Sociology on Social Change and Innovation

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Questions and Answers

What does social change primarily refer to according to Kinsley Davis?

  • Variations in personal relationships
  • Alterations in social organizations' structure and function (correct)
  • Transformations in economic systems
  • Changes in cultural beliefs and practices

Which term describes the process of introducing new techniques or ideas to create new value?

  • Innovation (correct)
  • Invention
  • Diffusion
  • Discovery

What does the term 'diffusion' specifically refer to?

  • A form of communication about new ideas over time (correct)
  • The establishment of social norms within cultures
  • The rapid spread of technology through society
  • The creation of new inventions for social needs

Which is an example of an invention as described in the content?

<p>The smartphone (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT considered a benefit of innovation mentioned in the content?

<p>Solves all social problems (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to T.B. Bottmore, social change refers to changes in what aspects?

<p>Social structures and institutional relationships (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a new combination of existing cultural elements, as stated by Ogburn?

<p>Invention (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common misconception about how changes occur in society?

<p>Changes happen suddenly and without warning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of modern technology on social mobility?

<p>It allows for broader access and understanding among different cultures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a consequence of modernization?

<p>Strengthened family bonds. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has technology impacted unemployment according to the content?

<p>Technology replaces workers with machines. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the limitations of communication technology mentioned?

<p>It can lead to cybercrime. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what aspect has technology primarily changed social institutions?

<p>Transformation of family and marriage patterns. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What societal issue is associated with the misuse of digital technology?

<p>Engagement in cybercrime. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does technology potentially contribute to crime?

<p>It facilitates easier planning and execution of criminal acts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What negative effect of modernization is highlighted regarding family dynamics?

<p>Increased likelihood of family breakups due to cybercrime. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the adoption process and the diffusion process?

<p>Diffusion is about the spread of innovation while adoption is about individual acceptance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of the adoption process does an individual start seeking additional information about an innovation?

<p>Interest stage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which stage in the adoption process involves small scale testing of the new idea?

<p>Trial stage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the 'adoption stage' in the innovation process?

<p>The individual uses the new idea continuously. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between discovery and invention?

<p>Discovery results from exploration while invention comes from experimentation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that societies evolve from simple to complex forms?

<p>Evolutionary Theory (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with the application of Darwin's principles to human societies?

<p>Herbert Spencer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Emile Durkheim identify as a cause of societal evolution?

<p>Moral density (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must occur during the evaluation stage of the adoption process?

<p>The individual judges the worth of the innovation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of social change, what does the term 'social Darwinism' refer to?

<p>The theory that societies evolve based on their adaptability. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the awareness stage in the adoption process?

<p>The individual learns about the existence of the new idea but lacks detailed information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be considered a key factor in the diffusion of innovations?

<p>The communication channels used for spreading the idea. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which stage in the adoption process reflects the final decision to utilize an innovation continuously?

<p>Adoption stage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the North Central Rural Sociology subcommittee, how is the adoption process described?

<p>A dynamic process consisting of distinct stages. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does mass media play in shaping the socialization process?

<p>It promotes the sharing of languages and traditions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most closely associated with Karl Marx's view on social change?

<p>Economic conditions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does mass media contribute to globalization?

<p>By manipulating public perception. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does technology primarily impact social structures?

<p>It compels society to adapt to new environments. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant criticism of modern mass media?

<p>It can broadcast fake and unrealistic narratives. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key function of mass media aids in public participation?

<p>Providing a platform for idea sharing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary aspect of life has been changed by technological advances according to the content?

<p>Mate selection practices. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of culture does mass media help to preserve?

<p>Indigenous identity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant change in communication is attributed to mass media?

<p>Rapid and easy global communication. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does mass media influence perceptions of beauty?

<p>By constructing new images of beauty. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common criticism of the entertainment-focused media?

<p>It downplays significant news events. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does mass media fulfill in terms of accountability?

<p>It encourages responsible behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following functions is a primary role of mass media?

<p>To enable wide dissemination of information. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does mass media have on individual behaviors?

<p>It shapes and modifies behaviors through shared ideas. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do cultural values influence economic institutions according to Max Weber?

<p>Cultural values can drive economic gains. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the state play in social change?

<p>It formulates and cancels laws to encourage social change. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of psychological factors on social change?

<p>They motivate individuals to seek new experiences and changes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason societies resist social change?

<p>People have interests in maintaining the status quo. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'culture lag' refer to?

