the destiny of society: sociologies of hope and hopelessness

FRANCIS ADU-FEBIRI 23-04-22 1

THE DESTINY OF SOCIETY: THE DESTINY OF SOCIETY: Sociologies of Hope and Sociologies of Hope and

Hopelessness Hopelessness

Darwin’s Darwin’s Nightmare? Nightmare?

EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZING IN SOCIOLOGY


Contents of PresentationContents of Presentation

1. Introduction: 1. Introduction: – Social Darwinism and Societal TransformationSocial Darwinism and Societal Transformation– Central Question and Main TheoryCentral Question and Main Theory– Assumption, Paradigm Shift, and Agenda of Main Assumption, Paradigm Shift, and Agenda of Main

TheoryTheory 2. Typologies of Evolutionary Theorizing:2. Typologies of Evolutionary Theorizing:

– ClassicalClassical– Neo-evolutionaryNeo-evolutionary

3. Classical Evolutionary Theorists3. Classical Evolutionary Theorists 4. Neo-evolutionary Theorists4. Neo-evolutionary Theorists 5. Darwin’s Nightmares5. Darwin’s Nightmares


IMMANUEL WALLERSTEINIMMANUEL WALLERSTEIN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLvszWBf6BQ


INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION


INTRODUCTION:INTRODUCTION:Social DarwinismSocial Darwinism Evolutionary selection is the organizing Evolutionary selection is the organizing

force of not only the natural world but force of not only the natural world but also the social world. also the social world.

According to Herbert Spencer, “since all According to Herbert Spencer, “since all creatures adapt biologically to their creatures adapt biologically to their environments, it is both useless and cruel to environments, it is both useless and cruel to try to civilize the natives in colonies or to try to civilize the natives in colonies or to allow criminals and mentally defective allow criminals and mentally defective persons to produce their inevitably defective persons to produce their inevitably defective children” ( Collins and Makowsky 2005, p. 81). children” ( Collins and Makowsky 2005, p. 81).


EVOLUTIONARY SELECTION (x)EVOLUTIONARY SELECTION (x)

x

Transformation of the Social World Y


INTRODUCTION:INTRODUCTION:Societal TransformationSocietal Transformation Evolutionary theories of sociology provide a Evolutionary theories of sociology provide a

stimulating overview of how societies transform by stimulating overview of how societies transform by identifying:identifying:

1. the major and far-reaching differences 1. the major and far-reaching differences between our reality and that of our ancestors. between our reality and that of our ancestors.

2. the processes of the transformation2. the processes of the transformation 3. the directions and impact of the 3. the directions and impact of the

transformationtransformation 4. the driving forces of the transformation4. the driving forces of the transformation 5. the destiny of society 5. the destiny of society


INTRODUCTION:INTRODUCTION:Central Question Central Question

WHAT IS THE CHANGE PATTERN OF WHAT IS THE CHANGE PATTERN OF HUMAN SOCIETIES, ITS IMPACT, HUMAN SOCIETIES, ITS IMPACT, DRIVING FORCE DESTINATION? DRIVING FORCE DESTINATION?


INTRODUCTION:INTRODUCTION:Main TheoryMain Theory

All human societies start from the All human societies start from the same point, move on the same same point, move on the same path and in the same direction path and in the same direction towards the same destination towards the same destination independent of the actions of independent of the actions of societal members or social societal members or social engineering.engineering.


INTRODUCTION:INTRODUCTION:AssumptionAssumption

Human choices count for little Human choices count for little [unless society is in transitional [unless society is in transitional crisis]; Societal change is non-crisis]; Societal change is non-negotiable.negotiable.


INTRODUCTION:INTRODUCTION:Paradigm ShiftParadigm Shift Supernatural forces and human/social Supernatural forces and human/social

action have little to do with societal action have little to do with societal change. change.

Social Engineering is unnecessary:Social Engineering is unnecessary: According to Saint-Simon, “the main task of science According to Saint-Simon, “the main task of science

[knowledge] is to discover the laws of social [knowledge] is to discover the laws of social development, evolution , and progress; those laws development, evolution , and progress; those laws are inevitable and absolute. All that man can do is are inevitable and absolute. All that man can do is submit. Progress takes place in stages and each submit. Progress takes place in stages and each stage is necessary and contributes something to the stage is necessary and contributes something to the further progress of humankind” (Zeitlin 2001: 71). further progress of humankind” (Zeitlin 2001: 71).


INTRODUCTION:INTRODUCTION:AgendaAgenda

Political: To maintain the STATUS Political: To maintain the STATUS QUO.QUO.

“…“…to avert revolution and to to avert revolution and to achieve the resignation of the achieve the resignation of the ‘multitude’ to the conditions of the ‘multitude’ to the conditions of the existing order” (Zeitlin 2001: 82).existing order” (Zeitlin 2001: 82).

This agenda puts evolutionary This agenda puts evolutionary theorizing into the ideological theorizing into the ideological typology of sociological theory. typology of sociological theory.


