Social ChangeCh 3 Sec 3

Sources of Social Change All cultures change over time. Values and beliefs: Social Movements-long term efforts to

promote or prevent social change. Usually involves a large number of people.

technology Using knowledge and tools to manipulate the

environment, done in 2 ways: 1. Discovery: New uses for existing elements in the

world. 2. Invention: use existing knowledge to create

something that did not previously exist. Material: Non Material :

population Change in the size of population can

bring about social change. New people= new cultural traits and

values. (food) Economies Movement (retirees moving south)

diffusion People often borrow ideas, beliefs, and material

objects from other societies. The process of spreading culture traits from one

society to another is diffusion. The more contact a society has with other societies,

the more traits it will borrow. Takes place constantly. Material more than non-

material. Two-way process.

The physical environment New foods or scarcity of foods Natural disasters: can change whole communities.

Wars and conquests Bring about the greatest change in the least amount

of time. Wars can also promote advances in technology and

medicine that can have civilian applications.

RESISTANCE TO CHANGE ETHNOCENTRISM: people believe their own ways are

best. (“Buy American”) CULTURAL LAG: some traits change fast, other take

time. Material faster than non-material. (school year) VESTED INTERESTS: A person who is satisfied with the

way things are now is likely to resist change.