SOCIAL

CHANGE AND
FACTORS
AFFECTING IT
 Meaning of Social change
 Any alteration, difference or
modification that takes place in a
situation or in an object through time
can be called as change.
 The term Social Change is used to
indicate the changes that take place in
human interactions and interrelations.
 Society is a web of social relationships
and hence social change means a
change in system of social
relationships
Definition of Social Change
 Kingsley Davis: “By social change is meant only such alterations as
occur in social organization, that is, structure and functions of society”.
 Majumdar, H.T. “Social change may be defined as new fashion or mode,
either modifying or replacing the old, in the life of a people- or in operation
of society”.
 MacIver and Page: “Social change refers to a process responsive to
many types of changes, to changes in the manmade conditions of life, to
changes in attitude beliefs of men, and to do the changes that go beyond
the human control to the biological and physical nature of things”.
 M.E. Jones: “Social change is a term used to describe variations in, or
modifications of, any aspects of social processes, social patterns, social
interaction or social organization”.
Factors affecting social change
 Physical factors
 The physical factors consist of the surface of
earth, climate, rainfall, rivers, mountains,
natural vegetation, forests, etc.
 The surface of earth is never at rest. Slow
geographic changes as well as the
occasional convulsions in the form of storms,
famines, floods, cyclones and hurricanes took
place. They bring about social change.
 These changes are usually unaffected by
human activity. But certain changes in the
environment may be attributed to human
activity. e.g. Soil impoverishment,
deforestation.
 Technological Factors
 Technology affects society greatly. This change is
usually in the material environment and the adjustment
we make to the changes often modifies customs and
social institutions.
 In this way, the increased usage of new machines,
methods, new sources of energy due to discoveries
have made far-reaching consequences in the society.
 Similarly the development of communication
technology in the modern era has greater impact on
the society. The explicit effects of technological
advances are labor organizations, division of labor,
specializations, improved production and productivity,
value addition to products, fast nature of life etc.
 Cultural Factors
 Cultural factors play a significant role in social change. They
shape people’s values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors,
which in turn influence how societies evolve and transform
over time.
 Religion is a major cultural factor that drives social change.
Religious beliefs and practices are deeply ingrained in
people's lives and often dictate their actions and attitudes
towards different issues.
 Language is another cultural factor that plays a vital role in
social change. Language not only facilitates communication
but also reflects and shapes people's worldviews and cultural
identities.
 Traditions and customs are cultural factors that are deeply
rooted in people’s lives and often resist change. However, as
societies evolve and transform, some traditions and customs
 Biological factors
 Biological factors refer to the biological traits and
characteristics that humans possess, which can
impact their behavior and social interactions.
 Humans are genetically predisposed to certain
behaviors and traits, which can impact their social
interactions and cultural practices.
 age-related changes in biology can also impact
social change. As humans age, their bodies
undergo various changes, including changes in
hormone levels, cognitive abilities, and physical
abilities. These changes can impact social
interactions and cultural practices.
 Biological factors do not operate in isolation. Rather,
they interact with social and environmental factors
to shape human behavior and social interactions.
 Conclusion
 Social change is a continuous process driven
by a complex interplay of cultural,
demographic, technological, economic,
political, and educational factors. While the
direction and pace of change may vary,
understanding these driving forces is vital for
shaping a more just and equitable future.
 Thank You
 Submitted by: Muskan
 UID: 22BAL70050
 Section: A
 Submitted to: Mr. Ashish Kumar