<p>The delay in non-material culture adjusting to material culture changes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one major consequence of industrialization?

<p>Higher unemployment and poverty rates. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might political agencies influence social change?

<p>They have the power to enforce new laws. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotional response might individuals have toward social change?

<p>Fear and insecurity about adapting to changes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT typically lead to social change?

<p>Cultural stagnation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for resistance to social movements?

<p>Established norms are questioned. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the historical factors that delayed the abolition of slavery in the United States?

<p>Political and economic vested interests against abolition. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the type of political leadership affect social change?

<p>It can determine the pace and direction of change. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about social change is true?

<p>Societies are often rigid and resist change. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant impact of technological factors on social change?

<p>They promote gradual changes in ideologies and norms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do ideas influence social change?

<p>Ideas serve as powerful factors motivating social change. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does demography play in social change?

<p>Demographic changes can lead to shifts in attitudes and behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a negative consequence of population growth?

<p>Rise in unemployment and poverty. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What often triggers social movements?

<p>Discontent and desire for a new social order. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of an environmental factor causing social change?

<p>Geographical hazards prompting migrations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of social revolutions?

<p>They aim to establish a new order of life. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of factors often lead to social planning?

<p>Goal-directed and organized efforts by institutions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of social change, cultural factors are best described as:

<p>Interconnected with social structures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant outcome of changes in ideas within society?

<p>Reformation movements and revolutions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the industrial revolution affect social organization?

<p>It mechanized industries and transformed the economic structure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the relationship between education and social change?

<p>Education fosters the emergence of new ideas and critical thinking. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which movement is considered a landmark in changing the social and political life of Nepalese people?

<p>The People’s Movement II. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been a positive effect of demographic changes in society?

<p>Enhanced cash remittance and skill exchanges. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of solidarity is associated with a more differentiated social structure?

<p>Organic solidarity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to cyclical theory, how do civilizations progress?

<p>Rise and fall with distinct life-cycles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is central to Arnold Toynbee's analysis of civilizations?

<p>Challenge and response (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Sorokin's sensate culture emphasize?

<p>Materialism and sensory experiences (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of conflict in Karl Marx's view of society?

<p>The basis of class conflict leading to societal change (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Talcott Parsons' primary focus regarding social change?

<p>Cultural patterns and social stability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Sorokin, what happens when one cultural type dominates too much?

<p>Emergence of a counteracting cultural force (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did George Simmel view the impact of conflict in society?

<p>Conflict is a necessary process for unity and interaction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do cyclical theories of social change primarily analyze?

<p>Patterns of growth and decay in societies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the transition from simple to complex societies according to Parsons?

<p>Differentiation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects Marx's idea of class conflict?

<p>Opposing interests lead to historical conflict and change (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of social stability, Parsons emphasized the concept of:

<p>Maintaining equilibrium through cultural patterns (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of ideational culture as per Sorokin?

<p>Concerned with abstract thought and ultimate truths (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key feature of functionalism?

<p>Focus on social dynamics and change (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Social Change

A process that alters social organizations, including its structure and functions.

Invention

The act of creating something completely new, like a technology.

Innovation

The process of improving or enhancing an existing product, process, or service.

Diffusion

The spread of an idea or innovation through a social system.

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Importance of Innovation

The benefits of innovation include boosting creativity, increasing productivity, and driving new opportunities.

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Ogburn's definition of invention

A social change process where new ideas are combined from existing elements.

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Gradual Social Change

Social change is a continuous process, not abrupt.

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Unique Social Moments

Every moment in society is unique and offers new perspectives for sociologists.

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Adoption Process

The process by which an individual learns about a new idea, becomes interested, evaluates it, tries it out, and finally adopts it for continuous use.

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Diffusion Process

The spread of a new idea from its source to its ultimate users, involving communication and interaction among individuals in a social system.

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Awareness Stage

The stage where an individual is aware of the new idea but lacks detailed information about it.

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Interest Stage

The stage where an individual develops interest in the innovation and seeks more information about it.

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Evaluation Stage

The stage where an individual assesses the value of the innovation and decides whether to try it out.

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Trial Stage

The stage where an individual applies the new idea on a small scale to test its utility in their own situation.

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Adoption Stage

The stage where an individual uses the new idea continuously on a full scale after being satisfied with its trial.

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Discovery

The process of finding something that already exists, often accidentally.

