Behavior Analyst as Changemaker: Science, Advocacy and Activism in Practice

As scientist-practitioners, behavior analysts work to understand the contextual variables that contribute to social challenges with a goal of making the world a better place. If “saving the world” is to be the true goal of a science of human behavior, behavior analysts must commit to an agenda of social justice and extend its reach to collective action at the level of cultural systems. In addition to striving to become effective scientist-practitioners, behavior analysts should strive to become effective scientist-advocates. This chapter provides a practical overview of advocacy and activism with a focus on the reasons, targets, and methods of the endeavoring scientist-advocate.