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https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/sociology/social-change-and-movements/models-of-
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https://www.sociologyguide.com/social-change/evolutionary-theories.php

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Social Change
Social change refers to any significant alteration over time in
behavior patterns and cultural values and norms. By
“significant” alteration, sociologists mean changes
yielding profound social consequences. Examples of
significant social changes having long-term effects include the
industrial revolution, the abolition of slavery, and the feminist
movement.

Models of Social Change

In their search to explain social change, sociologists

sometimes examine historical data to better understand
current changes and movements. They also rely on three
basic theories of social change: evolutionary,
functionalist, and conflict theories.

Evolutionary theory

Sociologists in the 19th century applied Charles Darwin's

(1809–1882) work in biological evolution to theories of social
change. According to evolutionary theory, society moves in
specific directions. Therefore, early social evolutionists saw
society as progressing to higher and higher levels. As a result,
they concluded that their own cultural attitudes and
behaviors were more advanced than those of earlier
societies.

Identified as the “father of sociology,” Auguste Comte

subscribed to social evolution. He saw human societies as
progressing into using scientific methods. Likewise, Emile
Durkheim, one of the founders of functionalism, saw
societies as moving from simple to complex social structures.
Herbert Spencer compared society to a living organism with
interrelated parts moving toward a common end. In short,
Comte, Durkheim, and Spencer proposed unilinear
evolutionary theories, which maintain that all societies pass
through the same sequence of stages of evolution to reach
the same destiny.

Contemporary social evolutionists like Gerhard Lenski, Jr.,

however, view social change as multilinear rather than
unilinear. Multilinear evolutionary theory holds that change
can occur in several ways and does not inevitably lead in the
same direction. Multilinear theorists observe that human
societies have evolved along differing lines.

Functionalist theory

Functionalist sociologists emphasize what maintains society,

not what changes it. Although functionalists may at first
appear to have little to say about social change, sociologist
Talcott Parsons holds otherwise. Parsons (1902–1979), a
leading functionalist, saw society in its natural state as being
stable and balanced. That is, society naturally moves toward a
state of homeostasis. To Parsons, significant social problems,
such as union strikes, represent nothing but temporary rifts in
the social order. According to his equilibrium theory, changes
in one aspect of society require adjustments in other aspects.
When these adjustments do not occur, equilibrium
disappears, threatening social order. Parsons' equilibrium
theory incorporates the evolutionary concept of continuing
progress, but the predominant theme is stability and balance.

Critics argue that functionalists minimize the effects of

change because all aspects of society contribute in some way
to society's overall health. They also argue that functionalists
ignore the use of force by society's powerful to maintain an
illusion of stability and integration.

Conflict theory

Conflict theorists maintain that, because a society's wealthy

and powerful ensure the status quo in which social practices
and institutions favorable to them continue, change plays a
vital role in remedying social inequalities and injustices.

Although Karl Marx accepted the evolutionary argument that

societies develop along a specific direction, he did not agree
that each successive stage presents an improvement over the
previous stage. Marx noted that history proceeds in stages in
which the rich always exploit the poor and weak as a class of
people. Slaves in ancient Rome and the working classes of
today share the same basic exploitation. Only by socialist
revolution led by the proletariat (working class), explained
Marx in his 1867 Das Kapital, will any society move into its
final stage of development: a free, classless, and communist
society.

Marx's view of social change is proactive; it does not rely on

people remaining passive in response to exploitation or other
problems in material culture. Instead, it presents tools for
individuals wishing to take control and regain their freedom.
Unlike functionalism and its emphasis on stability, Marx holds
that conflict is desirable and needed to initiate social change
and rid society of inequality.

Critics of Marx note that conflict theorists do not always

realize that social upheaval does not inevitably lead to
positive or expected outcomes.