TYPOPOLOGIESTYPOPOLOGIES


TYPOLOGIES OF TYPOLOGIES OF EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGEVOLUTIONARY THEORIZING

1. Classical Evolution Theory: 1. Classical Evolution Theory: Linear Stages ModelLinear Stages Model

2. Neo Evolution Theory:2. Neo Evolution Theory:– Ecological ModelEcological Model– Curvilinear ModelCurvilinear Model– Globalization ModelGlobalization Model


TYPOLOGIES OF EVOLUTIONARY TYPOLOGIES OF EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGTHEORIZING

CLASSICAL: Growth is Progress: CLASSICAL: Growth is Progress: Stages Toward ProgressStages Toward Progress

Conceptualizes the movement of society through Conceptualizes the movement of society through evolutionary stages where each stage of development evolutionary stages where each stage of development represents a marked movement in human progress. represents a marked movement in human progress.

The movements are independent of social The movements are independent of social action/engineering.action/engineering.

NEO: Growth creates a New order but not NEO: Growth creates a New order but not necessarily Progress necessarily Progress

focuses on mechanisms and processes of change in size, focuses on mechanisms and processes of change in size, scale, scope and complexity rather than progress.scale, scope and complexity rather than progress.

Social action/engineering influences change only in Social action/engineering influences change only in periods of structural crises.periods of structural crises.


CLASSICAL SOCIAL EVOLUTIONARY CLASSICAL SOCIAL EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGTHEORIZING


CLASSICAL SOCIAL CLASSICAL SOCIAL EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGEVOLUTIONARY THEORIZING

MAIN THEORY:MAIN THEORY: Change in human society is Change in human society is

inevitable, unidirectional, stages-inevitable, unidirectional, stages-based, and progresses toward a based, and progresses toward a final destination.final destination.


SIGNIFICANT FEATURES OF SIGNIFICANT FEATURES OF CLASSICAL SOCIAL EVOLUTIONARY CLASSICAL SOCIAL EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGTHEORIZING 1. All societies are fundamentally similar in 1. All societies are fundamentally similar in

that they all go through the same sequence that they all go through the same sequence of stages, albeit at different rates of of stages, albeit at different rates of change, showing a hierarchy of change, showing a hierarchy of developmental stages toward the highest developmental stages toward the highest and final stage.and final stage.

2. Many of these classical theorists ranked 2. Many of these classical theorists ranked their own societies (European societies) their own societies (European societies) very high and placed contemporary non-very high and placed contemporary non-European societies lower on the sequence European societies lower on the sequence of development—throwbacks to earlier, of development—throwbacks to earlier, simpler social forms that European simpler social forms that European societies had long since surpassed. societies had long since surpassed.


SIGNIFICANT FEATURES OF SIGNIFICANT FEATURES OF CLASSICAL SOCIAL EVOLUTIONARY CLASSICAL SOCIAL EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGTHEORIZING

3. Classical social evolutionists did 3. Classical social evolutionists did not believe that once the final stage not believe that once the final stage of evolution was achieved, history of evolution was achieved, history came to an end; rather, they came to an end; rather, they thought that once the final stage thought that once the final stage arrives, change would involve a arrives, change would involve a continued elaboration and continued elaboration and development of this final form. development of this final form.


SIGNIFICANT FEATURES OF SIGNIFICANT FEATURES OF CLASSICAL SOCIAL EVOLUTIONARY CLASSICAL SOCIAL EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGTHEORIZING

4. 4. Social RelationshipsSocial Relationships, that is, 1) Social , that is, 1) Social Action, 2) Social Status positions and Action, 2) Social Status positions and Roles, 3) Culture, 4) Structured Social Roles, 3) Culture, 4) Structured Social Inequality, 5) Social Institutions, 6) Inequality, 5) Social Institutions, 6) Attitudes and Behaviors of individuals, and Attitudes and Behaviors of individuals, and 7) all collective phenomena are 7) all collective phenomena are manifestations of a particular stage of manifestations of a particular stage of development or disruptions that occur in development or disruptions that occur in crises periods of transition in the crises periods of transition in the progressive development process.progressive development process.


CLASSICAL SOCIAL CLASSICAL SOCIAL EVOLUTIONISTSEVOLUTIONISTS


CLASSICAL SOCIAL CLASSICAL SOCIAL EVOLUTIONISTSEVOLUTIONISTS

Saint-Simon: Sociology of HopeSaint-Simon: Sociology of Hope Auguste Comte: Sociology of HopeAuguste Comte: Sociology of Hope Herbert Spencer: Sociology of HopeHerbert Spencer: Sociology of Hope Emile Durkheim: Sociology of HopeEmile Durkheim: Sociology of Hope Karl Marx: Sociology of HopeKarl Marx: Sociology of Hope Max Weber: Sociology of HopelessnessMax Weber: Sociology of Hopelessness Thorstein Bunde Veblen: Sociology of Thorstein Bunde Veblen: Sociology of

HopeHope


LINEAR STAGES MODEL THEORIES IN LINEAR STAGES MODEL THEORIES IN EARLY SOCIOLOGY – EARLY SOCIOLOGY – CLASSICAL CLASSICAL EVOLUTIONISTSEVOLUTIONISTS

1. Saint-Simon – Comte Model: 1. Saint-Simon – Comte Model: ““The Law of Three Stages”:The Law of Three Stages”: Movement of ideas towards science causes Movement of ideas towards science causes

society to progress in stages from THEOLOGICAL, society to progress in stages from THEOLOGICAL, through METAPHYSICAL to POSITIVISTIC.through METAPHYSICAL to POSITIVISTIC.

