U2L4: Theories of change

Question 1

What is the evolutionary theory of change?

Answer 1

• Societies evolve from simple beginnings to complex overtime (progress)
• Progress measured by a societies ability to move towards better living conditions.
• Views change as a ‘+’ and good for society
  EX: social development of healthcare, education, etc

Question 2

What is the cyclical theory of change?

Answer 2

• Change is like changing szns (each szn has diff conditions)
• Trends, traditions, beliefs and values in society are cyclical
• theory sees the birth, maturity, aging and death of a society as a way to explain societies changing (society reaches a lvl of power and then dies off)
• EX: trends like baggy jeans and flannels resurging

Question 3

What is the challenge and response theory of change?

Answer 3

• every society faces challenges posed by its physical environment and by internal/external forces aimed @ its destruction.
• The ability to respond to these challenges will determine the societies fate
• Since societies are built on the mistakes of past cultures, they try not to repeat those same mistakes.

Question 4

What is the functionalist theory of change?

Answer 4

• Social life (family, religion, etc), could be understood by the social dynamics they produce
• Interested in how society maintains social order/stability in the face of issues that drive change.
• Stability is determined by cultural patterns and traditions
• Society is affected by social institutions
  EX: Schools provide tech education to maintain their role in socializing students for the future, thus creating stabilty and social order.

Question 5

What is the Conflict theory of change?

Answer 5

• Concerned w/the inequities that affect society
• Groups with opposing interests are conflict
• Society is subjected to constant change, and that change brings disorganization and subjects society to constant conflict
  EX: rich vs poor, labour unions and workers rights (those w/o authority are forced to follow the command class)