Social Change and Cell Phone Impact Quiz

SOCI 201 - Introduction to Sociology

• Course offered by Dr. Gbenga Adejare, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary
• Previous discussions focused on sociological concepts and theories, analyzing social institutions (family, religion, and education).
• The concluding theme of the course is social change.

Recap of Previous Discussions

• Various sociological concepts and theories were examined.
• Three social institutions—family, religion, and education—were analyzed.

Social Change

• Society is constantly changing.
• Change is defined as adjustments or adaptations made by people in response to dramatic changes in their lives, particularly focusing on rapid social change.
• Social change today is often linked to technology.
• Historically, societies haven't always been in constant flux, as it's important to acknowledge today's rapid change isn't necessarily unique.

Interpreting Social Change

• Social change is viewed differently; no one method is universally "correct"
• Key issues to consider when evaluating social change include:
  • The direction of change (positive or negative?).
  • The scale and volume of change (big or small?).
  • The impact or effects of the change, considering who or what is affected.

Cell Phones: A Solution or a Problem?

• Cell phones have dramatically changed human interaction since their introduction in 1983.
• Impacts of cell phone use include (but are not limited to):
  • Classroom use.
  • Dating practices.
  • Family relationships.
  • Mental health issues.
  • Dining etiquette.
  • Car accidents.
  • Other considerations.

Five Interpretations of Social Change

• Five perspectives on understanding social change:
  • Modernism.
  • Conservatism.
  • Postmodernism.
  • Evolution.
  • Fashion.

Modernism

• Modernism views change as progress, where new things automatically improve upon the old.
• Societies are seen as progressing steadily and linearly.
• Key figures and ideas related to modernism include:
  • Auguste Comte: a proponent of positivism as an aspect of modernism.
  • Herbert Spencer: coined the phrase "survival of the fittest."
  • Lewis Henry Morgan: identified societal stages (savagery, barbarism, civilisation).
• Modernism is also critiqued for having a narrow viewpoint that could justify practices that benefit dominant groups. A notable critique is made by Noam Chomsky.

Conservatism

• Conservative thinkers believe social change may lead to more destruction than construction, especially regarding sensitive areas like family, gender roles, and sexuality.
• Change shouldn't be viewed independently from political ideology. Certain values and customs are thought to be worthy of preservation.
• Conservative thought is often characterized by a belief that change is not always for the best.
• The cyclical nature of civilizations is also a central concept in conservative thought.

Postmodernism

• Postmodernism questions whether researchers can truly represent the studied population's viewpoint.
• Progress and decline across all societies are thought to not be universally accepted.
• Social change is looked at through individual and group perspectives. Questioning whether change serves specific groups, such as who benefits from "Canadian values."
• Postmodernism critically examines the narratives and assumptions surrounding social progress.

Evolution

• Evolution is a model of social change where adaptations to circumstances are key to understanding societal development.
• It considers survival of the "best fit," not necessarily the "fittest."
• Changing family patterns or birth rates are examples of societal adaptations.

Fashion

• Change driven by fashion is motivated by aesthetics and trends rather than fundamental values or progress.
• Board games, educational trends, tattoos and other cultural fads are examples of changes driven by fashion.

Social Change and Sociology in Canada

• Sociology, like other disciplines, must adapt and improve, drawing from multiple perspectives to remain relevant.
• Incorporating elements of conservatism ensures a foundation remains.
• Employing postmodern methodologies and perspectives allows for more inclusivity and nuanced understandings.
• Using a variety of tools, methods, and considerations is critical to effective sociology.

Conclusion

• Today exemplifies the changes of yesterday. Tomorrow will bring more change.
• The process of using knowledge is more important than the knowledge itself.
• Sociological imagination is a key tool for understanding a complex world.
• Social change can be enacted through individual actions.

This quiz explores the concept of social change, focusing on its interpretations and the significant influences of cell phone usage since 1983. Participants will engage with thought-provoking questions that connect philosophical quotes to real-world implications of technology on human interactions.