- 2069 Bhadra · 2+3 marks
Community vs society; social change theories
Short answer
Community is locality-based, concrete, natural, and marked by we-feeling; society is wider, abstract, and based on relationships. Theories of social change include evolutionary (simple to complex), cyclic (rise and decline), conflict (class struggle), functional (equilibrium), and technological determinism.
What are the differences between community and society? Briefly describe the theories of social change.
Differences between community and society
| Basis | Community | Society |
|---|---|---|
| Territory | Definite geographical area | Not necessarily fixed; can be wide or abstract |
| Size | Smaller or larger, locality based | Generally wider, includes many communities |
| Basis | Common life and we-feeling | Social relationships |
| Nature | Concrete, can be seen | Abstract, a web of relations |
| Purpose | Common general interests | Specific or common interests |
| Formation | Grows naturally | Can be formed deliberately or naturally |
| Example | Village, tribe, town | Nepali society, student society |
Theories of social change
- Evolutionary (linear) theory: society changes gradually from simple to complex stages (Comte, Spencer, Morgan), e.g. tribal to agricultural to industrial.
- Cyclic theory: change repeats in cycles of rise, growth and decline (Spengler, Toynbee, Pareto), like civilisations.
- Conflict theory (Marx): change comes from class struggle between the powerful and the powerless; economic forces drive history.
- Functional (equilibrium) theory: society is a system whose parts change slowly to maintain balance (Parsons).
- Technological/economic determinism: invention and technology (e.g. industrial revolution, internet) are the main cause of change (Ogburn's cultural lag).
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
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