Sociology - Social Change and Movements | Sociology

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Study GuideSociology–Social Change and Movements1. Models of Social ChangeSociologists studysocial changeto understand how societies grow, adapt, and respond to newchallenges. To do this, they often look at history and past patterns. By learning how societies changedbefore, sociologists can better explain what is happening today.There arethree main theoriesthat explain social change:•Evolutionary theory•Functionalist theory•Conflict theoryEach theory looks at social change from a different point of view.1.1 Evolutionary TheoryIn the 19th century, sociologists began using ideas fromCharles Darwin’s theory of biologicalevolutionto explain how societies change over time. According toevolutionary theory, societiesdevelop in particular directions.Early evolutionary thinkers believed that societies naturallyprogress from simple to moreadvanced forms. Because of this belief, they often assumed that modern societies were moredeveloped than earlier ones.1.1.1Key Thinkers in Early Evolutionary Theory•Auguste Comte, known as thefather of sociology, believed societies move forward by usingscience and scientific thinking.•Émile Durkheimargued that societies evolve fromsimple structuresto morecomplexsystems.

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Study Guide•Herbert Spencercompared society to aliving organism, with different parts workingtogether toward a shared goal.Together, these thinkers supportedunilinear evolutionary theory. This theory suggests thatallsocieties pass through the same stages of developmentand eventually reach the same outcome.1.1.2Modern Views: Multilinear EvolutionModern sociologists, such asGerhard Lenski, Jr., disagree with the idea that all societies follow onesingle path. Instead, they supportmultilinear evolutionary theory.This theory explains that:•Societies can change inmany different ways•Change doesnot always move in the same direction•Different societies develop alongdifferent pathsIn short, there isno single “right” routethat all societies must follow.1.2Functionalist TheoryFunctionalist sociologistsfocus more on whatkeeps society stablerather than what changes it.At first, this may seem like they have little to say about social change—but that is not the case.1.2.1Talcott Parsons and Social StabilityTalcott Parsons, a major functionalist thinker, believed that society naturally seeksbalance andstability. He described this state ashomeostasis, meaning society works to stay in equilibrium.According to Parsons:•Society is normallystable and orderly•Social problems, such aslabor strikes, aretemporary disruptions•When one part of society changes, other parts mustadjustto restore balanceThis idea is calledequilibrium theory. If society fails to adjust properly, equilibrium is lost, and socialorder is threatened. While Parsons accepted the idea of gradual progress, his main focus remainedonstability and balance.

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Study Guide1.2.2Criticisms of Functionalist TheoryCritics argue that functionalists:•Downplay the importance of social change•Assume all parts ofsociety are helpful, even when they cause harm•Ignore howpowerful groups may use force or influenceto maintain control while claimingsociety is stable1.3Conflict TheoryConflict theoristssee social change as both necessary and valuable. They argue that society’swealthy and powerful groups work to maintain the status quo, or existing system, because itbenefits them.According to this theory:•Social change is needed to fixinequality and injustice•Conflict between groups pushes society toimprove1.3.1Karl Marx and Social ChangeKarl Marxagreed that societies develop in stages, but he strongly disagreed with the idea that eachstage is better than the one before it.Marx observed that throughout history:•Therich exploit the poor•This exploitation appears in many forms, such asslavery in ancient Romeandmodernwage labor•The basic problem remains the same: one class benefits at the expense of anotherIn his 1867 workDas Kapital, Marx argued that true change would only occur through asocialistrevolutionled by theproletariat, or working class. This revolution would eventually create aclassless, communist societywhere exploitation no longer exists.

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Study Guide1.3.2Why Conflict Matters in Marx’s ViewMarx believed people should not remain passive when facing injustice. His theory encouragesindividuals totake action, challenge inequality, and reclaim control over their lives.Unlike functionalism, which values stability, Marx argued thatconflict is necessaryto bring aboutmeaningful social change.1.3.3Criticisms of Conflict TheoryCritics point out that:•Social conflict does not always producepositive or expected results•Revolutions and upheaval can lead tonew problems, not just solutions2. Technology and Social ChangeTechnology plays a powerful role in shaping how societies change.Technologymeans usingscientific knowledge to create tools that solve problems. Over time, new technologies—such asautomobiles, airplanes, radios, televisions, cell phones, computers, and the Internet—havetransformed everyday life.By the end of the 20th century, technology hadpermanently changedhow people communicate,learn, work, travel, socialize, worship, and do business. These changes are not temporary. Oncetechnology reshapes society, life rarely goes back to the way it was before.2.1 The Technological and Information ExplosionScientific knowledge is growing at an incredibly fast pace. In fact, the total amount of scientificinformationdoubles every few years. Sociologists often describe this rapid growth as atechnological explosion.This growth happens because of aninformation explosioncombined with better ways to:•Store data•Retrieve information

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Study Guide•Share and communicate knowledgeA cycle forms:1.Better technology produces more information2.More information leads to new discoveries3.New discoveries help create even better technologyBecause of this ongoing cycle, sociologists are interested in how societies will continue toadapt toconstant technological change.2.2 Computer TechnologyDuring the 1990s, computer technology expanded rapidly around the world. This growth changed notonlywhatpeople do, but alsowherethey work.2.2.1 Telecommuting and the Changing WorkplaceOne major change istelecommuting. Telecommuters are employees who work full-time or part-timefrom home instead of traveling to an office. They stay connected through:•Computers•Phones•Email•Fax machinesTelecommuting allows people to work for supervisors in different states or even different countries.This arrangement is especially helpful for:•Individuals with disabilities who cannot easily travel•Parents caring for young children

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Study Guide2.3 The Internet and Social LifeTheInternet, the world’s largest computer network, has completely transformed communication. Bythe year 2000, at least50 percent of Americans were online, and Internet use continues to growrapidly.2.3.1 How the Internet BeganThe Internet began as a project by theU.S. Defense Department. Its purpose was to allowgovernment communication after a possible nuclear attack. At first, only government workers anduniversity researchers could access it. Today, almost any household can connect to theWorld WideWeb.2.3.2 What People Can Do OnlineInternet users can:•Work from home•Read news and articles•Check stock prices•Conduct research•Compare prices and shop•Communicate through chat rooms and message boards•Takecollege classes and even earn degreesThese opportunities have made the Internet a powerful tool for learning and connection.2.4 Concerns About Internet UseDespite its benefits, critics point out that the Internet also has adark side. One major concern—especially for families—is easy access topornographic material. Users can:•Download explicit images•Exchange sexual messages

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