Theories and Evidence: Social Institutions and Social Change

Social institutions are the structures and mechanisms that organize human society. They include everything from governments and economies to families and schools. Social institutions provide stability and order, but they can also be sources of inequality and oppression.

Social change is the process by which social institutions are transformed. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including technological change, economic development, and political revolutions.

Comparable Worth: Theories and Evidence (Social Institutions and Social Change Series)

by Paula England

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Language	:	English
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Theories of social institutions and social change have been developed by scholars in a variety of disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, and history.

Theories of Social Institutions

There are many different theories about how social institutions work. Some of the most influential theories include:

• Structural-functionalism: This theory views social institutions as structures that perform essential functions for society. For example, the family is seen as a structure that provides stability and support for its members.
• Symbolic interactionism: This theory focuses on the way that people interact with each other through symbols. It argues that social institutions are created and maintained through the interactions of individuals.
• Conflict theory: This theory views social institutions as sites of conflict and competition. It argues that social institutions are often used to maintain the power of the dominant group in society.

Evidence on Social Institutions

There is a great deal of evidence to support the theories of social institutions. For example, research has shown that social institutions can play a positive role in promoting health, education, and economic development.

However, there is also evidence to suggest that social institutions can be sources of inequality and oppression. For example, research has shown that social institutions can be used to justify discrimination against women, minorities, and other marginalized groups.

Theories of Social Change

There are many different theories about how social change occurs. Some of the most influential theories include:

• Evolutionism: This theory views social change as a process of evolution, in which societies progress from simpler to more complex forms.
• Functionalism: This theory views social change as a process of adaptation to changing conditions. It argues that social institutions change in order to meet the needs of the society.
• Conflict theory: This theory views social change as a process of conflict between different groups in society. It argues that social institutions change as the dominant group in society changes.

Evidence on Social Change

There is a great deal of evidence to support the theories of social change. For example, research has shown that social change can be caused by technological change, economic development, and political revolutions.

However, there is also evidence to suggest that social change can be a slow and gradual process. For example, research has shown that it can take many years for new social institutions to become established.

Social institutions and social change are two of the most important topics in sociology. The theories and evidence surrounding these topics provide us with a better understanding of how society works and how it can be changed.

Comparable Worth: Theories and Evidence (Social Institutions and Social Change Series)

by Paula England

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23784 KB
Print length	:	358 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE