CHAPTER 9: Sources of Social and Cultural Change

Social Change - transformations that alter the roles and status of people as well as the structure
and organization of society and its institution

Cultural Change - the dynamic process where the living cultures of the world change and
adapt to external and internal forces

 Industrial Revolution
Technological Advancements
Steam Power and Engines
Increased Mechanization

 French Revolution
Nationalism
Independence
Redefined Nature of Political Power

Globalization - refers to the economic, cultural and political processes that connect state and
non-state elements
- brought about the increased interconnections in economic and financial relations

Technology - application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes (Oxford Dictionary)

- is an important factor for innovation and diffusion

Demographic Shifts - can influence the underlying growth rate of economy, living standards,
saving rates, consumption and investment
- a significant change in population’s composition, structure, size and location
- Population change brought by industrialization, urbanization, natural disaster,
and conflicts

Innovation - process of introducing new ideas, things and methods in society

- entails improvement of things
- processes is primarily driven by technology

Diffusion - the spread of certain elements (things/ideas) from one group to another society
- an idea, thing or process

Processes of Social Change

- A significant social change which involve the gradual acceptance of technology was
- the introduction of mobile phone (1990s) to more compact and affordable cellphone
- The spread of ideas is also a significant part of social change.
- recognition of women’s right
Acculturation - is the process by which individuals or groups learn aspects of a culture that is
not their own
- example is when immigrants learn the language prevalent in the country they live in
- also occurs when there is a blending of two or more cultures

Assimilation - the process by which an individual or group fully adopts another culture/loss of
native culture
- full assimilation often results in loss of native culture
- Spanish colonization and its resulting social and cultural changes among Filipinos
is an example of forces assimilation

Social Contradiction - occurs when two social groups or classes are so different that its is
impossible for them to compromise

Social Tension - Social contradiction can eventually cause social tension and if these contradictions
are unsolved, this may bring conflict

Social Contradictions and Tensions

- are part of the overall process of social and cultural change. Nevertheless, theses
contradictions and tensions can bring about profound changes in the society