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Research Proposal
Impact of Literature on Social Change

By

Ammara

Student of BS English 5th Semester

Submitted to the Department of English Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST)
Date: 20-December-2023
Advisor: Dr. Qaisar Hayat
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Abstract
This research proposal aims to investigate the significant role that literature plays in promoting social change in
societies. The study will investigate the ways in which literature has functioned as a powerful tool for challenging
accepted norms, advocating for marginalized voices, and causing revolutionary transformations in society viewpoints
through an examination of numerous literary works, both historical and modern. This research will explain how literature
has successfully influenced the formation of collective consciousness, encouraged critical conversation, and promoted
progressive ideas by examining the interactions between fictional narratives, poetry, and non-fictional allegations.
Additionally, this study emphasizes how closely literature and social dynamics are related, highlighting the importance
of literary expression in inspiring reflection, empathy, and action among communities.

CHAPTER 1
BACKGROUND:
Literature has long served as a powerful medium for conveying ideas, shaping perspectives & igniting movements
that bring about transformative societal shifts. Throughout history various forms of literature including novel poetry &
essays , have played a vital role in critical social issues . Works of literature often shed light on the injustices and
inequalities that exist in society . This research seeks to examine the historical significance of literature on society and
analyze contemporary examples where authors , poets , and playwrights continue to press issues including racial
inequality , gender discrimination , stereotypes , & political corruption . Same with the case in today’s world stories and
books have a big effect on how people think and act . Authors use their words to talk about the most important things
happening in our society . They write about things like how people are treated unfairly and how we can make the world
better . These writings have the power to make us understand what others are going through. The primary objective of
this research aims to explore the ways in which literature influences the way we think and act . By examining how
literature can inspire us to challenge injustice, promote equality and protect our society .
IMPACT OF LITERATURE :The impact of literature in modern society is undeniable. Literature serves as an outlet for
each author’s unique expression. Some literature reflect society and help us comprehend the setting in which we live .
Through their writings author’s psyches are more readily accessible to us. Humanity is reflected in literature , and
literature helps us to comprehend one another.
LITERATURE WITHIN HISTORY :Through literature one can travel back in time and learn from those who came before
us about life on earth . We can learn more about different cultures and develop a deeper appreciation for them. Through
the way history is recorded we can learn more about literature .

NEED OF RESEARCH :
Here are some key points for the need of research on the impact of literature on social change:
1. Understanding the power of storytelling: Researching this topic allows us to explore the ways in which literature
can effectively convey messages and narratives that promote social awareness.

2. Examining the influence on societal norms: We can learn how literature challenges pre-existing norms, ideas, and
stereotypes to bring about changes in societal attitudes by researching the literature’s influence on social change.

3. Exploring the role of empathy and perspective-taking: Reading literature can take readers to other situations and
points of views, which can help them develop empathy and understanding. This study can explore the ways in which
this empathy can be used to promote constructive societal change.
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4. Uncovering the potential for activism: Literature may be a powerful tool for bringing social concerns to people’s
attention and motivating action. Researching this topic will explain how literature can inspire people to take efforts
for equality on an individual and community level.

5. Identifying effective strategies and techniques : Through investigating how literature affects social change, we will
identify specific literary devices, motifs, and storylines that work best to transform society.

6. Investigating the historical context: Studying how literature affects social change enables us to inquire at the ways
in which literature has contributed to important historical movements and revolutions, offering insightful
perspectives for modern society.

7. Addressing contemporary social issues: We can investigate how literature engages with and tackles modern social
issues, such as inequalities, discrimination, ethical issues, etc., by researching the topic ‘impact of literature on
social change’.

OBJECTIVES :
1. To explore the historical role of literature in driving social change movements and its impact on society.
2. To analyze the portrayal of social issues and the effectiveness of literature in raising awareness and promoting action.
3. To examine the influence of different literary genres and techniques on shaping public opinion and attitudes towards
social change.
4. To investigate the role of diverse voices and perspectives in literature in challenging existing power structures and
promoting inclusivity.
5. To assess the long-term effects of literature-based interventions on social attitudes, behaviors, and policy changes.
6. To identify and analyze the challenges and limitations faced by literature in addressing social issues and driving
meaningful change.

