Skip to content
Quick Guides

Sociology - Social Change and Movements

Preview 6 of 17 pages

See the first 6 pages exactly as they appear in the document.

  1. Page 1
    Read page 1 as text

    Study Guide Sociology – Social Change and Movements 1. Models of Social Change S ociologists study social change to understand how societies grow, adapt, and respond to new challenges. To do this, they often look at history and past patterns. By learning how societies changed before, sociologists can better explain what is happening today. There are three main theories that explain social change: • Evolutionary theory • Functionalist theory • Conflict theory Each theory looks at social change from a different point of view. 1.1 Evolutionary Theory In the 19th century, sociologists began using ideas from Charles Darwin’s theory of biological evolution to explain how societies change over time. According to evolutionary theory , societies develop in particular directions. Early evolutionary thinkers believed that societies naturally progress from simple to more advanced forms . Because of this belief, they often assumed that modern societies were more developed than earlier ones. 1.1.1 Key Thinkers in Early Evolutionary Theory • Auguste Comte , known as the father of sociology , believed societies move forward by using science and scientific thinking . • Émile Durkheim argued that societies evolve from simple structures to more complex systems .

  2. Page 2
    Read page 2 as text

    Study Guide • Herbert Spencer compared society to a living organism , with different parts working together toward a shared goal. Together, these thinkers supported unilinear evolutionary theory . This theory suggests that all societies pass through the same stages of development and eventually reach the same outcome. 1.1.2 Modern Views: Multilinear Evolution Modern sociologists, such as Gerhard Lenski, Jr. , disagree with the idea that all societies follow one single path. Instead, they support multilinear evolutionary theory . This theory explains that: • Societies can change in many different ways • Change does not always move in the same direction • Different societies develop along different paths In short, there is no single “right” route that all societies must follow. 1.2 Functionalist Theory Functionalist sociologists focus more on what keeps society stable rather than what changes it. At first, this may seem like they have little to say about social change — but that is not the case. 1.2.1 Talcott Parsons and Social Stability Talcott Parsons , a major functionalist thinker, believed that society naturally seeks balance and stability . He described this state as homeostasis , meaning society works to stay in equilibrium. According to Parsons: • Society is normally stable and orderly • Social problems, such as labor strikes , are temporary disruptions • When one part of society changes, other parts must adjust to restore balance This idea is called equilibrium theory . If society fails to adjust properly, equilibrium is lost, and social order is threatened. While Parsons accepted the idea of gradual progress, his main focus remained on stability and balance .

  3. Page 3
    Read page 3 as text

    Study Guide 1.2.2 Criticisms of Functionalist Theory Critics argue that functionalists: • Downplay the importance of social change • Assume all parts of society are helpful, even when they cause harm • Ignore how powerful groups may use force or influence to maintain control while claiming society is stable 1 .3 Conflict Theory Conflict theorists see social change as both necessary and valuable. They argue that society’s wealthy and powerful groups work to maintain the status quo , or existing system, because it benefits them. According to this theory: • Social change is needed to fix inequality and injustice • Conflict between groups pushes society to improve 1 .3.1 Karl Marx and Social Change Karl Marx agreed that societies develop in stages, but he strongly disagreed with the idea that each stage is better than the one before it. Marx observed that throughout history: • The rich exploit the poor • This exploitation appears in many forms, such as slavery in ancient Rome and modern wage labor • The basic problem remains the same: one class benefits at the expense of another In his 1867 work Das Kapital , Marx argued that true change would only occur through a socialist revolution led by the proletariat , or working class. This revolution would eventually create a classless, communist society where exploitation no longer exists.

  4. Page 4
    Read page 4 as text

    Study Guide 1 .3.2 Why Conflict Matters in Marx’s View Marx believed people should not remain passive when facing injustice. His theory encourages individuals to take action , challenge inequality, and reclaim control over their lives. Unlike functionalism, which values stability, Marx argued that conflict is necessary to bring about meaningful social change. 1 .3.3 Criticisms of Conflict Theory Critics point out that: • Social conflict does not always produce positive or expected results • Revolutions and upheaval can lead to new problems , not just solutions 2. Technology and Social Change Technology plays a powerful role in shaping how societies change. Technology means using scientific knowledge to create tools that solve problems. Over time, new technologies — such as automobiles, airplanes, radios, televisions, cell phones, computers, and the Internet — have transformed everyday life. By the end of the 20th century, technology had permanently changed how people communicate, learn, work, travel, socialize, worship, and do business. These changes are not temporary. Once technology reshapes society, life rarely goes back to the way it was before. 2.1 The Technological and Information Explosion Scientific knowledge is growing at an incredibly fast pace. In fact, the total amount of scientific information doubles every few years . Sociologists often describe this rapid growth as a technological explosion . This growth happens because of an information explosion combined with better ways to: • Store data • Retrieve information

  5. Page 5
    Read page 5 as text

    Study Guide • Share and communicate knowledge A cycle forms: 1. Better technology produces more information 2. More information leads to new discoveries 3. New discoveries help create even better technology Because of this ongoing cycle, sociologists are interested in how societies will continue to adapt to constant technological change . 2.2 Computer Technology During the 1990s, computer technology expanded rapidly around the world. This growth changed not only what people do, but also where they work. 2.2.1 Telecommuting and the Changing Workplace One major change is telecommuting . Telecommuters are employees who work full - time or part - time from home instead of traveling to an office. They stay connected through: • Computers • Phones • Email • Fax machines Telecommuting 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

  6. Page 6
    Read page 6 as text

    Study Guide 2.3 The Internet and Social Life The Internet , the world’s largest computer network, has completely transformed communication. By the year 2000, at least 50 percent of Americans were online , and Internet use continues to grow rapidly. 2.3.1 How the Internet Began The Internet began as a project by the U.S. Defense Department . Its purpose was to allow government communication after a possible nuclear attack. At first, only government workers and university researchers could access it. Today, almost any household can connect to the World Wide Web . 2.3.2 What People Can Do Online Internet 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 • Take college classes and even earn degrees These opportunities have made the Internet a powerful tool for learning and connection. 2.4 Concerns About Internet Use Despite its benefits, critics point out that the Internet also has a dark side . One major concern — especially for families — is easy access to pornographic material . Users can: • Download explicit images • Exchange sexual messages

11 more pages in the full document

Unlock it once and it stays in your library, ready to chat with or turn into flashcards.

Unlock the full document

More Sociology study materials

See all

Study this document with CramX

Once it is in your library, every tool can work from it.