Survey of World History Social Change Discussion – Description
Social Change
Many of the topics we are studying these couple of weeks center on “social change.” The Encyclopedia Britannica defines social change as “the alteration of mechanisms within the social structure, characterized by changes in cultural symbols, rules of behaviour, social organizations, or value systems.” Social change occurs over time and is occurring all the time even if one isn’t paying attention; it tends to have implications for a society’s cultural, political, economic, and other relationships. Structural, political, economic and other changes were taking place in various parts of the world in the period between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries–just like right now. In Asia, conservative leaders resisted pressure for social change after their encounter with Europeans, but the societies stagnated. Ming/Qing Dynasties, Ottoman Empire, Mughal Empire, and Safavid Empire all experienced and resisted European demands for trade, religious conversion, and political change. Conversely, Europe and America underwent political, social, and economic transformation. Cataclysmic changes of seismic proportions were dubbed “revolutions.” Among these were the American Revolution, French Revolution, Haitian Revolution, Industrial Revolution, emergence of industrial capitalism, and end of slavery. Our task is to discuss social change.
What factors promote social change? Who were/are prime movers for social change? What role did the philosophes of the Enlightenment age or opinion leaders today play? How did powerful politicians, business interests, religious leaders, and the media (traditional and social) contribute in promoting or resisting social change? What made some societies embrace change and others resist change? What were the consequences of either option? How is social change sustained or managed? The task is to reflect on a few of these questions and tie them to the revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and brotherhood that featured in the American, French, Haitian, and Latin American Revolutions that we are studying. You may also like to reflect on human rights, freedom, religious rights, and other ideals that people are clamoring for today. As you did in the September discussion, you can take one or a few of the above questions or create one that you will explore in your post.
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