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Evolutionary Theory

A theory of social change that posits societies gradually evolve from simple to complex forms, often seen as progress.

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Unilinear Evolution

The idea that societies evolve in a single line of development, with change viewed as positive and beneficial.

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Stages of Social Evolution (Morgan)

The idea that societies evolve through three stages: savagery, barbarism, and civilization.

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Stages of Social Evolution (Comte)

The idea that societies evolve through three stages: theological, metaphysical, and positive.

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Social Darwinism

The application of Darwin's theory of natural selection to human societies, arguing that the fittest survive and evolve.

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Moral Density (Durkheim)

The idea that societal evolution is driven by increasing moral density, leading to greater differentiation, interdependence, and formal control.

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Mechanical Solidarity

A type of solidarity based on shared values, beliefs, and experiences, common in simpler societies with less division of labor.

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Organic Solidarity

A type of solidarity based on interdependence and specialized roles, characteristic of complex societies with more division of labor.

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Cyclical Theory of Social Change

A theory of social change that views civilizations as going through a cycle of growth, maturity, decline, and death, similar to the life cycle of a biological organism.

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Arnold Toynbee

A prominent figure in cyclical theory, known for his book "A Study of History." He argued that civilizations face challenges and their responses to these challenges determine their fate.

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Pitirim Sorokin

A Russian sociologist who argued that cultures fluctuate between two poles: sensate and ideational. He believed that societies contain both impulses and that tension between them creates change.

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Sensate Culture

A culture that emphasizes the material world, sensual pleasures, and practical needs.

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Ideational Culture

A culture that emphasizes the spiritual world, abstract ideas, and faith.

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Functionalism

A theory of social change that emphasizes the importance of cultural patterns in maintaining stability. Change is seen as adaptations to maintain a new equilibrium.

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Talcott Parsons

A prominent figure in functionalism, known for his emphasis on the role of cultural patterns and institutions in maintaining social stability.

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Conflict Theory

A theory of social change that emphasizes the role of conflict in driving social change. Conflict is seen as an inherent and necessary force for progress.

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Karl Marx

A prominent figure in conflict theory, who argued that history is a struggle between the bourgeoisie (capitalists) and the proletariat (workers).

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George Simmel

A German sociologist who emphasized the importance of conflict in social change, believing it was a permanent feature of society.

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Differentiation

The process of creating new institutions to take over some of the functions of existing institutions, often as a result of increasing complexity in society.

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Integration

The process of integrating new institutions and norms into a social system, often as a result of differentiation.

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Media's Impact on Culture

The process through which media influences individual behavior, values, and beliefs.

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Media Representations

The way media portrays different cultural groups, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and stereotypes.

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Media Effects

The influence of media on its audience, encompassing its effects on behavior, attitudes, and perceptions.

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Mass Media

The dissemination of information to a large, diverse, and often unknown audience.

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Socialization via Media

The process by which individuals learn and internalize the norms, values, and beliefs of their society through media.

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Media and Globalization

The ability of mass media to promote globalization by spreading cultural trends, ideas, and products worldwide.

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Media and Cross-Cultural Communication

The role of media in facilitating communication across cultures and borders.

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Media as a Source of Knowledge

The ability of media to provide knowledge and information about current events and a wide range of topics.

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Media Bias and Fake News

The potential for media to present biased or false information, which can impact public perception and understanding.

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Media and Public Participation

The role of media in providing a platform for public participation and advocacy on social issues.

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Media and Entertainment

The ability of media to promote entertainment through movies, music, television, and other forms of media.

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Economic Factors and Social Change

The impact of economic factors on social change, including shifts in economic systems and inequalities.

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Technology and Social Change

The role of technology in driving social change, including new inventions, innovations, and communication tools.

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Adaptation to Technological Change

The process of adapting to changes in the environment, often leading to shifts in social norms and institutions.

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Media and Social Construction

The influence of media on the construction of beauty standards and representations of gender roles and identities.

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Love Marriage

The practice of choosing a spouse based on love and compatibility, often involving personal relationships and dating.

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Arranged Marriage

A marriage arranged by families or elders, usually based on factors like family background and social status.

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Cultural Diffusion

The spread of ideas, customs, and technologies from one culture to another, often facilitated by improved communication and transportation.

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Technology

The systematic application of scientific knowledge to solve problems and create new technologies.

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Mechanization

The process of replacing human labor with machines in production, leading to increased efficiency and changes in social structures.

