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How Change Happens
Human society is full of would-be 'change agents', a restless mix of campaigners, lobbyists, and officials, both individuals and organizations, set on transforming the world. They want to improve public services, reform laws and regulations, guarantee human rights, get a fairer deal for those on the sharp end, achieve greater recognition for any number of issues, or simply be treated with respect.Striking then, that not many universities have a Department of Change Studies, to which social activists can turn for advice and inspiration. Instead, scholarly discussions of change are fragmented with few conversations crossing disciplinary boundaries, rarely making it onto the radars of those actively seeking change.This book bridges the gap between academia and practice, bringing together the best research from a range of academic disciplines and the evolving practical understanding of activists to explore the topic of social and political change. Drawing on many first-hand examples from the global experience of Oxfam, one of the world's largest social justice NGOs, as well as the author's insights from studying and working on international development, it tests ideas on How Change Happens andoffers the latest thinking on what works to achieve progressive change.This is an open access title available under the terms of a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International licence. It is available as a free PDF download from OUP and selected open access locations.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 16, 2017
How Change Happens is an ambitious book that not only aims to explain the mechanisms behind change, but also to provide change-makers a blueprint they can use to effect change. I'm going to be honest and say that this book impressed me from the introduction, so I'm probably pretty biased. The author starts out by admitting that:
Consider how rare it is for people to admit their bias, I was immediately impressed by this, and had a pretty good feeling of this book. Because while a lot of people like to call on others to "check your privilege", they rarely check their own privileges (unless it's to brag/make a point, which is also not that common)
The book basically introduces and explains what the author calls a "power and systems approach". Basically, a PSA works two ways: looking backwards at past stories of change to see what kind of questions should be ask, and to avoid "the tendency to think that whatever changed was 100 per cent down to the activists concerned", and looking forwards, because "a PSA acknowledges we can't anticipate those critical junctures, so it is essential to 'expect the unexpected' by putting good feedback and response systems in place."
Part one is an introduction, looking at system thinking, how power lies at the heart of change (and the different types of power and changes that can happen) as well as looking at how shifts in social norms often underpin change. The case study was on the Chiquitanos of Bolivia. I had lots of highlights, but I wanted to share this:
Part 2 is on the how states evolve, how laws can be very effective in getting real change happening, how media and politics work, and to what extent the international system shapes change. And a chapter on transnational corporations and how they affect change. The case study for this is on the December 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Part 3 focuses on activists, leaders, and advocacy, and I was surprised to see Lee Kuan Yew mentioned, though not really discussed. But out of the three chapters in this section, I really liked this section in the chapter on leadership, because it sums up the different between feminine and feminist approaches to leadership very well:
The last section is basically a summary of the whole thing.
The narrative style reminds me of an interesting lecture. It's formal, but readable and occasional moments of humour. Plus, the author manages to work in the phrase 'conscious uncoupling' which made me laugh. The author also draws on his experiences too, which I found very illuminating.
In conclusion, if you are interested in learning how change works, or if you're interested in effecting some change yourself, then you should definitely read this book. While it's not a step-by-step manual, it does explain things in a way that shows you the path you should be taking.
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
"[I]n the end, this is a book written by a white, Western (and rapidly aging) male, and it inevitably echoes my experiences, networks, culture, assumptions, and prejudices. Please don't forget that, while you're reading it. "
Consider how rare it is for people to admit their bias, I was immediately impressed by this, and had a pretty good feeling of this book. Because while a lot of people like to call on others to "check your privilege", they rarely check their own privileges (unless it's to brag/make a point, which is also not that common)
The book basically introduces and explains what the author calls a "power and systems approach". Basically, a PSA works two ways: looking backwards at past stories of change to see what kind of questions should be ask, and to avoid "the tendency to think that whatever changed was 100 per cent down to the activists concerned", and looking forwards, because "a PSA acknowledges we can't anticipate those critical junctures, so it is essential to 'expect the unexpected' by putting good feedback and response systems in place."