What’s the driving force of social progress?What’s the driving force of social progress? Knowledge is the underlying and sustaining Knowledge is the underlying and sustaining

factor of society; a social system is the factor of society; a social system is the application of a system of ideas. The historical application of a system of ideas. The historical growth of knowledge, or science, was the major growth of knowledge, or science, was the major cause of the transformation of European society cause of the transformation of European society from feudalism to industrialism (Zeitlin 2001: 70-from feudalism to industrialism (Zeitlin 2001: 70-71). 71).


LINEAR STAGES MODEL THEORIES IN LINEAR STAGES MODEL THEORIES IN EARLY SOCIOLOGYEARLY SOCIOLOGY

ACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & ACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONSDEFINITIONS

Theological StageTheological Stage: : Dominated by religion; ruled by priests.Dominated by religion; ruled by priests. Metaphysical StageMetaphysical Stage: : Dominated by abstract philosophy; ruled by Dominated by abstract philosophy; ruled by

Enlightenment thinkersEnlightenment thinkers Positivistic StagePositivistic Stage: : Dominated by science or positive philosophy as Dominated by science or positive philosophy as

against negative philosophy, the legacy of against negative philosophy, the legacy of Enlightenment and the French revolution and Enlightenment and the French revolution and social thought before them; ruled by scientific-social thought before them; ruled by scientific-industrial elite.industrial elite.



2. Spencer’s Model:2. Spencer’s Model: The Law of the Four Stages: The Law of the Four Stages: Increasing differentiation moves human Increasing differentiation moves human

society from simple society through society from simple society through compound and doubly compound societies compound and doubly compound societies to trebly compound society.to trebly compound society.

What drives social progress?What drives social progress? Increasing differentiation in the areas of production, Increasing differentiation in the areas of production,

reproduction, regulation and distribution moves society reproduction, regulation and distribution moves society progressively from a simple stage, through compound, to progressively from a simple stage, through compound, to doubly compound and trebly compound stages. In the doubly compound and trebly compound stages. In the process the best forms of social organization emerge process the best forms of social organization emerge ensuring the “survival of the fittest” and thereby elevating ensuring the “survival of the fittest” and thereby elevating the level of society. the level of society.



Simple societies of Simple societies of hunters and gatherershunters and gatherers reveal very little differentiation. As societies reveal very little differentiation. As societies compound to compound to horticulturalhorticultural systems, however, systems, however, clear differentiation between regulatory clear differentiation between regulatory (political) and operative (productive and (political) and operative (productive and reproductive) structures is evident; then, as reproductive) structures is evident; then, as they doubly compound into they doubly compound into agrarian agrarian societies, societies, they differentiate distinctive distributive they differentiate distinctive distributive systems such as markets, ports and roads. systems such as markets, ports and roads. Finally, with treble compounding into Finally, with treble compounding into industrialindustrial societies, complex patterns of societies, complex patterns of differentiation between and within the differentiation between and within the operative, regulative, and distributive axes operative, regulative, and distributive axes are evident. are evident.



ACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONSACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONS Simple SocietySimple Society: : Dominated by hunting-gathering; virtually no Dominated by hunting-gathering; virtually no

differentiation among the three fundamental axes of differentiation among the three fundamental axes of societysociety..

Compound SocietyCompound Society: : Dominated by horticulture; clear differentiation among Dominated by horticulture; clear differentiation among

the axes of societythe axes of society Doubly Compound SocietyDoubly Compound Society: : Dominated by agrarian activities; distinct differentiation Dominated by agrarian activities; distinct differentiation

with the distributive axis with the distributive axis Trebly CompoundTrebly Compound: : Dominated by industrial activities; complex Dominated by industrial activities; complex

differentiation among and within the three main axes of differentiation among and within the three main axes of societysociety..



““Survival of the fittest”: Survival of the fittest”: ‘‘Almost a decade before Darwin published Almost a decade before Darwin published

On the Origin of SpeciesOn the Origin of Species, Spencer coined , Spencer coined the phrase ”Survival of the fittest”. He the phrase ”Survival of the fittest”. He used this phrase in a moral and used this phrase in a moral and philosophical sense, arguing that the best philosophical sense, arguing that the best forms of social organizations emerge with forms of social organizations emerge with unregulated competition among human, unregulated competition among human, which allows most fit to survive, thereby which allows most fit to survive, thereby elevating the level of society’ (Turner elevating the level of society’ (Turner 2003: 77). 2003: 77).



