CORE: Continuity and Change

Question 1

Change is a complex process because…

Answer 1

• 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

Question 2

Evolutionary Change

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Transformative Change

Answer 3

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

Question 4

why might individuals and groups resist change

Answer 4

• the pace of innovation
• differences in beliefs and values
• vested interests
• Tradition
• Fear of the future

Question 5

Types of resistance to change

Answer 5

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

Question 6

The influence that continuity and change have on the development of society at the micro level

Answer 6

Individuals might resist change or be advocating for change, they may be in conflict with those around them or even in conflict with themselves.

Question 7

The influence that continuity and change have on the development of society at the meso level

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

The influence that continuity and change have on the development of society at the macro level

Answer 8

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

Question 9

The impact of modernisation on social continuity and change

Answer 9

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

Question 10

the impact of westernisation on social continuity and change

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Conflict theory Key Features

Answer 11

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)

Question 12

What does conflict theory say about structural changes within society

Answer 12

structural change occurs because of conflict

Question 13

What does conflict theory say about the processes and agents of change

Answer 13

conflict is the driver/agent of change

Question 14

What does conflict theory say about the directions of change

Answer 14

in terms of direction, conflict theory says revolution is unnavoidable

Question 15

Conflict theory Critisms/Weaknesses

Answer 15

• doesn’t explain small changes on a micro-scale

- doesn’t explain how society co-operates with each other, peace/harmony.

Question 16

Evolutionary theory Key Features

Answer 16

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

Question 17

What does Evolutionary theory say about structural changes within society

Answer 17

Structures become more complex, structural changes come from natural/inevitable progress

Question 18

What does Evolutionary theory say about the processes and agents of change

Answer 18

Argues the technology of a society determines its structures –> technology is an agent

Question 19

What does Evolutionary theory say about the directions of change

Answer 19

We are always moving towards a better version of society

Question 20

Evolutionary theory Critisms/Weaknesses

Answer 20

• Used to justify colonialism
• Sees westernisation and industrialisation as positive
• Climate change?

Question 21

Functionalist Theory Key Features

Answer 21

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

Question 22

what does Functionalist theory say about structural changes within society

Answer 22

• 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

Question 23

what does Functionalist theory say about the processes and agents of change

Answer 23

• 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

Question 24

what does Functionalist theory say about the directions of change

Answer 24

• Follows an evolutionary form of transformation – linear

- Shift to accommodating for different institutions

Question 25

Funtionalist theory Critisms/Weaknesses

Answer 25

• Assumes that all members consent and co-operate, doesn’t take into account conflict
• Only applies to institutions, not individuals
• Assumes all change is progress

Question 26

Interactionalist Theory Key Features

Answer 26

Society is influenced by its interactions –> very micro-level theory

• Individuals’ actions are based on their interpretation of the world
• Our behaviour is conditioned by our social context

Question 27

What does Interactionalist theory say about structural change within society

Answer 27

• Doesn’t focus much on structures but more on individuals
• Individual interpretation of others’ behaviours is significant as a means of understanding the way in which the world is socially constructed

Question 28

What does Interactionalist theory say about the processes and agents of change

Answer 28

• As we interpret the world we shape our perception of it as individuals
• When we act upon revised meanings due to interpretation, that is what triggers change

Question 29

What does Interactionalist theory say about the directions of change

Answer 29

• Multi linear

- All the different ways of changing the world through separate perceptions, change can occur in any direction.

Question 30

Interactionalist Theory Critisms/Weaknesses

Answer 30

• Neglects the macro-level of social interpretation
• May miss the larger issues in society
  Ignores the influence of social forces and institutions on individual interactions