Description
Book SynopsisThis introduction to social change covers the momentous and relatively recent changes that have occurred in the human condition, examining not only the major causes and conditions underlying our current situation, but also the main choices and options we face as we strive to shape our individual and collective futures. This edition of Social Change has been thoroughly updated and revised. Building on previous editions, the book introduces a social scientific approach to change, discusses the components of change and the factors driving them, examines change on the macro-level, then looks toward the future with a discussion of planned change. Most chapters explore societies of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and include comparative dimensions, especially along First, Second, and Third World lines. The engaging narrative traces several themes, such as the rise of capitalism and the socialist alternative, or civil rights movements in the United States and elsewhere, throughout the book.
Trade ReviewJay Weinstein's book is exceptionally thorough and covers the field of social change very nicely. It is particularly strong because of its comparative approach and includes a lot of useful historical material as well as succinct accounts of the major theoretical approaches to the subject. This new edition is not only an excellent textbook, but is worth reading for its own sake by anyone who wants to know more about how societies develop, change, and adapt. -- Daniel Chirot, University of Washington
Table of ContentsList of Boxes, Figures, and Tables Preface PART I The Study of Change Chapter 1: The Social Scientific Perspective Chapter 2: Social and Cultural Evolution PART II The Components of Change Chapter 3: Population Growth and Demographic Transition Chapter 4: The Heritage and Dynamics of Culture Chapter 5: Social Structures, Systems, and Processes PART III The Engines of Change Chapter 6: Social Movements: Concepts and Principles Chapter 7: Movements and Revolutions in Context Chapter 8: The Process of Technological Innovation PART IV Change at the Macrolevel Chapter 9: From Gemeinschaft to Gesellschaft: The Urbanization of the Human Population Chapter 10: A World Divided Chapter 11: The Market, Capitalism, and Socialism PART V Planned Change: Making Tomorrow's Society Chapter 12: The Paradoxes of Development Chapter 13: Democratic Planning and Applied Sociology Chapter 14: The Political Economy of Globalization Notes References Index About the Author
