In the eighteenth century, the European social order underwent significant change due to the Enlightenment ideals that emphasized individual rights and equality. This led to challenges to traditional hierarchies based on birth, with the rise of the bourgeoisie, an emerging middle class. These changes helped pave the way for revolutions like the French Revolution that further transformed the social and political landscape in Europe.
Sociology emerged in the 19th century due to societal changes caused by the Industrial Revolution, urbanization, and political revolutions. Scholars sought to understand the impact of these changes on society, leading to the development of sociology as a discipline to study social structures, behaviors, and interactions.
Characteristics of Social Change:(1) Social change is universalIt means that social change is not confined to a particular society or group. It occurs in every society, sociologically, speaking an unchangeable society is considered as a dead society. Thus, no society is free from the impact of social change.(2)Speed of social change is related to time factorThe speed of social change is not uniform. It differs from period to period. In modern society the speed of social change is rapid or faster than traditional society.(3)Speed of social change is unequal and comparativeWe can argue that speed of social change is more or less similar in each society. It is slow in traditional society whereas it is rapid in modern society. In urban areas the speed of social change is faster than the rural areas.(4) Social change is an essential lawEssential law means a law which occurs and over which we have no control. It may be planned or not, it must occur.(5)Social change may be planned or unplannedPlanned changes are those which occur by some deliberate or conscious effort. On the other hand, unplanned change refers to the change which occurs without any deliberate effort like earth-quake, war, political revolution and other natural calamities. Thus, social change occurs both in planned and unplanned manner.(6)Social change may be short term or long termSome change brings immediate change which is known as short term change, like fashion, behavior of the individual etc. But other changes take years to produce result which is known as long term change. Custom, tradition, folkways, mores etc. are long term changes.(7)Social change lacks definite predictionPrediction means 'foretelling' in case of social change we are well aware of various factors but we cannot predict although it is a law. Definite prediction of social change is not possible, because what will the result of social change we cannot say.(8)Social change is a community changeSocial change does not refer to the change which occurs in the life of an individual or life pattern of individuals. It is a change which occurs in the entire community and that change can be called social change which influences a community form.(9) Social change is the result of the interaction of various factorsA single factor can trigger a particular change but never causes social change. It is always associated with other factors such as Cultural, Biological, Physical, Technological and others. It is due to the material interdependence of social phenomena.
Social change is relevant because it helps address issues of inequality, injustice, and discrimination in society. By promoting social change, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world for all individuals. Additionally, social change can lead to advancements in human rights, environmental protection, and overall societal well-being.
Social change refers to the transformation of societal norms, beliefs, behaviors, and structures. It can involve shifting attitudes, values, and systems to create positive impacts in society. Social change may be driven by various factors, including technological advancements, cultural shifts, political movements, and advocacy efforts.
The Enlightenment: The intellectual movement of the Enlightenment in the 18th century emphasized reason, observation, and the questioning of traditional beliefs, laying the foundation for the scientific study of society. Industrial Revolution: The rapid social changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, including urbanization and new forms of social organization, provided fertile ground for sociological inquiry into the impacts of these changes on society. French Revolution: The French Revolution of 1789 challenged existing social structures and institutions, sparking interest in understanding the dynamics of social change and the functioning of societies, which fueled the development of sociology as a discipline.
was determined by the division of society into traditional orders.
Enlightenment
Casta paintings depict the Bourbon ideal of racial blurring. They depicted mixed-race people in idealized terms and colonial social life. The paintings with race mixture emerged in the eighteenth century.
european Imperialism in the late 19th century
Journalists in the eighteenth century regarded their job as informing the public about important events, ensuring freedom of the press, and advocating for political and social reform. They saw themselves as watchdogs of government and as defenders of the people's right to information.
During the eighteenth century, the French people were split up into three groups; the clergy, noblemen, and peasents, but during the medieval times of France, there were two social groups of people, the smart and the dumb.
The Iroquois Confederacy faced significant weakening in the eighteenth century due to internal divisions, particularly during the French and Indian War, where different tribes aligned with opposing European powers. Additionally, the introduction of European goods and alcohol disrupted traditional social structures and practices. The loss of territory and influence, coupled with increasing pressure from colonial expansion, further diminished their strength and unity. These factors collectively eroded the once-powerful confederacy's ability to maintain its political and military cohesion.
Hierarchial
Migration affected twentieth-century European social life by causing a mass exodus from Europe to North America, and, in particular, the United States.
Migration affected twentieth-century European social life by causing a mass exodus from Europe to North America, and, in particular, the United States.
social contract
Western European nations have worked cooperatively for security and prosperity.