I think it's a cycle, to an extent. That while people in power may try to change things, it's the people within society who give them power in most situations. And people believe what they want to and they do what they want to, it's part of free will. For someone to do something or act a certain way, the propensity for it has to already exist inside of them. No one can really control someone else, they can only give suggestions - though sometimes forcefully - and see if they follow through with them. (This does not apply to situations where people have their freedom outright taken away.)
So.. I answered "it depends," because while I think the idea of "Social Engineering" is, in some ways, nonexistent, I think that people still do try to orchestrate events a certain way and change the opinions or others, etc. And the motivation has a big part in it, but moreso, the way it's handled. If someone wants to do something while knowingly hurting others, than they have to answer for that. Also, taking away someone's human rights is wrong. It's one thing to place restrictions in public and make laws, it's another to tell someone what they can or can't do or think when alone or with other likeminded peoples. On the whole, though, it depends on the situation, so it's a very complex issue that can't be explained easily in a few paragraphs.
In the end, a director of events is only as effective in acquiring his desired results as those involved are effective at willingly playing their roles.
(no subject)
So.. I answered "it depends," because while I think the idea of "Social Engineering" is, in some ways, nonexistent, I think that people still do try to orchestrate events a certain way and change the opinions or others, etc. And the motivation has a big part in it, but moreso, the way it's handled. If someone wants to do something while knowingly hurting others, than they have to answer for that. Also, taking away someone's human rights is wrong. It's one thing to place restrictions in public and make laws, it's another to tell someone what they can or can't do or think when alone or with other likeminded peoples. On the whole, though, it depends on the situation, so it's a very complex issue that can't be explained easily in a few paragraphs.
In the end, a director of events is only as effective in acquiring his desired results as those involved are effective at willingly playing their roles.
That's my current personal opinion, anyways.