Social change is defined as an
alteration in the social order of a society. It may include changes
in nature, social institutions, social behaviours, or social
relations. Social change depends on a number of factors. Some are
listed below:
Political:
- State is the most powerful
organization which regulates the social relationships. It has the
power to legislate new laws, repeal old ones to bring social change
in the society. Laws regarding child marriage, widow remarriage,
divorce, inheritance and succession, untouchability are some of
the examples which have brought many changes in the social
structure of Indian society.
- The type of political leadership
and individuals in power also influences the rate and direction of
social change. In many societies the political leadership controls
the economy also.
Environmental
changes:
- Certain geographic changes
sometimes produce great social change.
- Climate, storms, social erosion,
earthquakes, floods, droughts etc., definitely affect social life
and induce social change. Human life is closely bound up with the
geographical conditions of the earth.
Cultural
change:
- There is a connection between our
values and social relationships. Values, beliefs, ideas,
institutions are the basic elements of a culture. Certainly, all
cultural changes involve social change.
- Social and the cultural aspects are
closely interwoven. Thus, any change in the culture (ideas, values,
beliefs etc.) brings a corresponding change in the whole social
order. Social institutions cannot live on life shells within which
life is extinct.