Theories of Social Change
Structural Functionalist Theory
- the structural functionalist theory can be used to understand deviance and the cycle of crime (crime, public outrage and punishments, accepting moral principles and guideline, and deviants)
- This theory keeps people from destroying themselves, as social organization, institutions and culture are needed to make societies functional
- This theory encourages universal change, as a change in one institution will affect other institutions, either in negative or positive ways.
Structural Functionalist
Conflict Theory
Conflict
- The Conflict Theory exhibits change in a forceful way, as power is the main focus, with the power of different function determining social order
- However, the competition causes social imbalance, which can be resolved by resolution and balance of powers
- This theory could propose a resistance to change, as race, gender and social class are important factors in societal order, causing certain groups to benefit more than others.
- This could also be a motivating factor to change, as people would aim towards equality, instead of gaining power
Feminism
- the Feminist Theory originates from women's suffrage, gender inequality and liberation
- This theory focuses on equality and equity between the sexes, as women have not been seen as equal in many social institutions
- Feminism allows for encouragement towards change in a positive way, as it focuses on sexual orientation, race, economic status and nationality, which are all issues faced by women around the world
Cultural Materialism
Cultural Materialism
- According to the Cultural Materialism Theory, social change depends on a society's infrastructure, structure and superstructure.
- This theory suggests that the physical world impacts and sets constraints on human behavior, meaning that the environment, resources, technology and material items are major influences of cultural change.
- Therefore, it can be said that there is a resistance to social change, as each society is limited by the resources that can be found in their natural environment and economic development
Cognitive Theory
Cognitive
- The Cognitive Theory focuses on people being able to learn by observing others and changing their behavior accordingly.
- This theory also suggests using punishment and reinforcement to alter behavior in order to accomplish the goals that people set for themselves
- Social change may be resisted because this theory uses punihsment and reinforcement to change the behavior of society, which could come in the form of military aid.
Humanism Theory
- The Huamnism Theory uses an individual's view of themselves, as well as the world around them to determine their outlook
Humanism
Intersectionality Theory
Intersectionality
- The Intersectionality Theory focuses on different forms of discrimination overlap (ex. race and gender, or class, race and gender)
- Intersectionality examines the uniqueness of people, as well as their ability to choose their own qualities and attributes.
- Social change is encouraged with this theory, as people are made aware of the different outlooks and ideal qualities that cultures have, therefore resulting in major social change events.
- Also, by focusing on the uniqueness of individuals, less descrimination may occur, resulting in an encouragement of social change