Theories

Sociologists use the term Social change to describe the transformation in the society, such as
agriculture society to modern society, feudal society to modern society, democratization,
industrial society, emergence of capitalism and the recent globalization. All these changes in the
society are linked with economic conditions and market forces (demand and supply) and which
have consequences on social, cultural and political activities. Certainly, the starting period of
sociology which is known as distinct discipline was characterized by large scale social,
economical and political transformation. The theorists of 19th century focused mainly on social
change at large scale such as the increasing division of labor (Emile Durkheim), capitalism and
its contradictions (Karl Marx), and rationalization (Max Weber). The theories of social changes
mainly focus on abstract changes of human behavior in society, their everyday experiences in
social environments, families, work/employment, social control, school and many more. Mainly
in 19th century, the government frequently depended on the law as a resource, to execute the
desired changes in the society. this reflects a step towards welfare state through statute and
through programmes administered by bureaucracy.
While thinking about the social changes in the society, a meticulous distinction between structure
and action is frequently done. The proposal of structure recommends a fixed, endurable,
observable entity, such as a whole society or a part of it, for example the system of inequality or
the legal system. Social structure constrains individuals social activity by limiting the scope of
human activity such as intension, individual choice, motivation or responsibility.
This kind of structure is typically apparent in structural functioning in accounts that has a
concept of social organization braced by the logics of integration and stability. But because of
the evaluation and progress towards modernization of society, tradition and customs have found
there substitution in science and rationality which may often result in conflicts, description and
instability.
Types
The three types of change articulated below are not prescriptions of social change but rather
descriptions of different kinds of social change that already exist and are inherently a part of the
developing state of a social being1. If used to accurately read the nature of change in a social
being then they suggest certain approaches working with change that are more likely to respond
successfully to unfolding realities on the ground. But the first task must be to understand what is
already there before anything is done in response.

Mainly there are three types of changes expressed below which are not prescriptions of social
change but relatively a description of different kinds of changes in the society which exist and
are naturally and are inherited in the society.
1. EVOLUTIONARY SOCIAL CHANGES
Evolutionary changes occur in course of a long period slowly and gradually and through
evolutionary process. Such changes are not very drastic or remarkable. They proceed
gradually like the process of conditioning and people learn to adjust with such changes
gradually. Like, in late 60’s women’s used to wear saree and nobody then could dream of
marrying a women wearing salwar and kameez. Even a married working women put veil
on their head during office time.
But this system has changed gradually. Women’s are getting modernize as they started
wearing western dresses and normally do not put veil on their head. This practice has
been gradual and it has also been accepted in the society.
2. PROJECTABLE CHANGE
When we talk about the internal and external environments, mainly the relationships
which are logical, predictable and steady enough and where random outcomes do not
threaten the desired conclusion, the state of projectable change arises and well planned
projects become feasible.

1
Reeler Doug, A theory of social change, Community Development Resourse,2007 p. 13
The two approaches where projectable changes apply:
First is identified by a problem-based approach, in which the problem is identified and then the
solution is drawn. A broken tap is identified and a solution is found. This approach works
logically which has plan from present to future.
Second is identified by a creative approach of society’s imagination or visioning desired
results, not as a straight solution but as a new circumstance in which past problems are no
longer there. While looking for a fixed solution, a new root of water can be created.