-Francois de la rochefoucauld
According to sociologists social change refers to the fundamental alterations that occur over a period of time in patterns of culture, structure and social behaviour. Most of these changes take place in small increments over a long period of time and pass unnoticed. Social change can also take palce in the wake of natural disasters, war, collective behaviour or social revolution.
Theories of social change
There are several theories of social change like Herbert Spencer’s theory of Social evolution, Cyclical theories according to Oswald Spengler, Conflict theories of Karl Marx and Functionalist theories. The functionalist see society as a group living in a state of dynamic equilibrium. Disturbing forces act as challenges. The society adjusts to these disturbances by establishing a new level of equilibrium or in simple words it changes according to the need. Changes which prove to be useful (functional) are accepted and integrated and those proving useless are (dysfunctional) are rejected. According to William. F. Ogburn Discovery,Innovation,and Diffusion are processes that contribute to social change.
Factors of change can be varied. The Environment affects the way of life in any society. Swift and dramatic changes in the environment can alter or lead to changes in dynamics of a society. For example the discovery of a natural resource like oil has had a remarkable effects on the societies of the Middle East Nations.
Technological developments have also been major propellers of change in the dynamics of a society. Some sociologists even consider it as the single most factor of change. The invention of cars and planes have made travel easy and comfortable. Discovery of communication channels modes, mobile phones and internet have made life quicker. During my grandparent days news of the birth of a baby cousin in one country would be received by those residing in another country in