Continuity and Change

Question 1

BELIEFS

Answer 1

A set of opinions or ideas we believe to be the truth. These can come from personal experience or what is told by others.

Question 2

CHANGE

Answer 2

An alteration of cultural elements in society. This may occur on any level of society and can be brought around by modernisation.

Question 3

CONFLICT

Answer 3

A perceived incompatibility of goals or actions. This can occur on any level of society and its resolution can involve modification to what was previously in place.

Question 4

CONTINUITY

Answer 4

The consistent existence of cultural elements in society across time. It can also be referred to as the maintenance of traditions and social structures which bring stability to society.

Question 5

COOPERATION

Answer 5

The ability of individual members of a group to work together to achieve a common goal that is in the group’s interest.

Question 6

EMPOWERMENT

Answer 6

A social process that gives power or authority to people at a micro level, to groups at meso and to institutions at macro level. This allows them to think , behave, take action, control and make decisions.

Question 7

MODERNISATION

Answer 7

A process of dynamic social change resulting from the diffusion and adoption of the characteristics of apparently more advanced societies, Europe, China, USA, UK etc. The social transformation consists of the society becoming more technologically advanced and update cultural life.

Question 8

SUSTAINABILITY

Answer 8

The required development to meet current human needs, either economic, social or environmental without jeopardising future generations or health of the planet. It implies deliberate, responsible and proactive decision making from local to global level about equal distribution of resources and the minimising of negative impacts of humans on the planet.

Question 9

TRADITION

Answer 9

The body of cultural practices and beliefs that are passed down from generations. Mostly by oral, written or behavioural modelling. It is an integral part of the socialisation process and represents continuity of society + culture

Question 10

VALUES

Answer 10

Deeply held ideas and beliefs that guide our thinking, language and behaviour. Differences may exist between groups and individuals as values can be challenged.

Question 11

WESTERNISATION

Answer 11

A social process where Western values, customs and practices are adopted and form the basis of cultural change.

Question 12

EVOLUTIONARY CHANGE

Answer 12

• Evolutionary change is incremental change that occurs over a large period of time altering society on a large scale

These changes may be triggered by: (eg.)

• Level of technological development
• And/or external factors outside of society; Westernisation

EG:

• Bureaucratisation
• Environmentalism
• Demographic change

Question 13

TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE

Answer 13

• It is often more dramatic and more rapid than evolutionary change
• Each trigger involves communities using resources and engaging adherents to oppose the current situation or ‘status quo’
• This type of change is irreversible and permanent

Triggered mostly by:

• Technology
• Social movements
• Rebellions
• Revolutions

Question 14

RESISTANCE TO CHANGE

Answer 14

• The resistance range from personal level to strikes, boycotts and human barricades on a meso or macro level

Resistance to change because of:

• The pace of innovation
• Different beliefs and values
• Tradition
• Fear of the future