SOURCES OF SOCIAL CHANGE

Some sociologists propose that social change takes place
basically in one or more of the following three ways:
1.Discovery: A shared human perception is an aspect of
reality which already exists, for example discovery of blood
circulation in biology. It is an addition in the world’s store of
verified knowledge. However, it becomes an actor in social
change only when it is put to use, not when it is merely
known.
2.Inventions: Invention is the new combination or a new use
of existing knowledge, for example the assembling of the
computer from an already existing idea. The idea of
combining them was new. Inventions can be material and
social. Each invention may be new in form (i.e. in shape or
action) in function (what it does) or in meaning (its long range
consequence) or in principle (the theory or law on which it is
based).
3.Diffusion: Diffusion refers to the spread of cultural traits
from one group to another. It operates both within and
between societies. It takes place whenever societies come
into contact. Diffusion is a two way process. The British gave
us their language and made tea an important ritual. Diffusion
is also a selective process. Majority of the Indians may adopt
the English language, but not their eating habits. Diffusion
generally involves some modification of the borrowed
elements of culture either in form, function or meaning
Characteristics of Social Change:

(1) Social change is universal

It means that social change is not confined to a particular
society or group. It occurs in every society, sociologically,
speaking an unchangeable society is considered as a dead
society. Thus, no society is free from the impact of social
change.
(2) Speed of social change is related to time factor
The speed of social change is not uniform. It differs from
period to period. In modern society the speed of social
change is rapid or faster than traditional society.
3) Speed of social change is unequal and comparative
We can argue that speed of social change is more or less
similar in each society. It is slow in traditional society whereas
it is rapid in modern society. In urban areas the speed of
social change is faster than the rural areas.
4) Social change is an essential law
Essential law means a law which occurs and over which we
have no control. It may be planned or not, it must occur.
5) Social change may be planned or unplanned
Planned changes are those which occur by some deliberate
or conscious effort. On the other hand, unplanned change
refers to the change which occurs without any deliberate
effort like earth-quake, war, political revolution and other
natural calamities. Thus, social change occurs both in planned
and unplanned manner.
(6) Social change may be short term or long term
Some change brings immediate change which is known as
short term change, like fashion, behavior of the individual
etc. But other changes take years to produce result which is
known as long term change. Custom, tradition, folkways,
mores etc. are long term changes.
7) Social change lacks definite prediction
Prediction means foretelling and in case of social change we
are well aware of various factors but we cannot predict
although it is a law. Definite prediction of social change is not
possible, because what will the result of social change we
cannot say.
(8) Social change is a community change
Social change does not refer to the change which occurs in
the life of an individual or life pattern of individuals. It is a
change which occurs in the entire community and that
change can be called social change which influences a
community form.
(9) Social change is the result of the interaction of various
factors
A single factor can trigger a particular change but never
causes social change. It is always associated with other
factors such as Cultural, Biological, Physical, Technological
and others. It is due to the material interdependence of
social phenomena.

Factors leading to Social Changes

The stimulating factors which are responsible for bringing
about social changes in a society are the following
1. Demographic Factors: Changes in the size and
composition of the population are undoubtedly a very
important factor leading to social change. The rapid
growth of population brings about many changes in the
standard of living as well as changes in the social
structures and organization of the society.
2. Biological Factors: Due to the problem of conflict
between generations there is always a scope for new
patterns to emerge. No new generation ever exactly
reenact the social life of its predecessor leading to
rejection of some aspects of social life while acception
and innovation of some others.
 3. Technological Factors: Technological developments play
an important role in societal changes as they transform
the structure of the whole society. These rapid
technological advancements bring about many changes
in the attitudes, beliefs and even in traditions of the
society. Natural Factors: Man can never have complete
control over nature as none can claim to regulate the
weather which greatly affects our mode of thinking,
traditions, customs, eating habits, clothing, etc.
Moreover it is difficult to achieve technological
developments in a country lacking in the natural
resources. Legislations: Law is dynamic. It brings about
social change by influencing behavior, beliefs and values.
4. Psychological Factors: Human nature always wants a
change. He does not want to be tied to the same
environment, same customs, traditions and same
cultural values. Human beings welcome innovation for
the development and betterment of the society. As a
result of these changes modernization takes place.

Education and social change

With the decline of authoritarianism and religion, with the
rise of science, technology and industry, with the attendant
fast means of communication and travel, the process of social
change has been accelerated. It can be said that social
mobility comes through education. Social change is
influenced by so many factors such as historical, cultural,
geographical, biological, demographical, political, economic
and ideological factor. Education is also an important tool for
social change.