3. Durkheim’s Model:3. Durkheim’s Model: The Law of Two Stages: The Law of Two Stages: The necessity of social integration moves The necessity of social integration moves

human society from the Mechanical human society from the Mechanical Solidarity stage to the Organic Solidarity Solidarity stage to the Organic Solidarity stage:stage:

What drives social progress?What drives social progress? Problems of integration compel society to Problems of integration compel society to

become differentiated and progressively move become differentiated and progressively move from a MECHANICAL SOLIDARITY stage to an from a MECHANICAL SOLIDARITY stage to an ORGANIC SOLIDARITY stage (Emile Durkheim). ORGANIC SOLIDARITY stage (Emile Durkheim).



ACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONSACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONS Mechanical Solidarity StageMechanical Solidarity Stage: : This is an initial stage of evolution when society is This is an initial stage of evolution when society is

characterised by hunting/gathering with little characterised by hunting/gathering with little differentiation. differentiation. Collective conscience Collective conscience (shared basic (shared basic moral values, beliefs, and norms) provided social moral values, beliefs, and norms) provided social solidarity. solidarity.

Organic Solidarity StageOrganic Solidarity Stage: : This highest stage of society is characterized by This highest stage of society is characterized by

industrialization with complex pattern of industrialization with complex pattern of differentiation, and division of labour creating a moral differentiation, and division of labour creating a moral value in the form of value in the form of mutual interdependencemutual interdependence that that provide integration for the social system.provide integration for the social system.



4. Marx’s Model:4. Marx’s Model: The Law of Six Stages: The Law of Six Stages: Contradictions in the relations of production Contradictions in the relations of production

create social conflict that moves society from create social conflict that moves society from Class—primitive communism through slavery, Class—primitive communism through slavery, feudalism, capitalism, and socialism-- to feudalism, capitalism, and socialism-- to Classlessness (advanced communism).Classlessness (advanced communism).

What drives social progress? What drives social progress? Contradictions in relations of production reflected in Contradictions in relations of production reflected in

economic inequalities, exploitation and alienation economic inequalities, exploitation and alienation produce conflicts--class struggles--that progressively produce conflicts--class struggles--that progressively transform society from class society into classless transform society from class society into classless society; society; specifically from a primitive communalism specifically from a primitive communalism through ancient slavery, feudalism, and capitalism, to through ancient slavery, feudalism, and capitalism, to socialism, and, ultimately, communism.socialism, and, ultimately, communism.



ACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONSACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONS Primitive CommunismPrimitive Communism: : Hunting/gathering is the focus of life with little Hunting/gathering is the focus of life with little

economic inequalities and exploitation.economic inequalities and exploitation. Slavery: Slavery: Horticulture/agrarian activities dominate; slaves and Horticulture/agrarian activities dominate; slaves and

commoners are exploited for the benefits of the commoners are exploited for the benefits of the nobility/royalty.nobility/royalty.

FeudalismFeudalism:: Agrarian economy is well developed with the Agrarian economy is well developed with the

exploited labour of the serfs for the benefit of exploited labour of the serfs for the benefit of the clergy and gentry. the clergy and gentry.



Capitalism:Capitalism: Industrialization takes a central stage exploiting the working Industrialization takes a central stage exploiting the working

classes (proletariat) for the benefit of the upper classes classes (proletariat) for the benefit of the upper classes (bourgeoisie).(bourgeoisie).

Socialism:Socialism: Dictatorship of the proletariat .Dictatorship of the proletariat . Communism:Communism: Highest stage of industrialization without exploitation; Highest stage of industrialization without exploitation;

classless society.classless society. InequalityInequality: : Unfair distribution of scarce resourcesUnfair distribution of scarce resources ExploitationExploitation: : Appropriation of the labor effort of a group/individual for the Appropriation of the labor effort of a group/individual for the

benefit of another. benefit of another. Alienation:Alienation: Separation from one’s self, others, and product/service.Separation from one’s self, others, and product/service.



5. Weber’s Model:5. Weber’s Model: ““The Law of Two Stages”:The Law of Two Stages”: Increasing rationality moves society Increasing rationality moves society

from traditional society to modern from traditional society to modern society:society:

What drives social change?What drives social change? Increasing rationality changes society from a Increasing rationality changes society from a

traditional inefficient stage into a modern traditional inefficient stage into a modern efficient but oppressive bureaucratic stage:efficient but oppressive bureaucratic stage:

Increasing purposive rationality structures Increasing purposive rationality structures society into a bureaucratic “iron cage”.society into a bureaucratic “iron cage”.



ACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONSACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONS Purposive RationalityPurposive Rationality: : the rule of reason demanding that meaning and the rule of reason demanding that meaning and

action are justified explicitly and objectively.action are justified explicitly and objectively. ““Iron Cage”:Iron Cage”: Social organization that depersonalizes, Social organization that depersonalizes,

dehumanizes, and dominates/restrains its dehumanizes, and dominates/restrains its members.members.

Bureaucracy:Bureaucracy: formally rational, large-scale organization with the formally rational, large-scale organization with the

following six characteristics: division of labor, hierarchy of following six characteristics: division of labor, hierarchy of positions, formal system of rules, separation of the person positions, formal system of rules, separation of the person from the office, hiring and promotion based on technical from the office, hiring and promotion based on technical merit, and the protection of careers that produce efficiency.merit, and the protection of careers that produce efficiency.



6. Veblen’s Model:6. Veblen’s Model: The Law of Three Stages:The Law of Three Stages: From savagery through From savagery through

barbarianism to civilization barbarianism to civilization As the material conditions of life As the material conditions of life

change, society develops through change, society develops through three basic stages--savagery three basic stages--savagery through barbarianism to civilization. through barbarianism to civilization.



MAJOR CONCEPTS:MAJOR CONCEPTS: Savage SocietySavage Society: : Small, independent, and self-sufficient hunting Small, independent, and self-sufficient hunting

and gathering communities.and gathering communities. Barbarian SocietyBarbarian Society: : Both the agricultural slave societies of the Both the agricultural slave societies of the

ancient Middle East and Asia and feudal ancient Middle East and Asia and feudal societies that developed in Europe and Asia.societies that developed in Europe and Asia.

Civilization:Civilization: Modern society that began in the West in the Modern society that began in the West in the

1919thth century with the Industrial Revolution. century with the Industrial Revolution.


NEO-EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGNEO-EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZING


NEO-EVOLUTIONARY NEO-EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGTHEORIZING

MAIN THEORY:MAIN THEORY: Competition for scarce Competition for scarce

resources and control over resources and control over surplus compels society to surplus compels society to evolve/grow from simple to evolve/grow from simple to more complex forms of social more complex forms of social organization.organization.


NEO-EVOLUTIONARY NEO-EVOLUTIONARY THEORISTSTHEORISTS

Amos HawleyAmos Hawley Gerhard LenskiGerhard Lenski Jurgen HabermasJurgen Habermas Anthony GiddensAnthony Giddens Immanuel Wallerstein Immanuel Wallerstein


1. ECOLOGICAL MODEL OF NEO- 1. ECOLOGICAL MODEL OF NEO- EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGEVOLUTIONARY THEORIZING

Unlike the stages model, the ecological Unlike the stages model, the ecological model does not focus on social model does not focus on social progress. Rather, it focuses on growthprogress. Rather, it focuses on growth—”that is, increasing size, scale, scope, —”that is, increasing size, scale, scope, and complexity of the systemic whole in and complexity of the systemic whole in its environment” (Turner 2003: 89). its environment” (Turner 2003: 89).


ECOLOGICAL MODEL OF NEO-ECOLOGICAL MODEL OF NEO-EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGEVOLUTIONARY THEORIZING

Amos Hawley’s Ecological Model:Amos Hawley’s Ecological Model: Main Theory: Main Theory: A society’s contact with A society’s contact with

other cultures and societies causes it other cultures and societies causes it to increase in size, scale, scope, and to increase in size, scale, scope, and complexity. complexity.

An ecosystem’s exposure to ecumenical environment An ecosystem’s exposure to ecumenical environment produces new knowledge that causes growth and produces new knowledge that causes growth and change in society when it increases the level of change in society when it increases the level of communication and transportation technologies communication and transportation technologies through increasing production which then causes through increasing production which then causes expansion of these technologies until the mobility expansion of these technologies until the mobility costs associated with the change reach their costs associated with the change reach their maximum, that is, until equilibrium is attained maximum, that is, until equilibrium is attained (Hawley 1950, 1992). (Hawley 1950, 1992).


ECOLOGICAL MODEL OF ECOLOGICAL MODEL OF EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGEVOLUTIONARY THEORIZING

ACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONSACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONS Growth:Growth: Increasing size, scale, scope, and complexity of the Increasing size, scale, scope, and complexity of the

systemic whole in its environmentsystemic whole in its environment Mobility costMobility cost: : the time, energy, money and materials associated with the time, energy, money and materials associated with

the movement of information, materials, and people for a the movement of information, materials, and people for a change in any given technology.change in any given technology.

Ecumenical EnvironmentEcumenical Environment: : Other societies or cultures of other societies Other societies or cultures of other societies EquilibriumEquilibrium: : Relative stability in the ecological system. Relative stability in the ecological system.


