Theories of Social Change

Question 1

Kingsley Davis’ definition of social change

Answer 1

Leaving a thing or attitude and adopting another by a society is called social change.

Question 2

McIver’s definition of social change

Answer 2

refers to a change in the human relationships

Question 3

Merrill’s definition of social change

Answer 3

Social change means that large numbers of persons are engaging in activities that differ from those in which they or their parents engaged some time before.

Question 4

What is social change?

Answer 4

The transformation of culture and social institutions over time. Refers to an alteration oin the social order of a society.

Example: The industrial revolution, the abolition of slavery, the feminist movement, etc.

Question 5

Collectivist Society

Answer 5

Individuals are dependent on the group; personal needs come second

Question 6

Individualist Society

Answer 6

Values autonomy, freedom, and competition; personal rights and freedoms are important to all
Reluctance to change in small, static societies –> gradual change; greater social stability

Question 7

What are some external factors that influence change?

Answer 7

• Physical environment
• proximity (to other social groups)
• Immigration
• Emmigration
• Technology

Question 8

Social Paradigm Shifts

Answer 8

A fundamental change in an individual’s or society’s view of how things work in the world

- direction
- goals
- values
- perspective
- attitude
- beliefs

“paradigm” is another word for “pattern”