Abstract
Theories about social change are useful to the extent that they can lead to solutions for social problems. Diffusion of innovation theory has been applied to thousands of social change problems in various countries, often with successful results. But as with any social change theory, the application of diffusion theory can produce unsatisfactory results if the problem in question has certain characteristics which the theory does not adequately address. Typically, a theoretical model includes a variety of concepts which, by selective emphasis, allows change agents to fit the model to a particular problem, which may result in better descriptive, explanatory, and predictive ability, as well as a satisfactory solution to the social problem.
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Dearing, J.W., Meyer, G., Rogers, E.M. (1994). Diffusion Theory and HIV Risk Behavior Change. In: DiClemente, R.J., Peterson, J.L. (eds) Preventing AIDS. AIDS Prevention and Mental Health. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1193-3_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1193-3_5
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