Mankind’s Greatest Achievement

Social Change All cultures change over time. Some change faster than others. Amish vs. Mainstream U.S. Rate of change is further accelerated by the fact that each change brings about other changes. Culture is like a spider web. For example, the invention of the automobile did more than offer us a new form of transportation: - provided millions of jobs - destroying the environment - affects where we live - leisure time - relationships - health

Social Change Sources of Social Change I.Values and Beliefs A.Examples? B.Sometimes a change in values and beliefs can bring about a social movement. 1.Social movement - long-term conscious effort to promote or prevent social change. 2.Examples: a.Women’s suffrage b.Prohibition c.Civil Rights d.Peace Movement (the hippies)

Social Change Sources of Social Change II.Technology A.Change also occurs when people find new ways to manipulate their environment. B.New technology often arrives through two means: 1.Discovery - when people recognize new uses for existing elements in the world or begin to understand then in new ways. a.Examples? b.Chewing gum, nuclear fission, penicillin. 2.Inventions - when people use existing knowledge to create something that did not previously exist.

10 Greatest Accidental Discoveries 10. Potato Chips 9. Silly Putty 8. Cellophane 7. Teflon 6. Velcro 5. Artificial sweetener 4. Microwave ovens 3. Vulcanized Rubber 2. X-Ray 1. Penicillin 10 Greatest Inventions 10. Sewing Machine 9. Light Bulb 8. Steam Engines 7. Camera 6. Cotton gin 5. Television 4. Computer 3. Automobile 2. Telephone 1. Printing Press

Social Change Sources of Social Change III.Population A.A change in the size of the population may bring about changes in culture. B.In the 20 th Century, the population of the U.S. has quintupled. 1.We have more people living in the same amount of space. We need more housing, energy, schools, food, transportation, prisons, clothing. C.Increase population can be good or bad. 1.More people equals more variety. 2.More people means more competition.

Social Change Sources of Social Change IV.Diffusion A.Cultures often borrow ideas, acts, beliefs, and material objects from other societies. B.Diffusion - spreading of cultural traits from one society to another. C.The Arapesh of Papua New Guinea are famous for their braided grass skirts, but they learned this style from a man’s bride from another region. D.Historically → cultures were more isolated. Traits diffused slowly and kept distinct cultures. Took years or decades to change trends. 1.Native Americas 2.Amazonians 3.Europe - France, Spain, England E.Now → telephones, media, transportation, and internet have sped up diffusion. Trends change monthly. 1.Creating a “world culture”. Cities and people in U.S., Japan, Germany, South Africa, and Brazil are very similar.

Social Change Sources of Social Change IV.Diffusion Chile Thailand Saudi Arabia Singapore? Egypt

Social Change Sources of Social Change IV.Physical Environment A.A cultures food has, historically, been dependant on what they could grow, but environment can change that. 1.Irish potato famine B.Natural disasters can bring cultural change. 1.Volcano in South Pacific C.Natural resources can change cultural traits. 1.In the 1970’s, the U.S. had a shortage of fuel. a.Led to smaller, fuel efficient cars. 2.In the 1980’s, fuel supply increased and fuel prices dropped. a.Led to large, gas guzzlers.

Social Change Sources of Social Change IV.War and Conquest A.Brings about the greatest change in the shortest amount of time. B.War 1.Loss of Life 2.Soviet Union in WWII. 3.Civil War 4.Rationing C.Conquest 1.Often take on culture of conquerors. a.New customs, new government, new economy. b.Native Americans.