I’ll show you who’s boss
Now the classic title for this would be - “How Small Actions Drive Big Change” But we’re all a bit sick of that, and it honestly feels fake.
“However, thanks to academia I can prove it to you”
It’s called MLP Theory—the Multi-Level Perspective Theory—developed by Frank Geels. Basically, he created a theory to explain how big, systemic changes happen when there’s a shift at different levels. It’s not just about big corporations or governments making decisions. Change happens when smaller, grassroots efforts (like local communities and individual actions) create a push that forces bigger systems to adapt.
I’ve adapted his academic diagram, which visually shows you how this happens. The purple highlighted arrow represents a small action that has gained momentum and is able to shift the way society works. This puts pressure on “the big dogs” to make changes that then affect the whole population.
My simple version the MLP Diagram
A Dynamic multi-level perspective of STS. (Source: Geels, 2002).
“A real life example: the plastic bag ban”
One example is the phase-out of plastic bags in Aotearoa New Zealand. It wasn’t an overnight decision made by a big corporation or government. It started with small community groups and passionate individuals pushing for a change (some may have called them hippies). They began by raising awareness of the environmental issues around plastic waste and getting people to think differently. As this movement grew, larger companies could see that not only was this their chance to do the right thing, but it also made financial sense. Eventually, the government had to follow suit—changing their policies to reduce plastic bag usage—Boom - cheers hippies.
When we think about creating real change, it’s easy to imagine that it has to come from the top—corporate boards, politicians, big institutions making decisions. But the truth is, change doesn’t always start at the top. Often, it starts with people like you and me, making small changes and pushing for better things, bit by bit.
If you’re feeling like your actions don’t matter, think again. Every little choice counts. Whether it’s reducing waste, supporting sustainable businesses, especially talking to your friends and family about why it’s important, those small actions add up.
So, the next time you feel like your actions don’t make a difference, remember this: the change we’re all waiting for? It starts with us. You show them who’s the boss.
If you want to learn a bit more:
