Book Description

Evolutionary theories are based on the assumption that societies gradually change from simple beginnings into even more complex forms. Early sociologists beginning with Auguste Comte believed that human societies evolve in a unilinear way- that is in one line of development. According to them social change meant progress toward something better. They saw change as positive and beneficial. To them, the evolutionary process implied that societies would necessarily reach new and higher levels of civilization. L.H Morgan believed that there were three basic stages in the process: savagery, barbarism and civilization. Auguste Comte’s ideas relating to the three stages in the development of human thought and also of society namely-the theological, the metaphysical and the positive in a way represent the three basic stages of social change. This evolutionary view of social change was highly influenced by Charles Darwin’s theory of Organic Evolution. Those who were fascinated by this theory applied it to human society and argued that societies must have evolved from the simple and primitive to that of too complex and advanced such as the western society. Herbert Spencer a British sociologist carried this analogy to its extremity. The present publication introduces the students of sociology to main concepts and theories in a lucid and interesting style. The textbook will enable the student to understand the process of social change and the way it affects development and progress. Contents: • Culture and Society • Groups and Organizations • Population, Urbanization, and Social Movements • The Rationalization of Society • Comprehensive Theory of Social Development • Social Inequality and Exclusion • Programmes/Schemes for Women’s Development • Social Aspects of Television • Intra and Inter-Cultural Diversities in the Era of Globalization • New Media as a Tool for Social Change • Television and Audience: Cultural Proximity