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Chapter 22: Social Change |
Chapter twenty-two examines social change in human societies.
The founding theorists of sociology developed distinct theories
pertaining to the questions surrounding social change. Karl
Marx emphasized the relations of power and conflict, focusing
on people's struggle with nature and the struggle between classes.
Max Weber argued that no single factor could explain the major
social changes of history, but rather the many ideas and beliefs
of a culture brought about change. Émile Durkheim's views on
social change center on the idea of interdependence of people
in a society. Other sociologists have offered evolutionary and
cyclical theories of social change.
Several main causes of social change have emerged over time:
the natural environment, population, innovation, and diffusion.
Two of the most potent agents of social change, sources that
have brought about enduring and far-reaching changes in social
and cultural life, are science and technology. Advancements
in these areas have made the world seem an ever-smaller place
and provide the opportunity for greater levels of worldwide
communication and cooperation.
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