CORE: Continuity and Change Flashcards
Change is a complex process because…
- the distribution of power across society
- the nature of technology changes so rapidly that other aspects so rapidly that other aspects can’t keep up
- because of the role of tradition and wanting to preserve heritage
- because of the nature and number of human interactions
because of the different levels of society and how change filters to each level
Evolutionary Change
The process of structural change that creates a slow alteration in the institutions or social roles of a society that are then integrated into that society.
- slow and incremental (builds over a long period of time)
- almost unnoticalble change to structures (but accumulate)
- often associated with institutional change
e.g. increasing life span, secularisation
Transformative Change
a process whereby personal and social structures and systems work to created broad based social change that completely alters existing structures within society.
- broad-based social change
- completely modifies existing social structures
- needs to occur on a number of levels (macro, meso, micro) that affects people’s values, ambitions/hopes and behaviours
- weighty, intense and enduring/lasting
e.g. marriage equality, social media, COVID, #metoo
why might individuals and groups resist change
- the pace of innovation
- differences in beliefs and values
- vested interests
- Tradition
- Fear of the future
Types of resistance to change
Logical and Rational
- time required to adjust
- extra efforts to relearn
- economic costs of change
Psychological and Emotional
- fear of the unknown
- low tolerance of change
- dislike of management/change agent
- lack of trust
- desire for status quo
Sociological Resistance
- political conditions
- opposing group values
- parochial/narrow outlook
- vested interest
The influence that continuity and change have on the development of society at the micro level
Individuals might resist change or be advocating for change, they may be in conflict with those around them or even in conflict with themselves.
The influence that continuity and change have on the development of society at the meso level
A community can be positively or negatively affected by social change.
the process of localisation developed in response to globalisation – a community tailors certain ideas and practices to suit its local context
revitalisation as a response to social change: Many cultures worldwide try to maintain continuity of their culture, especially indigenous communities. they attempt to maintain their values and social practices while adopting and adapting certain aspects of modernity.
The influence that continuity and change have on the development of society at the macro level
influence of social change on a macro level might be easier to see – big institutional change that filters down to the meso and micro level.
e.g. Law, Environment
The impact of modernisation on social continuity and change
Modernisation is a process of social change resulting from the diffusion and adoption of the characteristics of expansive and apparently more advanced societies through societies that are apparently less advanced.
involves social mobilisation, the growth of a more effective and centralised apparatus of social and political control, the acceptance of scientifically rational norms and the transformation of social relations and aesthetic forms
the impact of westernisation on social continuity and change
Westernisation: a particular form of modernisation in which the methods and values of Western industrial capitalism are the basis of the changes that are occurring
Conflict theory Key Features
change occurs because of conflict –≥ conflict occurs because of power/distribution of power
society’s structures are built by the powerful for the powerful. the institutions control + maintain the interests of the elite (e.g. BLM)
What does conflict theory say about structural changes within society
structural change occurs because of conflict
What does conflict theory say about the processes and agents of change
conflict is the driver/agent of change
What does conflict theory say about the directions of change
in terms of direction, conflict theory says revolution is unnavoidable
Conflict theory Critisms/Weaknesses
- doesn’t explain small changes on a micro-scale
- doesn’t explain how society co-operates with each other, peace/harmony.
Evolutionary theory Key Features
Change evolves/occurs over time –> it is natural and inevitable
- Tribal –> agricultural –> industrial –> technological
○ Inevitable, change always
progresses - The more u progress the better everything is
What does Evolutionary theory say about structural changes within society
Structures become more complex, structural changes come from natural/inevitable progress
What does Evolutionary theory say about the processes and agents of change
Argues the technology of a society determines its structures –> technology is an agent
What does Evolutionary theory say about the directions of change
We are always moving towards a better version of society
Evolutionary theory Critisms/Weaknesses
- Used to justify colonialism
- Sees westernisation and industrialisation as positive
- Climate change?
Functionalist Theory Key Features
Society wants the best functioning, and it adjusts to do so.
- all the different parts of society all have to work together for the society to function properly
- Elements (institutions) within society are interdependent (all rely on eachother)
- Change is gradual, occurring when new institutions arise and old ones fail and the others have to adjust to fit that.
- Emphasises harmony and balance in society.
- Equilibrium
- If all systems in society are functioning properly it will remain healthy
what does Functionalist theory say about structural changes within society
- Society is a system of interrelated, interdependent parts, which are social institutions - family, education, economic, legal, religion etc., which have evolved to cater for the needs of society
- According to functionalisms the institutions are functions of society and are constantly adjusting to having a stable social structure
what does Functionalist theory say about the processes and agents of change
- According to functionalism the needs of society are identified and these determine how the institutional parts go about satisfying those needs.
- Social change is gradual, an adjustment to find an equilibrium
what does Functionalist theory say about the directions of change
- Follows an evolutionary form of transformation – linear
- Shift to accommodating for different institutions
