Social Change: Processes, Factors, Theories and Social Movements
This domain tests processes, factors, theories and movements. Strong answers distinguish change from progress and link theory to evidence.
Processes and factors
Social change is alteration in social structure, institutions and norms over time. Processes include evolution, diffusion, acculturation, assimilation, modernisation, industrialisation and urbanisation. Factors include technology, economy, demography, culture, education, law and political conflict. Change can be planned (development projects) or unplanned (market shifts).
Theories
Evolutionary theories expect directional stages; cyclical theories expect recurrence; functionalist theories stress adaptation and equilibrium; conflict theories stress contradiction and struggle; modernisation theory contrasts tradition and modernity; dependency theory explains underdevelopment through global inequality.
Movements
Social movements are sustained collective challenges to authorities or cultural codes. Types include reform, revolutionary, resistance and expressive movements. Explanations use relative deprivation, resource mobilisation and framing.
Worked example
A campaign against a polluting factory: economic grievances and health risks create deprivation; a coalition of residents, NGOs and students supplies resources; leaders frame the issue as rights and public health. The movement is not explained by 'modernisation' alone; organisation and framing matter.
Traps
Change is not always progress. Diffusion is not the same as acculturation: diffusion spreads items; acculturation involves mutual cultural change after contact. Do not describe a riot as a social movement: movements are sustained and organised. Do not use one theory as a universal explanation.