Part one is an introduction, looking at system thinking, how power lies at the heart of change (and the different types of power and changes that can happen) as well as looking at how shifts in social norms often underpin change. The case study was on the Chiquitanos of Bolivia. I had lots of highlights, but I wanted to share this:
"Unfortunately, the way we commonly think about change projects onto the future the neat narratives we draw from the past. Many of the mental models we use are linear plans - "if A, then B"- with profound consequences in terms of failure, frustration, and missed opportunities. "
Part 2 is on the how states evolve, how laws can be very effective in getting real change happening, how media and politics work, and to what extent the international system shapes change. And a chapter on transnational corporations and how they affect change. The case study for this is on the December 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Part 3 focuses on activists, leaders, and advocacy, and I was surprised to see Lee Kuan Yew mentioned, though not really discussed. But out of the three chapters in this section, I really liked this section in the chapter on leadership, because it sums up the different between feminine and feminist approaches to leadership very well:
"A feminine approach to leadership recognises that women often bring a greater attention to collaboration, collective decision making, and building relationships, characteristics that fall well within the traditional gendered roles of women. In contrast, a feminist approach seeks to transform relations of power, paying close attention to 'power within' and 'power with', as well as hidden and invisible power."
The last section is basically a summary of the whole thing.
The narrative style reminds me of an interesting lecture. It's formal, but readable and occasional moments of humour. Plus, the author manages to work in the phrase 'conscious uncoupling' which made me laugh. The author also draws on his experiences too, which I found very illuminating.
"Western campaigners tend to dumb down the complex realities of messy conflicts into simple narratives of good and bad to be remedied by simple solutions (preferably delivered by the West). Such narratives squeeze out the more nuanced views of local people and the deeper, underlying causes of conflict, and end up promoting superficial victories rather than real change. "
In conclusion, if you are interested in learning how change works, or if you're interested in effecting some change yourself, then you should definitely read this book. While it's not a step-by-step manual, it does explain things in a way that shows you the path you should be taking.
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
September 4, 2025
Finally finished this book after having it on my shelf for nearly six years. Duncan Green's Power and Systems approach is solid, and he has convinced me of its validity as a theory of change. The explanation of internal and external activist approaches are very useful.
Are the book's arguments convincing and its content educational? Yes.
Is it an enjoyable read? Sort of.
The first half is pretty dry (in how it's written, more so than in what is written) but the second half was more interesting. I suppose I did read this book right after reading Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green, with its brilliant storytelling while simultaneously being nonfiction - it's a hard act to follow.
At times I felt like the book should have instead been titled "How Change Happens in Low-Middle Income Countries" all that's what all its examples and case studies are about. I don't work for an international NGO and would have appreciated at least some examples more applicable to making change in my own community. I imagine many other readers will feel the same.
Still, the Power and Systems approach is applicable to a lot of scenarios. I would recommend the approach, even if I wouldn't necessarily recommend reading this book cover to cover like I did.
Are the book's arguments convincing and its content educational? Yes.
Is it an enjoyable read? Sort of.
The first half is pretty dry (in how it's written, more so than in what is written) but the second half was more interesting. I suppose I did read this book right after reading Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green, with its brilliant storytelling while simultaneously being nonfiction - it's a hard act to follow.
At times I felt like the book should have instead been titled "How Change Happens in Low-Middle Income Countries" all that's what all its examples and case studies are about. I don't work for an international NGO and would have appreciated at least some examples more applicable to making change in my own community. I imagine many other readers will feel the same.
Still, the Power and Systems approach is applicable to a lot of scenarios. I would recommend the approach, even if I wouldn't necessarily recommend reading this book cover to cover like I did.
May 3, 2025
This diva Duncan was queening out bare no cap. A foreword by my driller Ha-Joon (SOAS gang), agreeing with Naomi Klein, and taking a steaming shite on Milton Friedman is a recipe for an absolute banger
March 7, 2019
I loved this book. I've followed the blog for some years ... the book was no disappointment. Recommended!