Social change means change in social structure: the nature,

the social institutions, the social behaviour or the social
relations of a society, community of people, and so on.
Education and social change are interrelated. Both are
equally important for the growth and development of a
society. Education and social change is a two-way process.
While education is responsible for preservation, transmission
and dissemination of the whole culture, social change is the
instrument and precondition of educational thought.
Education initiates the social change and gives them direction
and purpose. Education prepares the individual for social
changes. Education determines the nature of social changes,
which ought to be brought about. Education is the most
powerful instrument to bring about social revolution.
Education for all, at all levels, and at all ages of children is the
only remedy to bring about the desired social change in any
society. The relationship between education and social
change takes a dual form-education as an instrument and
education as a product. Education as an instrument is used as
a means for bringing about desired changes in the society
and in the latter case changes in the educational structure
follows as a consequence of changes which have already
taken place in the society. There are three types of
relationship between education and social change which are
as follows:
1. Education as a Necessary Condition of Social Change
Historical experience of advanced countries has shown that
for any social revolution education is the pre-condition.
Illiterates remain satisfied with their existing conditions and
feel that they are destined to be what they are. They never
bother to exert to bring change in their present social and
economic conditions. They are guided by orthodoxy,
traditions and fate rather than by rationality in their actions.
Education helps people to make them rational in their
thinking and approach.
2. Education as an Outcome of Social Change: There is inter-
dependent relationship between education and social
change. On the one hand it brings change in social conditions.
On the other hand it is influenced by social change, which
means social change helps spreading education. Education
follows social change. It has its place before and after social
change First come social changes and then teaching process
is changed according to those social changes. Education
system changes according to the needs of society.
3. Education as an Instrument of Social Change: Education as
an instrument of social change means how education helps
people to bring social change. Education changes the outlook
and the tradition approach towards social and economic
problems. It sharpens the skills and knowledge of the
children. Technical education helps in the process of
industrialization which results in vast changes in society.
Education not only preserves the cultural traditions i.e.,
customs, traditions and values etc. of the society but also
transmits them to the next generation. It also motivates the
children to adopt new pattern in order to remain dynamic
and forward looking. Education fulfils the needs of the society
and propagates such ideas which promote social changes in
all fields of life. Society has undergone vast transformation
through several ages. New ideas have emerged and social
changes have been brought about by both individual and
collective actions. Changes in a society are inevitable due to
the existence and amalgamation of different cultures,
languages and religions in a society. As a result of these social
change cultural changes takes place. Social change is an
alteration which occurs in the structure and functions of
social organizations of a society which is a part of cultural
change.

Functions of Education as an Instrument of Social

Change

Education fulfils the needs of society and propagates

such ideas which promote social change in all fields of
life. In this way, education becomes a social process by
means of which society moulds children according to its
needs and approved patterns of behavior. Functions of
education as an instrument of social change are as
follows:
(1) Stabilizing Eternal Values: Education protects eternal
values, saves them from pernicious effects of social
changes and promotes their knowledge and acceptance
in such a manner that inspite of social changes, people
in general keep faith in these values. In our society such
eternal values are of moral and spiritual nature.
Education should protect, preserve and promote these
values.

(2) Increasing the Areas of Knowledge: Education

promotes in the individuals the capacity to increase the
scope of knowledge more and more for their benefit. It
opens new areas for investigations and researches,
which bring about desirable changes in material as well
as non-material aspects of culture. Thus education
prepares ground for the advent of social change.

(3) Leadership Role in Social Change: Education provides

leadership in social change. Education makes people
capable to initiate and guide for needed social changes
by fighting successfully against social evils, customs and
blind traditions. Thus people become capable for
realizing their own true personality to the full and
promote social welfare to greater and greater extent.

(4) Evaluation of Social Change: Education lays down the

required standards and criteria of values with reference
to which this process of evaluation takes place
effectively, and only after that, desirable social changes
are propagated where the undesirable ones discarded.

