2. 1) Tension & Adaptation Structural Functionalists believed that where social change did occur it was as a result of one part of a social system changing, causing tension between existing parts, and necessitating an adaptation in another part of the system i.e. 1930’s tremendous economic depression hit North America which led to religious organizations stepping up to become a source of charitable aid

3. 2) Accumulation: Growth of human knowledge from generation to generation allows society to develop new ways of doing things. i.e technical change in televisions brought about a change in viewing behaviours ( in 1950’s a family might have 1 t.v that was used by the entire family who gathered together to watch it ( a family event), but by 2000’s a family might have several tvs and each family member may view programs in isolation

4. 3) Diffusion of Innovations A new development or innovation emerges in society and may or may not spread throughout society; in North America this process is facilitated if the innovation is marketed to young, urban, educated people with high-status occupations I.e Iphones, I pods, digital cameras

5. 4) Discourses Suggested by Dorothy Smith Social change is more likely to occur when people communicate with other like-minded individuals who share common interests or outlooks; these conversations are called discourses i.e. Sports fans discussing statisics Textual discourses involve discussions incorporating pictures, symbols, written words, movie roles, paintings I.e art critiques

6. 5) Geography Suitable terrain may facilitate or hinder spread of social change i.e mountains vs. River systems.

7. 6) External Events Events happening around the world influence other parts of the world to the extent that people are aware of these events Ie. Sept 11, 2001

8. 7) Human Factors Charismatic leaders who draw people to follow them i.e. Pierre trudeau, bill clinton

9. 8) Elite groups Groups of individuals who are skilled and educated and who have access to development funds, and who are in a posistion of influence over others Ie. Europeans to Canada to colonize and pillage the new lands; establishment of the hudson’s bay company for trading

10. 9) Cultural Pluralism In societies in which minorities maintain their cultural traditions ( pluralistic societies like in Canada) it becomes necessary to find a consensus on basic values and beliefs in order to find a collective will to take action on social issues

11. 10) Technology The pace and availability of technology drives social change Ie. Computers- sharing of information ease of communication

12. 11) Aboriginal Communities In Canada, the ways that Aboriginal communities view themselves as autonomous nations within a Canadian state, and not as ethnic groups, influences social programs and change Ie. Caledonia land dispute.