2. CURVILINEAR STAGES MODEL 2. CURVILINEAR STAGES MODEL OF NEO-EVOLUTIONARY OF NEO-EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGTHEORIZING Main TheoryMain Theory: : Societies begin with equality, Societies begin with equality,

change into inequality, and move change into inequality, and move toward equality (Kuznets’ Curve).toward equality (Kuznets’ Curve).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wth6HhOYpn8


CURVILINEAR STAGES MODEL OF CURVILINEAR STAGES MODEL OF EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGEVOLUTIONARY THEORIZING

Lenski’s Model:Lenski’s Model: Main Theory: Main Theory: Improvement in Improvement in

technology first changes society from technology first changes society from more equality to less equality and later more equality to less equality and later back towards more equality. back towards more equality.

Low technology-production-surplus in hunting/gathering Low technology-production-surplus in hunting/gathering societies displayed the most equality; then through societies displayed the most equality; then through medium technology-production-surplus in horticultural medium technology-production-surplus in horticultural and agrarian societies monopolistic control of surplus and agrarian societies monopolistic control of surplus increased inequality, but with high technology-increased inequality, but with high technology-production-surplus in industrial societies, democratic production-surplus in industrial societies, democratic redistribution of surplus lowered inequality somewhat redistribution of surplus lowered inequality somewhat but not to the level of hunter-gatherers (Gerhard but not to the level of hunter-gatherers (Gerhard Lenski).Lenski).


CURVILINEAR STAGES MODEL OF CURVILINEAR STAGES MODEL OF EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGEVOLUTIONARY THEORIZING

ACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONSACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONS Inequality:Inequality: Unfair distribution of power and privilege Unfair distribution of power and privilege

among the members of a population.among the members of a population. Societal typesSocietal types: : Hunting and gathering societies, simple Hunting and gathering societies, simple

horticultural societies, advanced horticultural societies, advanced horticultural societies, agrarian societies, horticultural societies, agrarian societies, and industrial societies.and industrial societies.


MainTheory:MainTheory: Traditional societies disintegrate Traditional societies disintegrate

into transitional modern capitalist into transitional modern capitalist nation-states and eventually into a nation-states and eventually into a global society.global society.

3. GLOBALIZATION MODEL OF NEO- 3. GLOBALIZATION MODEL OF NEO- EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGEVOLUTIONARY THEORIZING::



1. Habermas’ Model: Three Stages1. Habermas’ Model: Three Stages Main Theory: Main Theory: Crises/contradictions in the social Crises/contradictions in the social

system transmitted by communicative action system transmitted by communicative action transform society from primitive classless, transform society from primitive classless, through class systems, to a postmodern through class systems, to a postmodern classless global society.classless global society.

Communicative action/rationality (increasing Communicative action/rationality (increasing rationalization of people’s lifeworlds or ideas, values and rationalization of people’s lifeworlds or ideas, values and consciousness) transmits the crises and contradictions consciousness) transmits the crises and contradictions inherent in a social system to transform society from inherent in a social system to transform society from primitive classless social formation, through class social primitive classless social formation, through class social formations (traditional civilizations, modern civilizationsformations (traditional civilizations, modern civilizations—liberal capitalist, organized capitalist, postcapitalist) to —liberal capitalist, organized capitalist, postcapitalist) to postmodern classless global social formation (Jurgen postmodern classless global social formation (Jurgen Habermas).Habermas).


3. GLOBALIZATION MODEL OF 3. GLOBALIZATION MODEL OF NEO- EVOLUTIONARY NEO- EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGTHEORIZING::

In other words, this evolutionary process In other words, this evolutionary process is a reflection of underlying structural is a reflection of underlying structural changes and contradictions manifested changes and contradictions manifested in the breakdown of shared values or in the breakdown of shared values or normative structures that cause the old normative structures that cause the old social system to disintegrate because social system to disintegrate because such disintegration threatens people’s such disintegration threatens people’s feeling of social identity, and therefore feeling of social identity, and therefore integration (Wallace and Wolf 2006: 177) integration (Wallace and Wolf 2006: 177)

All societies in a given social formation are All societies in a given social formation are similar in their lifeworlds that evolve.similar in their lifeworlds that evolve.


3. GLOBALIZATION MODEL OF 3. GLOBALIZATION MODEL OF NEO- EVOLUTIONARY NEO- EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGTHEORIZING:: ACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONSACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONS Lifeworld (Ideas and Consciousness):Lifeworld (Ideas and Consciousness):

People’s values, feelings, identity, and People’s values, feelings, identity, and interaction. interaction.

Communicative Action or Communicative Communicative Action or Communicative RationalityRationality: :

a distinctive type of interaction oriented to a distinctive type of interaction oriented to mutual understanding or noncoercive mutual understanding or noncoercive argumentation; an “ideal speech” situation in argumentation; an “ideal speech” situation in which everyone would have an equal chance to which everyone would have an equal chance to argue and question, without those who are more argue and question, without those who are more powerful, confident, or prestigious having an powerful, confident, or prestigious having an unequal say (Wallace and Wolf 2006: 184)unequal say (Wallace and Wolf 2006: 184)


3. GLOBALIZATION MODEL OF 3. GLOBALIZATION MODEL OF NEO- EVOLUTIONARY NEO- EVOLUTIONARY THEORIZINGTHEORIZING:: Primitive Social FormationPrimitive Social Formation: : Tribal societies where the burden of Tribal societies where the burden of

social integration is on religionsocial integration is on religion Traditional Civilizations:Traditional Civilizations: Ancient and Feudal societies where Ancient and Feudal societies where

the burden of social integration is the burden of social integration is shifting from religionshifting from religion

Liberal Capitalist Social FormationLiberal Capitalist Social Formation: : 1919thth Century capitalism where the Century capitalism where the

consensus formation in language is consensus formation in language is emerging as the burden of social emerging as the burden of social integration.integration.



