Does anyone actually understand the theories of social change? The notes I have don't really explain it properly and now I have to do an assignment on it in relation to Vietnam, its continuities and changes. The theories seem so pointless.
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Continuity and Change: Theories (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Lani89
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iheartzoltan
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noir.
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Social change – means that large numbers of people [macro] are involved in activites or relationships that are significantly different from those that their parents were involved in some time before. It can be defined under identity of change, levels of change, rate of change, direction of change and magnitude of change.Lani89 said:
The 3 theories.
Functionalism - macro theory of social change. Functionalists see society as being like a human body - people are individual cells and institutions are like organs. They are interdependent and the health of the body depends on all organs doing their job correctly
All institutions rely on eachother. when one institution is failing in its role in society [e.g. family no longer socialising, the effects of feminism - > women entering workforce, not full time mothers etc etc. Other institutions will however increase their role in society in order to make up for it. E.g. education is now expected to complete more of the socialisation of children and young people, and the government has had to legislate regarding the treatment of children
Conflict theory – based on the idea that social change occurs because of inequalities within society. These inequalities cause conflicts between the dominant group who maintain values and norms through their econmocic and social power which ensures they retain their prestige and wealth, and those in society who have no real access to power. Change occurs when those without power challenge the existing social organisation.
Evolutionary theory – based on the idea of social change moving in a single direction, ordered and progressive. The theory has been adapted to allow for multi-linear development and to remove the value judgment that industrial societies were inherently superior to of rural ones.
hope that helped
Hey one quick question for anyone who may be able to help, im currently practicing past exam papers and was wondering, How would you answer this question?
Name ONE theory of social change.
With reference to a country you have studied, evaluate how your chosen theory of social change helps you to understand ONE feature of continuity and ONE feature of change within that country.
Name ONE theory of social change.
With reference to a country you have studied, evaluate how your chosen theory of social change helps you to understand ONE feature of continuity and ONE feature of change within that country.
N
noir.
Guest
You don't have to remember all the theories that you learn about guys. You just need to demonstrate that you can apply the chosen theory to your country study in reference to continuities and changes.
backstreet51
definitely maybe.
Continuities are the traditions, values, etc. that have stayed the same.Lani89 said:
eg. In Vietnam "Tet" is a traditional festival still celebrated.
...obviously you don't need the theories of change for this.
Last edited:
trippy the bush
Nube Cake
i agree. that was the same with all my other subjects. most of them weren't good enough for a help line. maybe in a few years time. maybe.
thanks for the explanations
thanks for the explanations
Hello2U2
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wow, i'm just starting to learn about this stuff this term (i just started year 12!!)
noir.'s notes seem pretty good at summarising the theories of social change but might i add another theory? not sure if its on the syllabus or whatever but my teacher also taught us CYCLICAL THEORY which basically says that all societies got trough a process of change wherebby the rise, develop and fall. It is like a human lifespan...baby, still new to the world...teen, learning about more stuff and developing fast...the maturity of an adult and then like withering away like an oldie (lol).
in answering your second question, i'm not sure. sounds kinda stupid to me. but i suppose what society is trying to do to COUNTER this change would be continuity...
or you could say some stuff about retaining their traditional values and beliefs...
oh WAIT. i just remembered...maybe you could say something about the convergence theory and how traditonal values are still being enforced in non western societies to combat westernisation?
oh i dunno...
noir.'s notes seem pretty good at summarising the theories of social change but might i add another theory? not sure if its on the syllabus or whatever but my teacher also taught us CYCLICAL THEORY which basically says that all societies got trough a process of change wherebby the rise, develop and fall. It is like a human lifespan...baby, still new to the world...teen, learning about more stuff and developing fast...the maturity of an adult and then like withering away like an oldie (lol).
in answering your second question, i'm not sure. sounds kinda stupid to me. but i suppose what society is trying to do to COUNTER this change would be continuity...
or you could say some stuff about retaining their traditional values and beliefs...
oh WAIT. i just remembered...maybe you could say something about the convergence theory and how traditonal values are still being enforced in non western societies to combat westernisation?
oh i dunno...