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Industrial Revolution

A major shift in society brought about by the widespread use of machines, resulting in changes in production, social organization, and living standards.

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Ideational Social Change

The transformation of society due to changes in people's thoughts, ideas, and beliefs.

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Ideals of Self-Betterment and Equality

Idealistic concepts like freedom, equality, and democracy that inspire social movements and revolutions.

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Demographic Factors

The characteristics of a population, such as size, age distribution, and density.

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Population Fluctuation

The impact of population growth on society, including both positive and negative effects.

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Social Planning

Planned, large-scale efforts by governments or organizations to bring about social change through policies and programs.

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Social Movements

Collective actions by groups of people aiming to change existing social systems or create a new order.

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Social Revolutions

Major, transformative events involving widespread social upheaval and restructuring of power, often marked by violence and conflict.

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Environmental Factors in Social Change

The process by which physical environmental changes, like natural disasters, affect society and force people to adapt.

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Cultural Factors in Social Change

The interconnectedness of social and cultural change, indicating that changes in one aspect often lead to changes in the other.

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Culture's impact on social change

The concept that changes in culture inevitably lead to corresponding changes in society's overall structure.

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Political factors in social change

The observation that the most powerful organization within a society, the state, has significant influence over social change.

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Legal factors in social change

The concept that changes in legal frameworks and interpretations lead to new social norms and values within a society.

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Psychological factors in social change

The idea that human nature's innate desire for change drives social transformation.

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Resistance to social change

The resistance or opposition to societal change by individuals or groups who are adversely affected.

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Culture lag

The tendency for non-material cultural values to lag behind technological advancements in material culture.

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Growth of industrialization

The historical shift towards machine-based production, driven by technological advances.

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Urbanization

The phenomenon of increasing urban populations and the growth of cities, often linked to technological advancements.

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Technological change consequences

The observation that technological advancements can lead to both economic benefits and social challenges, like unemployment and poverty.

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Modernization

Technology, especially modern technology, is the basis of modernization. It leads to new ideas, innovation, and transforms societies.

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Impact of Technology on Transportation and Communication

Technology has created fast and accessible transportation and communication systems. This makes the world smaller, but it also creates problems like cybercrime.

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Emergence of New Social Classes

Technology drives social changes, creating new opportunities and inequalities, leading to the emergence of different social classes with varying lifestyles and income levels.

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Changes in Social Institutions

Technology influences the structure and function of social institutions such as family, marriage, religion, education, and the economy.

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Technology and Unemployment

Technology leads to job displacement as machines can replace human workers, making mass production faster and more efficient. This can lead to unemployment issues.

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Cybercrime

The misuse of digital technology, including spreading pornography, engaging in extramarital affairs, and other harmful activities, is classified as cybercrime. It can disrupt families and individuals.

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Technology and Crime

Technology can be used for criminal activities, making it easier to commit crimes, use weapons, and spread violence.

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Technology and War

Technology can contribute to international conflict and war by fueling unhealthy competition, ego, and technological supremacy.

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Study Notes

Social and Cultural Change

  • Societies and cultures are dynamic, constantly changing, not static.
  • Every social moment presents new sociological considerations.
  • Change occurs gradually, not suddenly.
  • Change is driven by processes like invention, innovation, diffusion, and discovery.

Definitions of Social Change

  • Kinsley Davis: Social change involves alterations in social organizations, structure, and function.
  • T.B. Bottmore: Social change refers to alterations in social structure, institutions, and inter-institutional relationships.
  • M.E. Jones: Social change describes variations or modifications in aspects of social processes, patterns, interactions, and organizations.

Innovation

  • Derived from the Latin "innovare" (to renew).
  • Improves or replaces existing processes, products, or services.
  • In business, innovation updates domains, products, and services using new processes, techniques, or ideas to create value.
  • Essentially, an improvement in existing ideas.

Importance of Innovation

  • Creates new opportunities.
  • Fosters personal growth.
  • Enhances creativity and confidence.
  • Improves education.
  • Increases productivity.
  • Integrates technology.
  • Enhances workplaces.
  • Provides a competitive edge.
  • Addresses social threats or problems.
  • Strengthens communities.

Invention

  • The creation of a completely new idea or technology.
  • Example: The telephone (initial creation)
  • Ogburn: New combinations of existing cultural elements are inventions.

