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SOCIAL CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT
🔄 What is Social Change?
Definition: Social change refers to alterations in the social structure , meaning changes in how society is organized, and how people relate to one another.
🔍 Key Features of Social Change:
- It can be planned or unplanned o Planned: government reforms, educational policies, etc. o Unplanned: natural disasters, pandemics, cultural shifts
- It can be qualitative or quantitative o Qualitative: changes in values, norms, or relationships (e.g., changing gender roles) o Quantitative: measurable changes, like population growth or literacy rates
- It affects institutions and social relationships o This includes family, education, religion, economy, etc.
🌐 Examples of Social Change:
Legalization of same-sex marriage Shift from traditional to digital media Women entering the workforce in large numbers Climate change activism and its influence on policy
Want to go over the causes , types , or theories of social change next? Or do you want MCQs again for this topic too?
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You said: Identity What is changing? Level Where is the change taking place? Duration How long will the change endure? Magnitude How big is the change? Rate How long does the change come about?
ChatGPT said:
Great! You're now getting into the dimensions or characteristics used to analyze social change. These are super helpful for breaking down what kind of change is occurring , how it works, and how it impacts society. Here's a clean overview of each one:
🔍 Analytical Dimensions of Social Change
1. 🆔 Identity – What is changing?
Focuses on the specific element of society that is undergoing change. Examples: o Is it technology, culture, laws, gender roles, or values that are shifting?
2. 🌍 Level – Where is the change taking place?
Refers to the scale or area affected by the change. Could be: o Individual level (personal identity, beliefs) o Group or community level o National or global level
3. ⏳ Duration – How long will the change endure?
Looks at whether the change is temporary or long-lasting. Questions to consider: o Is this a short-term trend or a permanent transformation? o Will it reshape future generations?
4. 📏 Magnitude – How big is the change?
Describes the extent or scale of the change.
Impact: Can lead to innovation, reforms, or social restructuring. Example: Political party competition leads to policy changes; business competition drives tech advances.
4. Conflict
Definition: Struggles between groups with opposing interests. Impact: Drives change by challenging the status quo. Example: Civil rights movements, labor strikes, revolutions.
5. Polity (Politics & Governance)
Definition: Government decisions, policies, and power structures. Impact: Can enforce or block social change. Example: Legalization of same-sex marriage; new education laws.
6. Economy
Definition: Economic systems and conditions that affect people's lives and institutions. Impact: Changes in wealth distribution, job markets, and consumption habits affect society. Example: Global recessions, rise of the gig economy.
7. Globalization
Definition: Increased interconnectedness of societies through trade, communication, and travel. Impact: Spreads ideas, cultures, and technologies worldwide. Example: Global fashion trends, international migration, spread of democratic ideals.
8. Structural Strain
Definition: Tensions within society due to inequality, injustice, or institutional breakdowns. Impact: Creates pressure for reform or revolution. Example: Racial injustice leading to mass protests; educational inequality pushing for policy reform.
🌱 What is Development?
Definition: Development is the process of economic, social, and political change that leads to:
Higher standards of living Improved social well-being Greater political participation
Development is not just about GDP—it’s about how people live, participate, and thrive in society.
🕊 ⚙️ Amartya Sen: Development as Freedom
Sen redefined development as more than just material wealth. He argued that real development means expanding people's freedoms to live the kind of lives they value.
🖐 ⚙️ Five Instrumental Freedoms (According to Sen)
- Political Freedom o Free speech, democratic participation, civil liberties o Example: Voting rights, freedom of the press
- Economic Facilities o Access to resources and markets to pursue economic opportunities o Example: Microloans, fair employment access
- Social Opportunities o Access to education, health care, and other public services o Example: Universal schooling, vaccinations
- Transparency Guarantees
Implementing social welfare programs Empowering marginalized communities
⏳ Bottom Line:
Social development is about changing social systems and structures so that people can live healthier, safer, and more fulfilling lives —not just wealthier ones.
💰 Economic Development
Definition: A broad process involving programs, projects, and activities that aim to:
Improve economic diversity Encourage sustainable growth Enhance community well-being Increase quality of life
Focus:
Long-term improvements Reducing poverty Creating jobs Supporting small businesses Infrastructure and policy development
Example:
Creating entrepreneurship training programs in rural areas Building industrial parks to attract investors Investing in digital infrastructure
📈 Economic Growth
Definition: An increase in the output (goods and services) of an economy over time.
Measured by:
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Gross National Income (GNI)
Focus:
Numbers and statistics Quantitative increase in production and income Does not always reflect improvements in people’s lives
Example:
A country's GDP increases by 4% in a year due to higher exports or increased manufacturing.