SCOPE & LIMITATIONS :

Scope:
Regarding the topic of “the impact of literature on social change,” I will investigate the ways in which various literary
genres—such as fiction, non-fiction, or novels and playwrights—have impacted people’s viewpoints and contributed to
societal changes. I will also investigate how specific writers or literary movements have influenced social change.

Limitations :
1. One of the limitations is a lack of relevant studies and sources on this topic.
2. Time restrictions on carrying out in-depth investigation and analysis.
3. Limited availability of original writings or primary sources that specifically discuss the connection between literature
and social change.
4. The challenge of establishing a direct link between a particular social change and literature because there could be
many factors.
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CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW :
In past years researchers have greatly emphasized and argue that literature is of no use if a writer writes and no one
reads what they write . A work of art becomes effective only when it is read.
In its own literature cannot change anything unless someone responds to the work and does something with it . If there is
no response to literature , there is little literature can do (Ezeigbo , 2000-13). Literature is the study of human nature. We
see human nature through tragedy and romance , joy and sorrow , in moments of heroism and in moments of cowardice
said Saad Farooqi an English literature major at AUS (Reporter , 2019) .
Another researcher says that literature provides insight into the minds of other human beings, into the mind of the author
and the minds of the character he or she brings to life (Reporter , 2019) .
Else where in order to understand well the term literature , one must take much consideration into cultural and social
values as well discussed in (Gautam , 2014) that literature is generally and inherently considered as the source of our
understanding of the society and its values. She further contends that scholars of every field consider literature as a valid
source of history and background information , an idea similar to (Bazimaziki , 2017) , where literature is considered as
a didactic tool and an educational mirror.
Freedom of speech was not the only issue that society once had to deal with . Infact it was in the abolition of racial
oppression that literature truly played it’s part . Harriet Beecher Stowe’s UNCLE TOM’S CABIN (1852) played a
fundamental role in the fight against slavery in the United States .

CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY :
Unlike the quantitative approach that aims to count things in order to explain what is observed, on the other hand the
qualitative method offers contextualization and interpretation of the data gathered. In order to examine the ‘impact of
literature on social change’ qualitative research approach would be choosen because the qualitative methods are designed
to discover meaning that people give to certain events that they go through (Merriam 1998) . Moreover with the help of
qualitative research the depth and complexity can be explored. Also the case study method will be used to get information
about the topic rather than going with statistical findings. The qualitative research methods that will be used for this
research are listed below .
TARGET POPULATION :
Population targeted in this study will be the undergrad students of BS English of Kohat University Of Science &
Technology. For the purpose of data collection the members will be choosen dependent on accessibility and readiness to
partake.

RESEARCH SAMPLE :
A sample of 10 participants will be drawn out from the target population using convenience sampling as it will make
participants easily accessible .

RESEARCH TOOL :
Using one-on-one interviewing method collect the data by asking some questions from the students to gather qualitative
data from their experiences. The questions included measuring the impact of literature on social change.
Uses focus group discussions with readers and literature enthusiasts to explore their interpretations and emotional
responses to specific literary works and how these responses relate to their understanding of societal issues.
Content Analysis method would be used to analyze literary works, including books, articles, and essays, to identify
themes, narratives, and ideologies related to social change and to examine how these elements contribute to shaping
public opinion in a society.
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TIMELINE :
- Week 1 : In the first week of the research I will define research questions and objectives and conduct literature review.
- Week 2 : After conducting literature review then I will develop a research methodology. I will design a research
framework and select research methods and tools.
- Week 3 : In this week I will collect data from different surveys, interviews and observations. And then analyzing data
by interpreting results from collected data and drawing conclusions.
- Week 4 : I will draft my research proposal by writing an introduction, methodology, results and discussions.
- Week 5 : In the way I will revise my research paper and finalize the conclusions and abstract.

