Sociology of Modern Ghana: Social Change

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Questions and Answers

What is social change according to Robert Moore?

Any significant alteration in the social structure that originates endogenously.

A minor alteration in the social structure.

Any significant alteration in the social structure that originates exogenously.

Any significant alteration in the social structure, which may originate endogenously or exogenously in any institutional area. (correct)

Who defined social change as 'any significant alteration in the social structure'?

Mark K.M. Obeng

Robert Moore (correct)

Dr. Fidelia Ohemeng

Assimeng

What is the primary source of social change in Ghanaian society?

Industrialization

Education

Colonialism (correct)

Urbanisation

What is a characteristic of traditional societies?

Non-literate and based on oral traditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the book written by Assimeng?

Social Structure of Ghana: A Study in Persistence and Change Signup and view all the answers

What is the year of the publication of the book written by Assimeng?

1999 Signup and view all the answers

What is another source of social change in Ghanaian society?

Attainment of independence Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of traditional authority?

Based on inherited status Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the topic covered in Session One?

What is Social Change? Signup and view all the answers

What is the main basis for status and roles in traditional societies?

Hereditary succession Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a factor of social change?

Colonialism Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the MMDAs?

Metropolitan Chief Executive, Presiding Member, 2/3 elected members, 1/3 government nominees Signup and view all the answers

What is an impact of colonialism on the Ghanaian society?

It brought gradual changes to all institutions Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote the book 'Social Change in Ghana'?

Abotchie Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the MMDAs?

To prepare and submit development plans and budgets to the government for approval Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the TACUC in the Local Government Structure?

To make recommendations to the government for approval of MMDCs Signup and view all the answers

What is the page range of the reading material assigned from Assimeng's book?

Pages 236-240 Signup and view all the answers

What is the economy of traditional societies mainly based on?

Agriculture Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the preliminary achievements of the MMDAs?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the transition from traditionality to modernism in Ghana?

Attainment of independence Signup and view all the answers

Who forms part of the MMDAs?

Presiding Member, Metropolitan Chief Executive, and elected members Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the MMDAs in terms of resources?

To formulate and implement strategies for effective mobilization of human, physical, financial, and other resources Signup and view all the answers

What is not a function of the MMDAs?

Approval of development plans and budgets Signup and view all the answers

When will the TACUC be established?

Based on need Signup and view all the answers

What was the limitation of chiefs in terms of passing bye-laws?

They could only pass bye-laws on 15 subjects Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the promulgation of the Local Government System in 1988?

To diffuse government business to the local people and allow local participation Signup and view all the answers

What are the three tiers of the Local Government Structure?

Regional Coordinating Council, District/Municipal/Metropolitan Assemblies, and Town, Area Councils and Unit Committees Signup and view all the answers

What are the roles of the Regional Coordinating Councils?

To coordinate and formulate integrated plans and programs of the MMDAs Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of colonialism on the traditional polity?

It reduced the powers of chiefs in the judicial and economic spheres Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the Regional Coordinating Councils?

Regional Ministers, Government appointed persons, Presiding members of the MMDAs, Deputy Ministers, and District Secretaries Signup and view all the answers

What are the remaining functions of chiefs in the traditional polity?

Only cultural and religious functions Signup and view all the answers

When was the Local Government System promulgated in Ghana?

1988 Signup and view all the answers

What is the total population of Ghana according to the 2010 census?

24,658,823 Signup and view all the answers

How many regions are there in Ghana according to the 2010 census?

10 Signup and view all the answers

What is the population of the Western region of Ghana according to the 2010 census?

2,376,021 Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the population is in the 0-14 age group according to the 2010 census?

38% Signup and view all the answers

What is the total dependent population according to the 2010 census?

10,617,930 Signup and view all the answers

What is the population of the Ashanti region of Ghana according to the 2010 census?

4,780,380 Signup and view all the answers

How many censuses have been conducted in Ghana since independence?

5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the population of the Upper West region of Ghana according to the 2010 census?

702,110 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Societies are dynamic, with both gradual and swift changes.
Social structure and social change are introduced as key concepts.
Social change is defined as any significant alteration in the social structure, originating from within or outside the institutional area, leading to changes in other areas.

According to Robert Moore (1967), social change involves alterations in the social structure, affecting other institutional areas.
Examples of social change include the impact of smartphones on society.

Industrialization, innovation, and technology
Education and social movements (e.g., civil rights movements)
Wars, civil wars, and political instability
Colonialism and urbanization/modernization

Colonialism is the primary source of change in Ghanaian society, introduced from outside.
The impact of colonialism led to gradual changes in various institutions, including the political institution.

From Traditionality to Modernism

Features of traditional society include:
- Belief in the legitimacy of authority
- Traditional societies are non-literate, with economies based on agriculture
- History based on oral traditions
The transition from traditionality to modernism involves the loss of traditional institutional functions, such as the loss of monopoly over important trade routes and commodities.

The Modern Political System: The Local Government Structure

The local government system consists of three tiers:
- Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs)
- District/Municipal/Metropolitan Assemblies (MMDAs)
- Town, Area Councils, and Unit Committees (TACUCs)
The RCCs coordinate and formulate integrated plans and programs for MMDAs, harmonizing with national development policies.

Functions of the MMDAs

Overall development of districts and preparation of development plans and budgets
Engagement in trade, industry, and commerce for development
Maintenance of public works and services
Cooperation with national security for district security

Session 3: Demographic Changes - Rural-Urban Migration

Ghana's population has grown substantially, with five censuses conducted since independence.
Changes in Ghana's demography include a significant growth in population from 1948 to 2010.
Population by region and sex (2010) shows:
- Western Region: 2,376,021
- Central Region: 2,201,863 +Greater Accra: 4,010,054
- ... (more regions listed)

Age Distribution (2010)

Age distribution:
- 0-14: 9,450,398
- 15-64: 14,040,893
- 65+: 1,167,532
- Adult population (18+): 13,632,299
- Dependent population: 10,617,930

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Description

This session introduces the concepts of social change, exploring the dynamics of societies and the different rates of change. Part of the Social Structure of Modern Ghana course.