Theories of Social Change and the Role of Non-Profit Organisations

This article explores how theories of social change shape the understanding and practice of non-profit organisations. It synthesises classical perspectives such as modernisation, dependency, and social movement theories with contemporary and critical approaches including Theory of Change, systems thinking, and decolonial critique. The discussion highlights how NGOs operate as hybrid actors navigating power, legitimacy, and knowledge across global and local contexts. By linking theoretical traditions to methodological and strategic implications, the article provides a comprehensive lens for examining how NGOs both influence and are shaped by societal transformation. It calls for critical engagement with plural frameworks to enhance the legitimacy, adaptability, and ethical grounding of NGO practice.