CHAPTER 4
DATA COLLECTION :
1. Qualitative Interviews:
We will conduct interviews with people who have actively engaged with literature and discuss social issues in-depth.
Examine their viewpoints, experiences, and the ways that literature has influenced their understandings of social change.

2. Content Analysis of Literary Works:

Examine a number of literary works which deals with social change, such as plays, novels, or poems. Identify which
narratives, symbols, and common themes support social awareness and change.

3. Case Studies:
Choose specific literary works or authors who have been significant in promoting social change. Perform in-depth case
studies to investigate the particular approaches, ideas, and methods used by these authors or works.

4. Historical Research:
Evaluate historical documents, records, and literary works from various historical periods that have influenced
movements for social change. Analyse the literary influences on societal transformation and the historical context.

DATA ANALYSIS :
The content analysis method will be utilized to analyze the data. The meaning and relationship of the words and
concepts used in one-on-one interviews will be quantified and examined. The content from the interviews will be coded
into understandable code groups for analysis, and then the results would be summarized. Additionally, conceptual analysis
will be implemented with the intention of looking at the presence of particular concepts in the data.

CHAPTER 5
EXPECTED OUTCOMES :
The findings of the study will be that literature can serve as a vehicle for social change because people decide with
emotions and justify with facts . literature conveys emotions and catalyzes action. It’s the action that is needed for social
change.
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People treat fiction as nothing more than entertainment but what they forget is these are written by authors who are trying
to explain their perspectives through characters. It’s a place for ideas to flourish and nurture .
Literature has the ability to change society and it has great impacts on society because the writer and the reader both
belong and are a part of the society. Literature and culture both are interchangeable factors that affect society as the culture
highly influences the literature. Literature represents the cultural norms of society.
By nature human beings are change lovers and they cannot survive in a rigid society. Societies are willing to change from
time to time and these changes are very essential for healthy survival. It’s important to remember that social change takes
time but literature can be a catalyst for transportation.
Fiction may be a potential tool for social transformation, Inspiring readers to think critically and empathise with others
through compelling storytelling, fiction can subvert social norms, bring social issues to light, and challenge readers’
preconceptions. Fiction may start conversations and urge readers to think critically by offering a variety of viewpoints
and delving into difficult subjects. Additionally, fiction enables readers to emotionally connect with characters and
circumstances, increasing the relatability and effect of social issues.

CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, this study will illuminate the significant and complex role that literature plays in bringing about
societal transformation. Literature has the ability to influence societal attitudes, question social conventions, and spark
important discussions about contemporary social concerns, according to analysis of a variety of literary works from
various eras. As authors bravely depicted the realities of marginalized people, fought for human rights, and encouraged
empathy and understanding among many groups, we have seen the evolution of society through the prism of literary
expression. It is evident that literature has a great influence on social transformation since it encourages empathy,
comprehension, and critical thinking in society. Literature has the capacity to inspire significant changes in cultural
attitudes, practices, and perceptions by promoting conversations, posing normchallenging questions, and elevating the
voices of marginalized groups. It is crucial to acknowledge literature’s role in creating a more fair and just world as we
continue to embrace its transforming power. This encourages us to engage with a variety of stories and viewpoints in
order to promote constructive societal change.

REFERENCES :
Gautam, S. (2014, November 28). Can Literature Be Used as a Source on Changing Social Scenario ResearchGate.
Austin, S. (2022, October 27). The Importance of Literature in Modern Society. Findcourses.co.uk.
Hashim, R. S., Raihanah, M. M., Hamdan, S. I., Yusof, N. M., Ho-Abdullah, I., & Amran, N. A. (2012,October 1).
Literature and Social Change: Engaging Students With Current Issues in Our Midst. Procedia – Social and Behavioral
Sciences.
Reporter, B. M. I. S. (2019, July 24). Literature Is the Mirror of Society. Gulfnews
Mitchell . (2023, October 10). The Role of Literature in Promoting Social Change | Litwise