Understanding Social Change: Process, Sources, Theories and Current Trends - Prof. Michael, Study notes of Introduction to Sociology

Download Understanding Social Change: Process, Sources, Theories and Current Trends - Prof. Michael and more Study notes Introduction to Sociology in PDF only on Docsity! TOPIC 21 SOCIAL CHANGE A. What is Social Change ? B. Sources of Social Change C. Theories of Social Change D. Social Change Today A. What is Social Change? 1. Social change is a process by which society becomes something DIFFERENT while remaining in some respects the SAME 2. What Changes? Mainly SOCIAL STRUCTURE, but also CULTURE and “BACKGROUND.” B. Sources of Social Change 1. Structural and “Background” Elements: a. Physical Environment b. Population c. Conflict over Resources 2. Cultural Factors a. Conflict over Values b. The Nature of Values c. Innovation d. Diffusion C. Theories of Social Change 1. Evolutionary Theories:  Social evolution is progress from simple to complex forms of society.  With functional differentiation over time, societies become more adaptive. 2. Cyclical Theories  Societies rise and fall  Societies have a life cycle like human beings: i. Development ii. Maturity iii. Decline- main reason they decline: they became too big iv. Death- societies die bc they become too large to sustain themselves 3. Functionalist Theories  Forces of stability and change operate together over time  Societies adjust to changes and tend toward equilibrium  Successful societys stay in equilibrium