The Missing Piece in Social Justice Movements

In the realm of social justice, we are immersed in discussions of policy changes, activism, and advocacy, but there is one critical element that we often overlook — love and transformation. As a somatic therapist who believes in social justice, I’ve come to realize that the practice of social justice reform and creating lasting social change can benefit immensely from embracing love and transformation. In this blog post, I will explore why these aspects are often sidelined, how our biological responses to fear play a role, and why integrating them into our approach is essential for impactful change.

Love and Transformation: The Missing Ingredients

Social justice movements, at their core, aim to dismantle oppressive systems, challenge inequality, and promote a fair and just society. While these goals are unquestionably vital, the means by which we pursue them can sometimes lack a crucial element — love. Love in this context refers to compassion, empathy, and understanding for all members of society, including those who may perpetuate or benefit from oppressive systems.

Transformation, on the other hand, is the process of personal and societal change. It involves not only changing laws and policies but also shifting hearts and minds. To create lasting change, we must address the root causes of injustice, and this requires the transformation of individuals and systems.

The Biological Response: Fear vs. Love

One reason why social justice circles may overlook love and transformation is our biological response to fear. Throughout human evolution, our brains have developed to prioritize safety and survival. This innate response can lead us to perceive anyone or anything different from us as a potential threat. When confronted with issues of social justice, this biological response can manifest as defensiveness, resistance to change, and even hostility.

Leading with love and transformation requires us to override this instinctive fear response. It demands courage and vulnerability to approach those with differing viewpoints with empathy and compassion. It means recognizing that change, while sometimes uncomfortable, is necessary for the betterment of society.

The Mind-Body Connection

Somatic therapy emphasizes the mind-body connection and the importance of addressing trauma and stress stored in the body. In social justice work, individuals and communities often carry the trauma of oppression, discrimination, and violence. Without addressing this trauma, lasting transformation becomes challenging.

Love, in the form of compassionate listening and support, can help individuals heal from their trauma. Transformation, when rooted in somatic therapy practices, acknowledges that healing is a fundamental part of the change process. By integrating somatic reasoning into social justice, we can create spaces for healing and transformation that empower individuals and communities.

Expanding Our Understanding of Social Justice

To truly create a just and equitable society, we must broaden our understanding of social justice. It’s not merely about changing policies and institutions but also about changing hearts and minds. Love and transformation are not antithetical to social justice; they are its bedrock.

By incorporating love, we can build bridges of understanding between communities and individuals who might otherwise remain divided. Transformation allows us to address the root causes of injustice, creating lasting change that extends beyond superficial reforms.

In the pursuit of social justice, love and transformation are not optional add-ons but essential components. Our biological responses to fear may resist these concepts, but it is precisely this resistance that underscores their importance. Somatic reasoning further emphasizes the need for healing and transformation on both an individual and societal level.

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With all the warmth and love in the world,

Sarah Alperin
Somatic Therapist, Child Behavior Expert, ICF PCC Somatic Coach, Founder, The Well-Being Collective