Forces+for+continuity+and+change

FORCES FOR CONTINUITY AND CHANGE
In week four we explored forces for continuity and change.

This topic asks you to consider how and why societies remain the same and how and why societies change. The force for **continuity** in society is tradition. Tradition represents the continuation of culture and social organization over time. Traditional societies are often tribal or hierarchical in structure. A powerful ruling group maintains power and authority. Feudalism is an example of a traditional social structure. Traditional societies are usually agrarian societies and have not experienced many of the changes associated with the Industrial Revolution and technological change. Culture, knowledge and ways of thinking, feeling and behaving, are passed on from one generation to the next. The group or family identity is more important than individuality.Traditional societies are usually patriarchal and sectarian. These indicators act together to maintain continuity.

The forces for **change** include **environmental change**. Global warming is already causing social and cultural change. An increase in support for green political parties in democratic societies is evidence of change. Political parties that ignore changes to the environment are losing power. Environmental change also effects the economy, carbon trading will change the structure of our economy and lead to social and cultural change.


 * Population movement** is also a force for change. Waves of migrants coming to Australia have changed Australian culture. Australia is now a multicultural society with respect for diversity.


 * Technological change** is also a force for change. Technological change led to globalisation. To compete in the global market place Australian society restructured the economy and the workplace. Restructuring led to social and cultural change in Australian society.

According to sociologist Max Weber **modern societies** are industrial societies. They are based on mass production, mass consumerism and mass marketing. We are living in a post industrial society, this means the methods of production are both industrial and high - technology. A post industrial society is based on mass production, mass consumerism, mass marketing and instant and mass communication. Science forms the basis of everyday life. Societies are organized and governed by complex institutions and bureaucracies. Customs change as modern societies are dynamic societies. Culture, knowledge and ways of thinking and behaving are passed on from one generation to the next but are also influenced by social institutions, particularly the media.