Diffusion

  • The communication and spread of an innovation through channels over time within a social system.
  • Crucial elements: the innovation, communication channels, social system, and time.
  • Rogers (1962): Defined the adoption process as the mental steps individuals take from learning about an innovation to adopting it.

Adoption Process vs. Diffusion Process

  • Diffusion: Spread of an idea from its source to users.
  • Adoption: The individual's mental process of adopting an idea.
  • Distinct stages involved in adoption.

Stages of the Adoption Process (Rogers, 1962)

  • Awareness: Knowing of the innovation's existence, lacking details.
  • Interest: Seeking more information about the innovation.
  • Evaluation: Assessing the innovation's suitability and potential value.
  • Trial: Testing the innovation on a small scale.
  • Adoption: Full-scale and continuous use of the innovation.

Discovery

  • Finding something that already exists.
  • Examples: Archaeological discoveries, new land exploration.
  • Similar adoption stages as invention or diffusion.

Invention vs. Discovery

Feature Invention Discovery
Process Experimentation leading to something new Exploration revealing something pre-existing
Nature Creative creation Finding something present
Patentability Patentable Impatent
Origin Man-made Usually natural

Theories of Social Change

1. Evolutionary Theory

  • Societies progress gradually from simple to complex forms.
  • Early sociologists saw this as a positive, unidirectional "progress."
  • Morgan: Proposed stages of savagery, barbarism, and civilization.
  • Comte: Identified stages of human thought and societal development.
  • Spencer: Applied Darwinian "survival of the fittest" to societies (social Darwinism).
  • Durkheim: Increasing moral density leads to social differentiation and interdependence.

2. Cyclical Theory

  • Civilizations rise and fall, repeating patterns of growth and decline.
  • Spengler: Civilizations have a life cycle like organisms.
  • Toynbee: Challenges and responses shape civilizations' fates. Learning from mistakes and borrowing from others is key for growth cycles.
  • Sorokin: Cultures fluctuate between sensate (sensory-focused) and ideational (mind-focused) extremes.

3. Functionalism

  • Emphasizes social stability and equilibrium.
  • Change alters equilibrium, resulting in a new state of equilibrium.
  • Internal and external forces cause change.
  • Parsons: Differentiation and integration in complex societies (moving from undifferentiated to specialized institutions)

4. Conflict Theory

  • Social conflict is ubiquitous and dynamic.
  • Marx: History is driven by class conflict between exploiters and exploited.
  • Simmel: Conflict brings people together, drives change.

Role of Media in Social and Cultural Change

  • Mass media is an agent of socialization (socialization of different groups).
  • Provides knowledge & information.
  • Influences globalization; sharing political, economic, and cultural trends.
  • Enables rapid communication.
  • Enables public participation.
  • Preserves & promotes local culture.
  • Encourages persuasion and accountability.

Factors of Social Change

  • Economic: Economic systems shape societies. (Marxist view)
  • Technology: Technological advancements change societies' behaviors, institutions, and customs.
  • Education: Ideas and ideologies drive change, influencing attitudes and behaviors (individual and societal).
  • Demography: Population size, composition, and density affect social change.
  • Planning: Planned and unplanned social changes (e.g., government policies, innovation emergence).
  • Social Movements & Revolution: Collective efforts to create a new social order, shaping societies.
  • Environment: Impacts migration and societal adaptation.
  • Culture: Cultural changes lead to social shifts (values, beliefs, etc.).
  • Political: Government actions, political leadership, and policies drive change.
  • Legal: Laws influence societal behavior and norms.
  • Psychological: Human nature's tendency toward change and discovery.

Resistance to Social Change

  • Resistance from those with vested interests in the status quo.
  • Feelings of insecurity about adapting to change.
  • Economic and cultural factors can hinder social change.
  • Cultural lag: Material culture changes faster than non-material culture.

Technological Change and its Consequences

  • Industrialization: Advances in production technologies, causing unemployment and poverty.
  • Urbanization: Growth of cities due to technological advancements.
  • Modernization: Adoption of modern technologies and ideas.
  • Transportation & Communication: Faster and easier transportation and communication, broader social mobility.
  • New Social Classes: Emergence of new societal classes.
  • Changes in Social Institutions: Impacts on family structures, religion, education, etc.
  • Unemployment: Technology can lead to job displacement.
  • Cybercrime: Misuse of technology for illegal activities.
  • Criminal Behavior: Technology can facilitate criminal actions.
  • War: Competition and misuse of technology can lead to conflict.

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