MEVE 017: Unit 03 - Social Change and Development

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UNIT 3: SOCIAL CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT

3.1 Introduction

Society is not static—it keeps changing with time. These changes can be seen in people’s lifestyle, values, beliefs, technologies, and social systems. This is called social change. When these changes lead to progress and better living conditions, it is called development. This unit helps us understand how societies change, the theories behind these changes, and how processes like industrialisation, modernisation, and globalisation impact society, especially in the Indian context.

3.2 Objectives

This unit will help you:

  • Understand what social change and development mean
  • Learn the major factors and theories related to social change
  • Explore key processes like industrialisation and globalisation
  • Understand how social change has taken place in India
  • Study terms like Sanskritization, Westernisation, and Modernisation

3.3 Understanding Social Change

3.3.1 Social Change and Development

Social change means a shift in the social structure, behavior, culture, or values of a society over time. It can be slow or fast, planned or unplanned.
Development refers to improvements in quality of life, such as better education, health, and equality. Social change becomes meaningful when it leads to positive development in society.

3.3.2 Factors of Social Change

Many factors bring change in society. These include:

  • Technology – New inventions like the internet and machines
  • Education – Spreads awareness and reduces ignorance
  • Economic growth – Increases opportunities and income
  • Political movements – Push for rights and justice
  • Cultural contact – Brings new ideas from other cultures
  • Environmental changes – Disasters or climate shifts can also change lifestyles
    These factors work together to shape modern societies.

3.4 Theories of Social Change

Sociologists have given different theories to explain how and why societies change.

3.4.1 Evolutionary Theories

These theories suggest that society changes gradually from simple to complex forms. Like how humans evolved, society also evolves toward progress, from tribal to modern industrial forms.

3.4.2 Conflict Theory

This theory says that social change happens due to conflicts between different groups, especially between the rich and poor, or powerful and powerless. Changes occur when people fight for justice, equality, and rights.

3.4.3 Structural-Functionalist Theories

These theories see society as a system where all parts work together. When something disturbs this balance, changes happen to restore stability.

3.4.4 Other Perspectives on Social Change

Other perspectives include:

  • Cyclical theory – Societies rise and fall in cycles
  • Postmodern theory – Change is not always progressive; it can be complex and unpredictable

3.5 Processes of Social Change

3.5.1 Industrialisation and Modernisation

Industrialisation means the growth of factories, machines, and large-scale production. It brings economic development, creates jobs, and changes how people live.
Modernisation involves adopting new ideas, values, and technology. It helps people become more educated, rational, and open to change.

3.5.2 Industrialisation and Urbanisation

As industries grow, people move to cities for jobs. This shift from villages to cities is called urbanisation. It creates new challenges like pollution, overcrowding, and slums but also offers better facilities.

3.5.3 Secularisation and Globalisation

Secularisation is the process by which religion becomes less important in public life. People start thinking more logically and scientifically.

Globalisation means the world is becoming more connected through trade, communication, and travel. Cultures mix, and ideas spread faster, bringing both opportunities and challenges.

3.6 Social Change in India: An Overview

India has undergone many social changes over time. These include:

3.6.1 Sanskritization

A term given by sociologist M.N. Srinivas. It means when lower castes try to improve their status by adopting the customs, rituals, and lifestyle of upper castes (especially Brahmins).

3.6.2 Westernisation

This is the process of adopting Western values, ideas, dress, language (especially English), and education systems. It started mainly during British rule and continues even today.

3.6.3 Modernisation

It means becoming modern in thoughts and actions—like promoting equality, gender rights, scientific thinking, and democratic values. In India, modernisation is happening along with the preservation of traditional values.

3.7 Social Change and Development

Social change and development go hand in hand. While social change brings new systems and ideas, development ensures that these changes lead to improvement in people’s lives. In India, development also means reducing poverty, improving education, promoting gender equality, and protecting the environment.

3.8 Let Us Sum Up

Social change is a continuous process influenced by various factors like technology, education, and conflict. Theories help us understand why change happens. Industrialisation, urbanisation, modernisation, and globalisation are key processes that have shaped modern societies. In India, changes like Sanskritization, Westernisation, and Modernisation show how tradition and change move together. True development happens when social change brings equality, growth, and well-being for all.

 

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