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14: Social Change - Population, Urbanization, and Social Movements

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    2101
    • Anonymous
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    This chapter examines the types and sources of social change. We begin by looking generally at social change to understand its overall significance. We then turn to the study of population, as changes in population can and do have important implications for changes in society itself. We also look at urbanization, which over the centuries has changed the social landscape profoundly. Finally, we look at social movements, which involve purposive efforts by groups of people to bring about changes they think necessary and desirable in society.

    • 14.1: Prelude to Population, Urbanization, and Social Movements
      This page examines social issues showcased by recent news, focusing on how individuals and groups can drive societal change. It highlights the Caleb Sorohan Act in Georgia, spurred by a teen's death from texting while driving, and a student's climate change protest in Massachusetts, illustrating grassroots activism.
    • 14.2: Understanding Social Change
      This page examines social change, contrasting traditional small societies with modern large ones and highlighting the processes of modernization. It discusses functionalism and conflict theory perspectives, with functionalism emphasizing gradual changes and equilibrium, while conflict theory advocates for necessary abrupt changes to tackle inequality. The page critiques both theories and explores sources of social change, including technology and environmental shifts.
    • 14.3: Population
      This page delves into population growth perceptions, illustrating reduced concerns over time while emphasizing demographic measurements such as birth and death rates. It introduces demographic transition theory, contrasting it with Malthusian views, and stresses that hunger stems more from distribution inequalities than food scarcity.
    • 14.4: Urbanization
      This page explores the complexities of urbanization, detailing its impact on social, political, and economic life. It highlights the study of urban sociology, the varying experiences of city dwellers, and issues faced by densely populated areas such as crime, overcrowding, and inadequate services. The contrast between vibrant city cultures and poverty is discussed, alongside the challenges posed by rising urban populations and the benefits and drawbacks of urban versus rural living.
    • 14.5: Social Movements
      This page provides an overview of social movements, defined as organized efforts either promoting or opposing social change. It categorizes movements into types, explores their origins through micro and macro factors, and discusses theories explaining participation. The evolution of social movements is analyzed through various stages, emphasizing structural conditions and resource mobilization. Furthermore, it chronicles significant U.S.
    • 14.S: Population, Urbanization, and Social Movements (Summary)
      This page discusses social change as a transformative process influenced by modernization, leading to larger, individualistic societies. It highlights perspectives from sociologists Tönnies and Durkheim on the positive and negative impacts of change. Factors such as demographic shifts, cultural advancements, and conflicts drive social change, with urbanization playing a significant role.


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