Social Change and Collective Behavior Chapter 18 Social Change and Collective Behavior

Chapter Outline Using the Sociological Imagination Social Change Sources of Social Change Theoretical Perspectives

Chapter Outline Modernization Collective Behavior Dispersed Collectivities Crowds Social Movements

Tocqueville’s Key Assumptions in Predicting Social Change Major social institutions would continue to exist. Human nature would remain the same. Equality and the trend toward centralized government would continue.

Tocqueville’s Key Assumptions in Predicting Social Change The availability of material resources limits social change. Change is affected by the past, but history does not strictly dictate the future. There are no social forces aside from uman actions.

Processes for Change Three interrelated social processes lead to social change: Discovery Invention Diffusion

Computers Connected to the Internet (per 100,000 people)

Years for 30% of Americans to Acquire Technologies

Defining Elements of Asocial Movement A large number of people A common goal to promote or prevent social change. Some degree of leadership and organization. Activity sustained over a relatively long period of time.

Theoretical Perspectives: Social Change Concept Example Functionalism Equilibrium The nature of the presidency has continuity, despite scandals in the Nixon and Clinton administrations.

Theoretical Perspectives: Social Change Concept Example Symbolic Interactionism Urbanism A smaller proportion of social interaction in a large city is based on shared meanings.

Theoretical Perspectives: Social Change Concept Example Conflict theory Interest group Civil rights laws were enacted in the 1960s as a result of the struggle over racial equality.

The J-Curve Theory of Revolution

Hot Buttons for College Activists Year Hot Topics 1960s Vietnam war Civil rights 1970s Clean air and clean water Female empowerment 1980s International human rights Endangered species Sexual assault

Hot Buttons for College Activists Year Hot Topics 1990s Gay rights Sweatshop labor Legalization of marijuana New Millennium Globalization and corporate dominance Immigration

Major Forms of Collective Behavior Example Rumor The prediction that airplanes would crash on a massive scale on January 1, 2000 Urban legend Fierce alligators in New York City’s sewer system Fad Swing dancing Fashion Wearing Nike shoes.

Major Forms of Collective Behavior Example Crowd New Year’s celebrants at Times Square in New York City Mob Lynch mob Riot Behavior following the acquittal of police officers who were filmed using extreme force against Rodney King Social movement Civil rights movement