July 24, 2018
I am following the author's blog for several years now and find it a very useful resource to keep a critical attitude towards the business of development aid (in which I am working, currently on the donor side).
This book 'How change happens' is a well written and documented study of what to consider and (not) to do, useful for every agent in society that wants change.
Many of the issues are not new (empowerment, positive deviance, flexibility, working in complexity, etc.), but Green structures those ideas in a well conceived framework, the "Power and Systems Approach". He correctly stresses the importance of systems thinking and the different forms of power. The differents parts and chapters are interesting to read, full with examples, anecdotes and stories, out of the rich career of the author.
For me, the most interesting part of the book is the last one: Part IV (Pulling it all together) and its unique chapter 12 (A power and systems approach to make things happen). It is a very interesting synthesis of the lessons we can learn out of the failures and successes of the past decades of development thinking and activism. I particularly like the parts on the "three ubiquitous forces (that) stand in the way of widespread adoption of a theory-of-change approach", but also the attempts of making PSA concrete without toolboxes or checklists and the implications for aid organizations. If this book caught your interest, but you have limited time, then just read chapter 12.
And finally, I liked the "further reading" suggestions Green put at the end of each chapter!
This book 'How change happens' is a well written and documented study of what to consider and (not) to do, useful for every agent in society that wants change.
Many of the issues are not new (empowerment, positive deviance, flexibility, working in complexity, etc.), but Green structures those ideas in a well conceived framework, the "Power and Systems Approach". He correctly stresses the importance of systems thinking and the different forms of power. The differents parts and chapters are interesting to read, full with examples, anecdotes and stories, out of the rich career of the author.
For me, the most interesting part of the book is the last one: Part IV (Pulling it all together) and its unique chapter 12 (A power and systems approach to make things happen). It is a very interesting synthesis of the lessons we can learn out of the failures and successes of the past decades of development thinking and activism. I particularly like the parts on the "three ubiquitous forces (that) stand in the way of widespread adoption of a theory-of-change approach", but also the attempts of making PSA concrete without toolboxes or checklists and the implications for aid organizations. If this book caught your interest, but you have limited time, then just read chapter 12.
And finally, I liked the "further reading" suggestions Green put at the end of each chapter!
May 20, 2017
This is a great book. Although it is written for activists, I think there are great lessons and tools for everyone.
The book uses a systems thinking, which "suggests problems are multiple, interrelated, and complex, solutions are unknowable in advance and likely to emerge through trial and error, and at least some villains are likely to also be indispensable allies in bringing about change."
It shows that change happens on several levels and can begin in multiple ways. That's why we need to understand the intrinsic characteristics of each system, its feedback and dinamics within itself and with the rest of the systems.
One must accept that "you cannot understand and plan everything in advance. If each situation is different, so must be the response."
It is about thinking and understanding complex adaptive systems in order to change the status quo.
Great reading.
The book uses a systems thinking, which "suggests problems are multiple, interrelated, and complex, solutions are unknowable in advance and likely to emerge through trial and error, and at least some villains are likely to also be indispensable allies in bringing about change."
It shows that change happens on several levels and can begin in multiple ways. That's why we need to understand the intrinsic characteristics of each system, its feedback and dinamics within itself and with the rest of the systems.
One must accept that "you cannot understand and plan everything in advance. If each situation is different, so must be the response."
It is about thinking and understanding complex adaptive systems in order to change the status quo.
Great reading.
June 22, 2017
I found it difficult to finish. I didn't care for the author's style of writing.
abandoned
February 14, 2018This was more at the strategic level, for people leading organizations trying to make change. I was hoping for something a little more personal and tactical.
December 29, 2023
Il cambiamento avviene nei modi più inaspettati, la lezione principale di questo libro, che non è propriamente un manuale e nemmeno propriamente un libro di teoria, è che il cambiamento è difficile da programmare, ma l'esercizio per la sua creazione è molto più complesso.
