Social change

Social change is a general term which refers to:

• change in social structure: the nature, the social institutions, the social behaviour or the social relations of a society, community of people, and so on.
• When behaviour pattern changes in large numbers, and is visible and sustained, it results in a social change. Once there is a deviance from culturally-inherited values, rebellion against the established system may result, causing a change in the social order.
• any event or action that affects a group of individuals who have shared values or characteristics.
• acts of advocacy for the cause of changing society in a way subjectively perceived as normatively desirable.

The term is used in the study of history, sociology, economies and politics, and includes topics such as the success or failure of different political systems, globalization, democratization, development andeconomic growth. The term can encompass concepts as broad as revolution and paradigm shift, to narrow changes such as a particular cause within small-town government. The concept of social change implies measurement of some characteristics of a group of individuals. While the term is usually applied to changes that are beneficial to society, it may also result in negative side-effects and consequences that undermine or eliminate existing ways of life that are considered positive.

Social change is a topic in sociology and social work , but also involves political science, economics,history, anthropology, and many other social sciences.

Among the many forms of creating social change are the theatre for social change, direct action,protesting, advocacy, community organizing, community practice, revolution, and political activism.