Social Change Activism Feminism
  1. Inequalities persist when normalized and celebrated, culture changes when people speak out together for equality.
  2. Reverse Dominance Coalitions reject patriarchy, promote equality, and challenge cultural norms.
  3. RDCs foster critical reflection, encourage resistance, build solidarity, and shift social expectations toward gender equality.

Resisting Defeatism: Ways to Foster Social Change in Everyday Life

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Social Change Activism
  1. Educating ourselves and supporting independent media is crucial in contributing to a just and ethical society.
  2. Engaging in genuine dialogue, civic action, and political engagement in our communities can promote collaboration and resolution of conflicts.
  3. Combating suffering and injustice involves supporting worthwhile charities, ethical consumer practices, and utilizing art and music to honor our values and facilitate social change.

No Sex and the City

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 26 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Social Change Economic Factors Cultural norms Family Dynamics
  1. Dating and relationships are changing, with fewer people getting married and starting families. This is partly due to the pressures of a modern economy and changing social norms.
  2. Women are increasingly entering the workforce and seeking partners who can match their ambitions, while many men are struggling to meet these expectations. This has led to more women opting for single motherhood.
  3. Economic factors, like housing costs and childcare expenses, heavily influence people's decisions about having families. Many people want financial stability before committing to marriage and children.

There Once Was an Empire

thinkinghistorically • 93 HN points • 20 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature History Politics Identity Social Change
  1. Obsessions with decline and collapse are becoming more prominent in public discourse and literature.
  2. Memories of past empires and collapses can help us navigate uncertainty in the present and imagine different futures.
  3. Literature from the era of Austria-Hungary captures the nostalgia, chaos, and ephemerality of a world caught between permanence and collapse.

Humanities and Social Change: There is No Final Revolution

Humanities in Revolt • 159 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Humanities Social Change Activism Literature Philosophy
  1. Society often focuses on the mechanics of achieving objectives, but sustaining social change requires creativity, empathy, perseverance, and purpose, which the humanities can provide.
  2. Feelings of frustration and despair are common in social justice activism, but acknowledging these emotions and turning to the humanities can offer spiritual and ethical sustenance.
  3. Victories in social-political movements are impermanent, emphasizing the need to replace the pursuit of 'victory' with a more human and sustainable approach, reflected in the idea that there is no final revolution. Revolutions are infinite and ongoing.