Organized Capitalist Social FormationOrganized Capitalist Social Formation:: Capitalism in the 20Capitalism in the 20thth and 21th centuries Western and 21th centuries Western

societies where the burden of social integration is societies where the burden of social integration is shifting to consensus formation in languageshifting to consensus formation in language

Postcapitalist Social FormationPostcapitalist Social Formation: : State-socialist class societies where the political State-socialist class societies where the political

elite disposes of the means of production.elite disposes of the means of production. Postmodern:Postmodern: Global high modernity where the burden of Global high modernity where the burden of

social integration has shifted to consensus social integration has shifted to consensus formation in language/voices.formation in language/voices.



2. Anthony Giddens’ Model: Three Stages2. Anthony Giddens’ Model: Three Stages Main Theory: Main Theory: Changing dynamics of the Changing dynamics of the

interaction between social structure and human interaction between social structure and human agency have transformed human society from a agency have transformed human society from a tribal system through a class-divided systems to a tribal system through a class-divided systems to a global high modernity:global high modernity:

Due to structuration, the past is dominated first Due to structuration, the past is dominated first by tribal societies and then by class-divided by tribal societies and then by class-divided societies where tradition and kinship are the societies where tradition and kinship are the dominant structural principles. Then followed dominant structural principles. Then followed global high modernity, distinctly different from global high modernity, distinctly different from class-divided societies in that its classes are class-divided societies in that its classes are global and structured by expertise and risk global and structured by expertise and risk (Anthony Giddens).(Anthony Giddens).



ACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONSACCOMPANYING CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONS Structuration:Structuration: The dynamics of the combined The dynamics of the combined

forces of social structure and human agencyforces of social structure and human agency Social Structure:Social Structure: Norms, particularly rules, of Norms, particularly rules, of

relationships that tell people how to “do” social life, and relationships that tell people how to “do” social life, and the resources on which people can call to “do” social life.the resources on which people can call to “do” social life.

Human Agency:Human Agency: The creative aspect of human The creative aspect of human action—the individual as a knowledgeable action—the individual as a knowledgeable actor.actor.

Global High ModernityGlobal High Modernity: : Modern capitalism where Modern capitalism where people both calculate risk and feel out of control; where people both calculate risk and feel out of control; where economic changes have taken “from the poor to give to economic changes have taken “from the poor to give to the rich…on a huge and global scale, both within and the rich…on a huge and global scale, both within and between countries” (Susan George 1999: 190). between countries” (Susan George 1999: 190).


DARWIN’S NIGHTMARESDARWIN’S NIGHTMARES



1. Natural Selection is the Exception: 1. Natural Selection is the Exception: Unnatural Selection is the Rule Unnatural Selection is the Rule

A) Orchestrated or planned action does A) Orchestrated or planned action does the de-selection or the selection.the de-selection or the selection.

B) Societies that are well advanced on B) Societies that are well advanced on the evolutionary ladder are not the evolutionary ladder are not producing enough off-spring and producing enough off-spring and vice vice versa:versa:

2) Change is negotiable 2) Change is negotiable



Unnatural Selections is the Unnatural Selections is the Rule:Rule:– MOVIE REVIEW: 'DARWIN'S NIGHTMARE' By MOVIE REVIEW: 'DARWIN'S NIGHTMARE' By

A. O. SCOTT A. O. SCOTT Published: August 3, 2005 : Get the full Published: August 3, 2005 : Get the full video in Camosun Library and watch it.video in Camosun Library and watch it.

– Youtube Video: Youtube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK9v3ioiYBU&feature=fvsr



What do the planes bring to Africa?What do the planes bring to Africa?The answers vary. The factory managers say the planes' The answers vary. The factory managers say the planes' cavernous holds are empty when they land. One of the cavernous holds are empty when they land. One of the Russians, made uncomfortable by the question, mutters Russians, made uncomfortable by the question, mutters something vague about "equipment." Some of his something vague about "equipment." Some of his colleagues, and several ordinary Mwanzans, are more colleagues, and several ordinary Mwanzans, are more forthright: the planes, while they occasionally bring forthright: the planes, while they occasionally bring humanitarian food and medical aid, humanitarian food and medical aid, more often bring the more often bring the weapons that fuel the continent's endless and destructive weapons that fuel the continent's endless and destructive wars.wars.

