Several theories offer frameworks for understanding social change. Cognitive Theory suggests that individuals can learn and alter their behavior by observing others, highlighting the impact of modeling on societal shifts.
Humanism Theory utilizes how individuals view both
themselves and the world around them to determine their
outlook and it emphasizes both the uniqueness of
individuals and the ability for people to choose their own qualities and attributes. This helps to explain events of social change in how having this freedom would allow people to work better together.
Cultural Materialism Theory
This theory explains that most aspects of human
culture can be explained in material terms.
It states that environment, resources, technlogy
and other material things are the major influences
cultural change. This helps to explain events of social
change in how it focuses on the things we see day to
day causing changes.
Conflict Theory
Conflict Theory is opposing powers or groups are
in conflict until the more dominant one overpowers
the rest. This helps to explain events of change as
it explains the real reason events such as war broke
out.
Intersectionality Theory
Intersectionality examines how different forms of
discrimination overlap, such as race, gender, and class.
It also emphasizes that the lives of people are multifaceted
and encourages an understanding of how one's social location interacts in a larger context of power structures therefore, helping to explain how social change can happen.
Cognitive Theory
Conflict theory states that people can learn by simply observing others which may or may not change their behavior immediately or over a period of time. This can explain social change as the behaviors of people can be changed by watching others make the changes they want to see
Feminist Theory
Feminist theory is concerned with both equality
and equity between sexes. This can explain social change as the theory is based off historical events such as the sufferage and libration movements.
Structural Functionalist Theory
Structural Functionalist Theory states that all parts of
society need to work together in order for success to be
achieved. This can explain social change as sometimes in
order to make a change people of all types need to come
together to make it happen.