(5) Education Accelerates Social Change Education tries

to banish social evils, blind customs and traditions
through various social reformation projects, political
movements, social service schemes and also tries to
bring in ‘needed social changes and reforms.

(6) Education Prepares People Mentally for Social

Change: It prepares the mentality of people to welcome
and adopt desirable social changes easily. It may be
noted that people will welcome and adopt any
technique or pattern only when they become convinced
of its utility and desirability. Education, thus structures a
wholesome and conducive environment for these social
changes to become acceptable to all. It tries to remove
the mental reservations and complexes in the minds of
people which obstruct the progress of change. Education
provides necessary training in skills and occupations and
 thus produces the needed competent personnel for
manning the different specialized jobs in modern
industry, business, educational and research
establishments and other secondary associations.
Education is expected to change the values and attitudes
of the people for the betterment of the society

Nature of Social Change and Its Impact on Education

Change in Wider Social Environment:-
The change may be in the total social environment
surrounding the society. It may be due to some internal
forces or external forces arising in other societies. Social
phenomena occurring in neighbouring or distant societies
have very widespread impact now. English, for example, is
now became a world language for dissemination of
knowledge and consequently India feels the necessity to
emphasise the need for retaining and strengthening the
knowledge of English in order to continue to be benefited by
new knowledge developing all over the world.
Change in Social Goals, Objectives and Values:-
The social change may be in social goals, objectives and
values. The changes may be in social values that directly
affect the content of social roles and social interaction. For
example, the adoption of equality as a value may ultimately
lead to compulsory and free primary education, to expansion
of primary educational facilities to all children up to the age
of fourteen and to providing financial and other aid to
backward classes for enabling them to avail of the expanded
educational facilities.
Institutional Social Changes
The social change may be „institutional‟ which includes
change in more definite structures such as form of
organization, roles and role content. The adoption of
democracy and adult franchise in India has made training in
responsible and responsive citizenship absolutely necessary
for the electorate. This may ultimately affect the content and
the method of teaching in educational institutions as well as
the teacher-taught relationships.
Changes in Knowledge and Technology
The changes may be in the existing knowledge and
technology. Space exploration, industrialization, agricultural
and domestic technology, development of transportation,
and mass media of communication, new understanding of
the human organism, individual and social behaviour are
some of the scientific and technological areas in which
knowledge has expanded a great deal and will still continue
to expand. Thus, the development of knowledge and
technology may bring changes in syllabus, teaching and
evaluating methods and role of teacher.
Change in Size and Composition of Population
The change may be in the size and composition of
population. The explosion of population with differential
rates of increase in different regions, communities, socio-
economic groups and age groups may necessitate many
changes in the educational system. Students with different
levels of intelligence and educational aspirations, belonging
to different socio-economic classes, different castes and
religious groups have begun to come in the same type of
educational institution and are huddled in same classroom.
All these changes also necessitate change in the educational
system. Thus, different types of social changes occurring in
society make the existing educational system dysfunctional to
a certain extent and in course of time pressurize to bring
changes in it.

QUESTIONNAIRE
1. What is your name?
2. How old are you?
3. Do you have a job? If yes, what is it?
4. What gender do you identify as?
5. Do you practice religion? If yes, which one?
6. What levels of education have you received?
(school,college, etc, plus what course)
7. Which school/college?
8. Field of education/ date of graduations( this or q9)
9. Are you married? If yes, when did you get married?
10. After how many years of having a job/ How many
years after highest level of education did you get
married?
11. Arranged marriage or love marriage?
12. Inter-caste marriage?
13. Did you experience pressure from your
parents/family to get married?
14. Did your job affect/interfere with your decision to
get married? (iska bhi nahi pata)
15. Has marriage caused you to sacrifice something in
your career? (it’s this or the upar waala)
16. Do you have children? If yes, how many?
17. How many years after marriage did you have
children?/ When were they born?
18. Was your first child planed? Did you intend to have
19.
him/her when you had him/her?
20. Were you economically prepared when you had
your first child?
21. Did your job affect your decision to have children?
22. Did you quit your job/take a sabbatical when you
had children? (pata nahi abt this one)
23. Did you experience pressure from your
parents/family to have children?
24.