Theories of Social Change

Society moves in specific direction

Applied Charle’s Darwin work in biological
evolution to theories of social change.

Evolutionary Theory
Sees the society as the complex system whose
arts work together to promote solidarity and
stability.
The society has the ability to absorb disruptive
forces while maintaining overall stability.

Functional Theory
Argues that individuals and group (social
classes) within society interact on the bases of
conflict rather than consensus.
More powerful groups tend to use their power in
order to retain power and exploit groups with
less power.

Conflict Theory
Focus on the rise and fall of civilizations
attempting to discover and account for these
patterns of growth and decay.

Cyclical Theory