Eliciting Open-Mindedness

As we come into contact more frequently with more people, some who are "other", how do we get along? How does the fabric of society hold together? This study explores how nine individuals changed their views on a significant social issue, same-gender marriage. Areas of analysis in the study are social movement theory, reduction of prejudice, the role of empathy, pattern analysis and systems theory, and theories of religious, spiritual, and moral development. Among the findings, participants describe a long, slow, and varied path of change. They convey their experience using felt, physical metaphors to describe the process. The capacity to change seemed to be linked to a previously acquired ability to change. This study will be of interest to those working for the acceptance of LGBT individuals but also anyone interested in the process of social change and acceptance.