🔁 Comparison Chart:
Aspect Economic Growth Economic Development
Focus Quantity (more production) Quality of life and well-being
Scope Narrow Broad and multi-dimensional
Measured by GDP, GNI, output levels^
Human development, poverty reduction, etc.
Timeframe Often short- or medium-term Long-term, sustainable
Example
Rise in GDP due to increased exports
New policies to support education and health
⏳ Final Thought:
Economic growth is a part of economic development—but development goes beyond just numbers. It’s about improving lives.
✅ Example: If Filipino workers send remittances from abroad, that income adds to the Philippines' GNI.
🔁 Summary Table:
Indicator Measures Focus Includes
GDP
Value of production within the country Location^
All production inside borders
GNP Value of production by nationals Ownership Citizens' income worldwide
GNI Total income earned by residents
Income- based
GDP + income from abroad
⏳ Participatory Development
Definition: A bottom-up development approach where stakeholders (especially local communities) :
Have a voice in decisions Share control over development initiatives Influence how resources are used
Key Ideas:
Empowers people to shape their own development Builds ownership, accountability , and long-term success Encourages collaboration between governments, NGOs, and communities
✅ Example: Local farmers co-designing an irrigation system with a development agency
🌱 Sustainable Development
Definition: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
📖 Source: United Nations Brundtland Report: "Our Common Future" (1987)
3 Pillars of Sustainability:
- Economic sustainability – supporting long-term economic growth
- Social sustainability – ensuring equity, health, and well-being
- Environmental sustainability – protecting natural resources and ecosystems
✅ Example: Using solar power in a rural village to generate energy without harming the environment
⏳ Quick Thought:
Participatory Development = inclusive and empowering Sustainable Development = long-term and responsible
🌍 Theories of Social Change & Development
1. Structural-Functionalist Theory
What is it? This theory views society as a complex system of interrelated parts that work together to maintain stability and solidarity. According to functionalism, each part of society has a function (role) that helps the society operate smoothly. Key Concepts: o Manifest Functions : These are intended and anticipated outcomes of actions or social structures. For example, the manifest function of education is to teach students academic skills. o Latent Functions : These are unintended and often unrecognized consequences of actions or social structures. For example, the latent function of education might be creating social networks or reinforcing societal inequalities.
3. Dependency Theory
What is it? Dependency Theory argues that poor, underdeveloped nations (the periphery ) are kept in a state of poverty by wealthy, industrialized nations (the core ). These wealthy nations benefit from the exploitation of natural resources and cheap labor from poorer countries, creating an unequal relationship. Key Concepts:
- Core Countries : These are wealthy, industrialized nations with high levels of capital and technology (e.g., USA, Germany ).
- Peripheral Countries : These countries are dependent on the core countries for capital and resources. They are often agricultural, have low literacy rates, and less access to technology (e.g., many African countries ).
- Semi-Peripheral Countries : These countries are somewhere in-between core and peripheral countries. They are more developed than peripheral countries but less so than core countries (e.g., India, Brazil ).
- Exploitation : Core countries extract resources from peripheral countries, keeping them in a state of underdevelopment. Real-World Example: Africa has been historically exploited for its natural resources (e.g., minerals, oil), while Europe and the U.S. benefited economically from these resources. Why it’s important: Dependency Theory challenges the idea that all countries develop in the same way (as in Rostow’s model) and emphasizes historical and global inequalities. 4. Big Push Theory
What is it? The Big Push Theory suggests that for a country to develop, it needs a large-scale, coordinated investment in infrastructure , education , and industry. This theory stresses that a small, gradual investment won’t lead to significant growth, but rather, a comprehensive effort is needed to “push” the country to a sustainable level of development. Key Idea: A minimum threshold of investment is required to create positive feedback loops that can eventually lead to sustained economic growth. This can include investments in transport , energy , education , and healthcare.
Real-World Example: China's rapid development in the 1990s was due to large-scale government investment in infrastructure, technology, and industry. The large investments helped move the country from a primarily agrarian economy to a manufacturing powerhouse. Why it’s important: The Big Push Theory emphasizes the need for comprehensive, large-scale investment in order to trigger sustained economic growth, especially for developing countries.
5. Neoliberalism
What is it? Neoliberalism is an economic and political philosophy that promotes free markets , deregulation , privatization , and a reduction in government spending. It advocates for minimal state intervention in the economy and emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and competition. Key Concepts: o Free Markets : Let the market operate without government intervention. Prices, production, and the allocation of resources should be left to the forces of supply and demand. o Privatization : Public services (e.g., healthcare, education) and assets (e.g., utilities) should be sold to private companies to increase efficiency. o Deregulation : Laws and regulations that constrain business should be reduced or eliminated. o Fiscal Conservatism : Government spending should be minimized , and the state should focus on controlling debt. Real-World Example: Chile embraced neoliberal reforms in the 1970s-80s under Augusto Pinochet , which led to privatization of state-owned industries and reduction in public services. Why it’s important: Neoliberalism has shaped global economic policies and institutions like the World Bank and the IMF , but it has been criticized for exacerbating inequality and weakening public services.
