We live in a time of social and cultural change. Old patterns are losing their validity and relevance, new patterns are needed and in demand. We need a new approach which can formulate, generate and engage such patterns. The pattern language approach of Christopher Alexander serves this purpose - the interdisciplinary and participatory building blocks for societal change. The PURPLSOC 2017 conference contributions cover 25 domains - from anthropology and automation to political science and systems science - for a comprehensive perspective of current pattern research and practice.