Along the shores of the lake, homeless children fight over Along the shores of the lake, homeless children fight over scraps of food and get high from the fumes of melting scraps of food and get high from the fumes of melting plastic-foam containers used to pack the fish. plastic-foam containers used to pack the fish. In the In the encampments where the fishermen live, AIDS is rampant encampments where the fishermen live, AIDS is rampant and the afflicted walk back to their villages to die.and the afflicted walk back to their villages to die.



Unnatural Selection is the Rule:Unnatural Selection is the Rule: The Nile perch itself haunts the film's The Nile perch itself haunts the film's

infernal landscape like a monstrous infernal landscape like a monstrous metaphor. metaphor. An alien species introduced into An alien species introduced into Lake Victoria sometime in the 1960's, it Lake Victoria sometime in the 1960's, it has devoured every other kind of fish in has devoured every other kind of fish in the lakethe lake, even feeding on its own young as , even feeding on its own young as it grows to almost grotesque dimensions, it grows to almost grotesque dimensions, and destroying an ancient and diverse and destroying an ancient and diverse ecosystem.ecosystem.



3. The Extinction of the “Naturally 3. The Extinction of the “Naturally Selected”Selected”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_territories_by_fertility_rate



The Extinction of the “Naturally Selected”: The Extinction of the “Naturally Selected”: In 2005, Hispanic women had the highest fertility rates, In 2005, Hispanic women had the highest fertility rates,

followed by non-Hispanic black women, Asian women, followed by non-Hispanic black women, Asian women, Native American women, and non-Hispanic white Native American women, and non-Hispanic white women.* Fertility rates for Hispanic women were over women.* Fertility rates for Hispanic women were over 45 percent higher than those for non-Hispanic black 45 percent higher than those for non-Hispanic black women and Asian women (99 births per 1,000 for women and Asian women (99 births per 1,000 for Hispanic women versus 67 births per 1,000 for non-Hispanic women versus 67 births per 1,000 for non-Hispanic black and Asian women), and more than 65 Hispanic black and Asian women), and more than 65 percent higher than those for Native American women percent higher than those for Native American women and non-Hispanic white women (60 and 58 births per and non-Hispanic white women (60 and 58 births per 1,000 women, respectively). 1,000 women, respectively). (See Figure 3) )


DARWIN’S NIGHTMARESDARWIN’S NIGHTMARESThe Extinction of the “Naturally Selected”: The Extinction of the “Naturally Selected”:

Ukraine: 0.8% natural decrease annually; 28% total population decrease by Ukraine: 0.8% natural decrease annually; 28% total population decrease by 20502050Russia: -0.6%; -22%Russia: -0.6%; -22%Belarus -0.6%; -12%Belarus -0.6%; -12%Bulgaria -0.5%; -34%Bulgaria -0.5%; -34%Latvia -0.5%; -23%Latvia -0.5%; -23%Lithuania -0.4%; -15%Lithuania -0.4%; -15%Hungary -0.3%; -11%Hungary -0.3%; -11%Romania -0.2%; -29%Romania -0.2%; -29%Estonia -0.2%; -23%Estonia -0.2%; -23%Moldova -0.2%; -21%Moldova -0.2%; -21%Croatia -0.2%; -14%Croatia -0.2%; -14%Germany -0.2%; -9%Germany -0.2%; -9%Czech Republic -0.1%; -8%Czech Republic -0.1%; -8%Japan 0%; -21%Japan 0%; -21%Poland 0%; -17%Poland 0%; -17%Slovakia 0%; -12%Slovakia 0%; -12%Austria 0%; 8% increaseAustria 0%; 8% increaseItaly 0%; -5%Italy 0%; -5%Slovenia 0%; -5%Slovenia 0%; -5%


CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION


CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

Societal Change is Negotiable:Societal Change is Negotiable: The irony of Marxism and functionalism, says Berger and The irony of Marxism and functionalism, says Berger and

Luckmann, was that though their social ideas were Luckmann, was that though their social ideas were inspired by the high ideals of the Enlightenment, their inspired by the high ideals of the Enlightenment, their social theories sketched a process of social evolution in social theories sketched a process of social evolution in which individual choice counted for little… Berger and which individual choice counted for little… Berger and Luckmann wished to bring real living, acting individuals Luckmann wished to bring real living, acting individuals back into the center of social thinking. They aimed to back into the center of social thinking. They aimed to replace organismic and mechanistic social imagery with a replace organismic and mechanistic social imagery with a view of society as a precariously negotiated, fluid order view of society as a precariously negotiated, fluid order that ultimately resides in the interaction of individuals. that ultimately resides in the interaction of individuals. The very title of their major work, The Social Construction The very title of their major work, The Social Construction of Reality, underscored the power of the individual to of Reality, underscored the power of the individual to shape society and the open-ended character of history shape society and the open-ended character of history ( Seidman 2004, p. 81) ( Seidman 2004, p. 81)

the destiny of society: sociologies of hope and hopelessness

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