Final answer:
Reactive change is an unplanned response to unforeseen problems or opportunities and often leads to social change through collective behavior or social movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reactive change is change that responds to problems or opportunities as they arise. This type of change is often unplanned and occurs in response to unforeseen challenges or unexpected circumstances. Reactive change differs from proactive change, which involves anticipating future problems or opportunities and planning in advance to address them. Reactive change can be seen in various social scenarios, such as cultural reforms, where it is commonly initiated by minority groups or individuals who draw attention to an unsatisfactory state of affairs, as was the case with Rachel Carson's influential book, Silent Spring, highlighting the negative impacts of synthetic pesticides. Reactive change is also a key characteristic of collective behavior and social movements that drive social change, altering society through disruptions to the status quo, whether intentional or random, human-caused or natural. While reactive change can lead to quick adaptations, it may also prompt opposition and controversy, especially when interests feel threatened by the proposed reforms.