Summary:
Recognizes the role that spiritual beliefs and faith communities play in shaping a person’s identity, resilience, and well-being.
Spirituality can be a source of hope, purpose, and support. Faith communities can provide social capital , like emotional support or resources. Encourages social workers to be culturally sensitive and respectful of diverse spiritual backgrounds.
✅ Goal: Support holistic development by integrating spiritual dimensions into understanding human needs and strengths.
🌍 4. Ethno-Cultural Perspective
This emphasizes the importance of ethnic identity, cultural traditions, and social context.
Recognizes that diverse ethnic groups have unique value systems and experiences. Encourages respect for multiculturalism , not assimilation. Addresses racism, stereotyping, and cultural marginalization.
✅ Goal: Support culturally competent practice that values diversity and promotes equity across different ethnic and cultural groups.
👩 5. Women in Development (WID)
This perspective emerged in the 1970s, highlighting that women were often excluded from development efforts.
Focuses on adding women into development programs. Emphasizes women’s roles in families, education, and communities. Critiques systems that ignore women’s contributions and needs.
✅ Goal: Ensure women are included and supported in development programs and given access to resources and decision-making.
👥 6. Women and Development (WAD)
WAD goes further than WID—it’s more critical and structural.
Argues that global economic systems disadvantage both women and men , but especially women. Recognizes that women have always contributed to development, even if it was unpaid or invisible. Suggests that simply integrating women into development systems doesn’t solve inequality—it may reinforce it.
✅ Goal: Challenge the structures that perpetuate gender inequality, rather than just seeking inclusion.
⚙️ 7. Gender and Development (GAD)
Emerging in the 1980s, GAD focuses on the relationships between genders and how roles and expectations are socially constructed.
It’s not just about women—it’s about gender roles and how they affect both men and women. Critiques patriarchal structures and works to change systems , not just individuals. Promotes equality in participation, access, and benefits of development.
✅ Goal: Achieve gender equity and justice by transforming societal norms and structures.
👨👩👧 8. People-Centered Development
This approach puts people—not economic growth—at the heart of development.
Emphasizes self-sufficiency, democratic participation, and social justice. Believes that development must improve lives , not just numbers like GDP. Encourages communities to be active participants , not passive recipients.
✅ Goal: Development should be by the people, for the people , and enhance human dignity and agency.
⚙️ 9. Vulnerable Life Situations Perspective
4. Rights-Based Approach
Focus : Anchoring development in human rights. Goal : To empower individuals and communities , especially marginalized groups. Core Principles : o Universality & Inalienability – rights belong to all, always. o Indivisibility – rights cannot be separated or prioritized. o Interdependence – all rights are connected. o Equality & Non-Discrimination o Participation – everyone has a voice. o Accountability – duty-bearers (like governments) must uphold rights.
5. Strengths-Based Approach
Focus : Building on existing resources, talents, and capacities. Application : Common in social work and community development. Belief : Everyone has strengths—even those facing challenges. These strengths can be mobilized for positive change. Effect : Encourages empowerment, resilience, and self-determination.
6. Risk-Hazard Model
Focus : Identifying and managing potential risks before they become problems. Used For : Development planning, disaster management, health care systems. Goal : Minimize or prevent harm to individuals, communities, or institutions. Practical Application : Mapping hazard-prone areas or vulnerable populations to take preventive action.
🌱 1. Human Development Approach
Overview : Proposed by Amartya Sen and embraced by the United Nations, this approach argues that
development is about expanding people's freedoms and capabilities , not just growing the economy.
Key Points :
Goes beyond income : Life expectancy, literacy, and access to resources matter just as much. Development is people-centered —what people can be and do is what truly counts. Used to create the Human Development Index (HDI) , combining: o Health (life expectancy) o Education (mean and expected years of schooling) o Income (GNI per capita)
Example : A country with high GDP but poor education and healthcare would have a low HDI, showing it's not truly developed in human terms.
🍞 2. Basic Needs Approach
Overview : Introduced in the 1970s, this approach focuses on meeting the essential needs of people for survival and basic functioning.
Basic Needs Include :
Food and clean water Shelter and clothing Healthcare and sanitation Basic education
Main Ideas :
Development should first ensure people survive and live in dignity. Poverty is defined as lack of access to these essentials. Development policies must prioritize the poorest.
Example : A development project in a rural area would aim to ensure access to clean water and education before focusing on industrial growth.
