Impact Trust • Working glossary

Social tipping points

Points where small changes in social systems – norms, technologies, policies, behaviours – trigger rapid, large-scale, self-reinforcing change, often positive (unlike climate tipping points which are typically negative).

Details

Our Take
Unlike climate tipping points, social tipping points can be positive. For example, renewable energy cost curves triggering investment shifts. Important for the 'hope' side of the narrative. The question is whether programmes can help seed social tipping points within institutions - small interventions that trigger self-reinforcing change in culture.
Examples of Use
Social science, transformation research, Kirsten Dunlop
Synonyms/Variants
Social phase transition; Normative shifts, Cultural tipping points
Typical everyday wording
The moment when a small social change suddenly triggers a big, fast shift.