Sociology Chapter 18.1

WarmUp: Review Open your books to Chapter 3, Section 3 & identify the 6 factors of social change discussed in that section.  In your journals, copy & summarize each of those factors. 

Chapter 18.1 Social Change & Modernization

Objectives  Summarize

the theories that social scientists have offered to explain the process of social change.  Explain how theories of social change have evolved.

Social Change  alterations

in various aspects of society over time

Spengler & Sorokin

CYCLICAL THEORY

Cyclical Theory of Social Change views change from a historical perspective  assumes natural stages of development  likely to gain popularity during periods of upheaval 

Oswald Spengler German historian  deeply troubled by WWI  wrote Decline of the West 

◦ asserted that West was well into decline in the 1900s & collapse was inevitable

Pitirim Sorokin  

Russian-American sociologist presented 2 extreme forms of culture

◦ ideational culture: truth & knowledge sought through faith & religion ◦ sensate culture: people seek knowledge through science

Early & Modern

EVOLUTIONARY THEORY

Evolutionary Theory of Social Change  views

change as a process that moves in one direction – toward increasing complexity

Early Evolutionary Theories 1800s: believed that all societies progress through the same distinct stages of social development  stages should improve over time  justified political & social conditions in Europe & U.S. 

Modern Evolutionary Theories  said

that societies have a “tendency” to become more complex over time  attempts to see why societies change

EQUILIBRIUM THEORY

Equilibrium Theory of Social Change  built on



functionalist idea that society resembles a living organism occurs as society adapts to maintain stability after a change in one area; involves differentiation & integration

Marx & Class Conflict, Dahrendorf & Social Conflict

CONFLICT THEORY

Conflict Theory of Social Change 

change results from conflicts between groups with opposing interests

Karl Marx & Class Conflict all human history is history of class conflict  most interested in how this occurs in industrial societies 

Ralf Dahrendorf & Social Conflict



holds that social conflict can take many forms ◦ racial, ethnic, political, religious, labor, gender, age, etc.

Social Change Through Technology: Social Media & Climate Change 

Participation culture, creativity & social change

Do you agree with Gauntlett’s assertion that we need to become more of a “making-and-doing culture” as opposed to a “sit-back-and-be-told culture?” Why or why not?  How do you think technology & social media will influence social movements of the future?  Do you think that people will be happier & more productive if they are engaged in the process of creating? Why or why not?  What role will social media play in helping us transition into a society that has to adapt to new environmental challenges? What challenges might we be facing? 

CHAPTER 18: CLASSWORK Page 470: #3-4  Page 479: #2-3  Page 480: #1-10 Identifying People & Ideas  Page 480: #1-6 Understanding Main Ideas  Page 481: #1-4 Building Social Studies Skills 