The four stated theories of social change are Evolutionary theories, Multilinear theories, Cyclical theories, and William Ogburn’s theory. Society, according to evolutionary theory, moves in definite directions. Evolutionary theories are based on the idea that civilizations change from primitive origins to more complex forms over time (Sociology Guide, n.d.). Multilinear theories examine how societies adapted to their environment (Tabassum, 2022). Civilizations’ rise and fall are the subjects of cyclical theories of social change, which aim to identify and explain the patterns of growth and disintegration (Sociology Guide, n.d.). William Ogburn suggested that social innovations, particularly those in the behavioral and social sciences, may be essential drivers of change and critical components in a society’s flexibility to cope with change and decrease cultural lags (Kavanagh et al., 2021). As a result, according to William Ogburn’s theory, technology is the primary driver of progress.
Technology can alter the dynamics that social scientists associate with social change. Griffiths & Keirns (2015) state that medical advances enable infertile women to have children, resulting in a rise in population. Innovations in agricultural technology have allowed humans to genetically modify and patent food items, which has resulted in several environmental impacts (Griffiths & Keirns, 2015). Hence, technology has influenced every area of modern life, from how students are educated to how food is produced.
Unquestionably, technological advancements alter how people work, live, and communicate. The world has seen the rise of mass media, smartphones, autonomous vehicles, telemedicine, and online education. Technology affected gender roles, social inequalities, and relationships via enabling equality, fast information distribution, and better communication. For instance, mass media has made it possible to build worldwide communities and share ideas and resources, including news. Online education is fast expanding; information is becoming more accessible, and e-learning contributes to individual and community growth. I have been impacted by technology; because I am engaged in online courses, and most of my time, I study and communicate online. I believe that despite the vast opportunities for sharing and obtaining information, mass media has weakened human connections. Essentially, mass media have changed the way I communicate with my friends and family; we do not call each other as often as before because short message exchange on Facebook is more convenient. Nowadays, people can meet in Zoom or Microsoft Teams; nonetheless, online meetings will never replace real-life conversation and genuine emotions.
References
Griffiths, H., & Keirns, N. (2015). Introduction to Sociology 2e. OpenStax.
Kavanagh, D., Lightfoot, G., & Lilley, S. (2021). Are we living in a time of particularly rapid social change? And how might we know?Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 169. Web.
Sociology Guide. (n.d.). Evolutionary theories. Web.
Tabassum, H. (2022). Theories of Social Change. KK Publications.