Intanto il cambiamento va immaginato; poi dobbiamo poi scoprire il potere che abbiamo in noi (within), con gli altri (with), di fare qualcosa (to), e il potere sopra qualcosa (over). Fondamentale è poi capire chi sono i soggetti con cui interagiamo o che vogliamo trasformare e quindi capire i loro interessi, relazioni, dinamiche di potere, punti debolibe di forza; e solo dopo potremo definire la nostra strategia.
In una parola si potrebbe dire che dobbiamo avere un approccio "sistemico".
Intanto il cambiamento va immaginato; poi dobbiamo poi scoprire il potere che abbiamo in noi (within), con gli altri (with), di fare qualcosa (to), e il potere sopra qualcosa (over). Fondamentale è poi capire chi sono i soggetti con cui interagiamo o che vogliamo trasformare e quindi capire i loro interessi, relazioni, dinamiche di potere, punti debolibe di forza; e solo dopo potremo definire la nostra strategia.
In una parola si potrebbe dire che dobbiamo avere un approccio "sistemico".
January 24, 2023
Told through the lens of international community development, this book touches on systems change, organisational practice, power, leadership, advocacy and more. Woven with interesting real life stories and examples of change - touching on examples of where it’s worked, where it hasn’t and why. A good resource for students and practitioners in the ICD space as well as anyone wanting to broker partnerships for positive change in their community.
September 28, 2017
"We will have more impact if we are prepared to take risks, try new uncomfortable things, question our own power and privilege, and acknowledge and learn from our failures, all the while continuing to work with the zeal and commitment that characterize activists everywhere."
An important, daunting, and inspiring read.
An important, daunting, and inspiring read.
December 20, 2017
I tossed back and forth rating this 3 or 4 stars. Green writes clearly and the book is full of interesting anecdotes. However while Green has a relatively clear message he tries to get through it feels like a fairly roundabout way of doing it. It feels like while each paragraph or chapter makes sense on its own it is hard to link it all back to the central concept.
July 7, 2017
A great synopsis of the various factors that impact the process of change in development settings. A good read for persons looking to get into international development, as well as those already in the sector.
June 4, 2021
Implementing change is difficult. Existing institutions, ideas and interests deter change, and work with social norms to maintain the status quo. Outsiders should think of themselves as ecosystem gardeners, nurturing diversity and resilience and focusing on enabling environment.
December 23, 2021
Es un libro muy interesante que te da un entendimiento general del panorama en el que suceden los cambios, en ocasiones se vuelve ambiguo y un poco tedioso, sobre todo la parte final, en la que el autor parece que esta hablando consigo mismo sin conectar con la audiencia.
July 30, 2024
I read the 2024 edition (available online as open access!) - excellent cook book for those of us in development and really anyone curious in how broader societal processes of change can be understood and influenced. Will def. go back to it as a key resource!
February 16, 2025
A handy guide for development practitioners both young and old, but also for anyone who believes they want to "change the world". But best to be read critically and bit cautiously about where Green is drawing his ideas from
December 27, 2017
Despite all the know how of the author, i didnt get some directions to promote change in a solid way
May 4, 2018
An ok primer if you know nothing of how power and systems work in the world but if you have any degrees in social science you can probably skip it.
September 9, 2018
Finally finished. A frank and useful handbook for activists. Could do with more attention on transparency in development.
July 29, 2020
Amazing, amazing read. Inspiring guide to activism and turning it into results that are actually effective.
June 5, 2021
Surprisingly interesting and full of facts.
October 30, 2022
Very interesting first hand examples, from person who worked on advocacy, development and social activism across the world. Inspiring story.
June 18, 2024
Interesting
August 8, 2025
Great book for all those working to make the world a better place - identifying how to change social norms, build coalitions, and use data for impact
October 19, 2025
3 ⭐️ The textbook for my course about perspectives on societal change.
Read
November 4, 2020How change happens is an eye opening for new change approaches, it criticizes the traditional Logical framework approach which suits a liner system while real life is a group of complex systems. Although the book is advocating for activism, but it also mentioned that protest alone is not enough it is mandatory to find early allies, like an NGI (non-governmental individual). The book is totally in favor of a power and systems approach for activists and their organizations. I personally like the metaphor for project as making a cake. It needs the right ingredients and goes through a liner process till it results in "the cake" however, real life is a series of complex systems where disrupting the system with project triggers unpredictable results. The power and system approach to change the system, we need to work on power, power model starts with power within, then power with others, power to act and finally power over. The first step is to study history and the present (dance with the system) to programme for the future, while being conscious for the activist\NGO power dynamics and what forces it adds to the systems. To make sustainable change specialliay with activist and revolutionary movements is to quickly turn movements into institutions, to protect and embrace the change and prevent backsliding, that’s why the Egyptian revolution failed to maintain the change
Quick highlights:
• Sudden technological\economic shift can lead to social and political disruption, where conflict and -violence can trigger social change (the Indian fishers case)
• Contextualization, contextualization and contextualization, no one size fits all.
• Instead of analyzing power as government and people, it can stakeholders and people
• Power analysis can be simply a depiction for stakeholder on power\influence vs interest
• Ruther than depending on log frame, activist can adapt “notice and adjust”, planning is utterly un avoidable and utterly useless, that’s why an approach of “adaptive management “can come in handy
• Emended autonomy economic development approach where the officials should be an embeded in private sector to understand how the system work and at the same time be autonyms in decision making.
• What challenges change are 3Is Ideas, interest and institutions
• Campaigning should start with research report stating the killer facts and evidence for the change.
Quick highlights:
• Sudden technological\economic shift can lead to social and political disruption, where conflict and -violence can trigger social change (the Indian fishers case)
• Contextualization, contextualization and contextualization, no one size fits all.
• Instead of analyzing power as government and people, it can stakeholders and people
• Power analysis can be simply a depiction for stakeholder on power\influence vs interest
• Ruther than depending on log frame, activist can adapt “notice and adjust”, planning is utterly un avoidable and utterly useless, that’s why an approach of “adaptive management “can come in handy
• Emended autonomy economic development approach where the officials should be an embeded in private sector to understand how the system work and at the same time be autonyms in decision making.
• What challenges change are 3Is Ideas, interest and institutions
• Campaigning should start with research report stating the killer facts and evidence for the change.
February 20, 2017
A fresh and insightful commentary of how change happens from the perspective of an activist And academic. The book gave me a whole new way of looking at the ways power and systems interact. Most importantly, it is a reminder that change should come from the people and that the role of NGOs is not to solve their problems but to empower and equip the people with resources to be change agents for their communities.
March 14, 2018
Green sifts through decades of development experience, research, and learning to examine why societies, people, laws, and organizations change...or don't. Motivated by the desire to change the world for the better (yes, lofty) and tempered by a strong awareness of the limitations of his analysis, his identity, and his experiences, Green still gives change-makers something to think about. This is not a guide book, not really. He steers clear of that. But it is useful for helping to restructure your thinking in how you pick apart problems and craft project, programs, interventions that might actually have an impact at whatever scale. For Green it boils down to systems and power and he presents non-wonky ways to think about both of those enormously complex aspects of the world.
And he does it all with some great (very British) humor. I particularly appreciated his use of Hermione's crusade to 'help' the house-elves as exemplary of do-gooders thinking they know what's needed...and making situations worse.
And he does it all with some great (very British) humor. I particularly appreciated his use of Hermione's crusade to 'help' the house-elves as exemplary of do-gooders thinking they know what's needed...and making situations worse.
May 23, 2018
I gave up on this book .... it is just too boring to read. Really sorry to say that. I tried several times and failed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews