Chapter 23

Social Change in Global Perspective

Chapter Outline

What is Social Change? Theories of Social Change The Causes of Social Change Modernization Global Theories of Social Change Diversity, Globalization and Social Change

Characteristics of Social Change

1. Social change is uneven.

2. The onset and consequences of social change are often unforeseen.

3. Social change often creates conflict.

4. The direction of social change is not random.

Functionalist Theoryof Social Change

Societies change from simple to complex, from undifferentiated to highly differentiated division of labor.

Technology is the primary cause of social change.

Conflict Theory of Social Change

Conflict is an inherent component of social relations.

Economic conflict between social classes is the cause of social change. 

Cyclical Theory of Social Change

Societies go through a life cycle or life span. The necessity for growth is the primary cause

of social change.

 Cyclical Theory: Three Phases

1. Idealistic culture - society wrestles with the tension between the ideal and the practical.

2. Ideational culture - emphasizes faith and new forms of spirituality.

3. Sensate culture - stresses partial approaches to reality and involves the hedonistic.

 Causes of Social Change

Collective Behavior Cultural Diffusion Technological

Innovation

Social Movements Inequality Population War

Characteristics of Modernization

Decline of small, traditional communities. Traditional ties of kinship decrease and society

experiences feelings of uncertainty and powerlessness.

Decline in importance of religious institutions and people begin to feel they have lost control of their lives.

Global Theories of Social Change

Globalization involves increased interconnectedness that can erase or magnify cultural differences.

Modernization Theory - global development is a worldwide process affecting all societies touched by technological change.

Global Theories of Social Change

World Systems Theory - nations are members of a worldwide system of unequal political and economic relationships.

Dependency theory - industrialized nations tend to imprison developing nations through trade and debt dependency.

 Diversity and Social Change

Diversity is both a cause and an effect of social change.

Diversity as a cause of change is exemplified in immigration effects.

Diversity as an effect of change is exemplified by unequal outcomes of modernization on different ethnic groups.