2.2. Social Change

‘Social change’ is such a general term that it can be, and often is, used to refer to almost any kind of change not qualified by some other term, such as economic or political change. Sociologists have had to work hard to limit this broad meaning in order to make the term more specific and hence useful for social theory. At the most basic level, social change refers to changes that are significant – that is, changes which alter the ‘underlying structure of an object or situation over a period of time’ (Giddens 2005:42).

Social change refers to significant modifications within the structure of society. This can include alterations in institutions, practices, or societal norms. It’s important to note that not every change qualifies as 'social change'; only those with substantial impacts that reshape social dynamics are considered. This highlights the necessity for sociologists to clarify the term 'social change' to ensure it is used correctly in discussions about societies and their evolution.

Consider how in recent years, the widespread adoption of smartphones has changed the way we communicate and interact. Social media platforms, driven by this change, have fundamentally altered personal relationships and social interactions, thereby exemplifying significant social change.

Thus social change does not include any and all changes, but only big ones, changes which transform things fundamentally. The ‘bigness’ of change is measured not only by how much change it brings about, but also by the scale of the change, that is, by how large a section of society it affects. In other words, changes have to be both intensive and extensive – have a big impact spread over a large sector of society – in order to qualify as social change.

For a change to be classified as social change, it must have a profound impact on society's operations. It must not only affect a significant number of individuals but also alter core aspects of societal structure. For instance, civil rights movements that advance equality and justice fundamentally reshape society’s norms and structures, making them clear examples of social change due to their broad and deep impact.

Think of the abolition of apartheid in South Africa. This monumental change impacted millions and transformed the political, social, and economic landscapes of the country, illustrating how social change can have both far-reaching and fundamental effects.

Even after this kind of specification, social change still remains a very broad term. Attempts to further qualify it usually try to classify it by its sources or causes; by its nature, or the kind of impact it has on society; and by its pace or speed.

To understand social change better, it is useful to categorize it based on its origins, the kind of changes it induces, and how quickly these changes occur. For example, a change stemming from technological advancements might differ significantly in nature compared to a change caused by shifts in cultural values. Additionally, understanding whether a change develops gradually or suddenly can help assess its overall impact on society.

Consider climate change as a social change stemming from environmental factors. Its impacts are gradual, affecting society's agricultural practices, economic stability, and social interactions over time. This complexity requires classification to address the distinct challenges it poses.

Types of change that are identified by their nature or impact include structural change and changes in ideas, values and beliefs. Structural change refers to transformations in the structure of society, to its institutions or the rules by which these institutions are run.

Social changes can transform societal structures or beliefs. Structural changes often entail alterations in institutions like governments, economies, or social classes. For instance, the introduction of women’s suffrage was a structural change that reinforced new beliefs about equality and rights, fundamentally reshaping political institutions.

An analogous change is the shift from autocratic governments to democratic systems in various countries, which not only redefines political institutions but also influences citizens' beliefs about governance and rights.

Changes in values and beliefs can also lead to social change. For example, changes in the ideas and beliefs about children and childhood have brought about very important kinds of social change, there was a time when children were simply considered small adults – there was no special concept of childhood as such, with its associated notions of what was right or wrong for children to do.

Cultural beliefs and values play a significant role in shaping social change. The evolution of the concept of childhood illustrates this, as children were once expected to work from an early age. Over time, changing views about childhood have led to laws against child labor and the establishment of compulsory education, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards valuing childhood.

Consider how the societal understanding of mental health has changed over recent years. Previously stigmatized and misunderstood, today there’s a broader awareness and acceptance of mental health issues, leading to significant changes in policies, education, and how we relate to those struggling with mental health challenges.

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