Discuss the technological and cultural factors in social change.
Discuss the technological and cultural factors in social change.
Discuss the impact of technological and cultural factors in social change.
Technological and cultural factors in social change.
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Technological factors in social change:-
The importance of technological factors in social change is undeniable. Sociologist Professor Kingsley Davis says, science refers to a part of the cultural heritage of man. It develops a coherent knowledge about nature and technology is the practical aspect of this developed knowledge. The concept of technology has been adopted in a broad sense in sociology. Here, the expected success of technology in social life is supported by the changing mental formations and social structures. Sociologist Foster says, the development of technology does not only mean worldly and technological development - it is a special kind of social, cultural and psychological system. Ogburn says - technology is enabling social change through environmental changes in society and we are learning to adapt ourselves to this changing environment.
A systematic review of how social change occurs as a result of technology shows that -
(a) The production system undergoes fundamental changes due to the influence of technology. The qualitative and quantitative quality of production also increases.
(b) Along with the industrial sector, agricultural production is also affected by the influence of technology. It is certain that changes will occur in the socio-economic sector of a country where agriculture and industry progress in parallel.
(c) Daily necessities become easily available due to the influence of technology. As a result of the use of various technologies in daily life, manual labor of people decreases, happiness and comfort increase.
(d) When a multifaceted production system increases, people get involved in it and benefit in the economic sector.
(e) The spread of technology also brings changes in the relationship between men and women. In recent times, along with the spread of women's education, establishment of women's dignity and empowerment, various types of education have also spread and changed in marital relations.
(f) The spread of technology is capable of bringing about fundamental changes in the mentality of people. Due to this, people have become scientifically minded and have developed a career-oriented mentality.
(g) Technology also changes the social structure and as a result, social life has become almost free from prejudice. Revolutionary changes are taking place in the class structure.
(h) The impact of technology is also affecting the functions of the state. Due to this, the functions of the state have not only changed but have increased manifold.
(i) The impact of technology has also affected family life. Joint families are ending and are becoming single families. Significant changes are also being observed in various family functions.
(j) As a result of technology, a huge change is taking place in the role of women in society. The independent spirit among women is increasing. Women are becoming economically self-reliant.
(k) With the spread of technology, on the one hand, science and scientifically mindedness are developing, on the other hand, religious bigotry and superstitions are decreasing significantly.
Cultural elements in social change:-
Culture as an integral part of human society is a theoretical creation of humans. Culture is the bearer of the overall identity of human society. This culture is considered to be another one of the underlying elements of social change. In reality, culture is not a stable thing, but its change is slow. Culture is implemented through human thought, consciousness, sense of justice and ethics, ideal values. When these change, culture also changes. The trend of cultural change is accelerated by the influence of science and technology. Again, the influence of cultural change also affects the change of technology.
(a) As a result of cultural change, universal, multifaceted and diverse changes are achieved in society.
(b) Culture brings about extensive changes in the social infrastructure. For example, when there is a tendency for the joint family to break up and become a single family, it simultaneously changes different parts of society and brings about significant changes in the basic structure of society.
(c) As a result of cultural change, people's world of thought, principles, values, ideals - etc. change in all areas. This type of mental change leads to changes in society as a whole.
(d) Culture changes people's lifestyle, tastes and habits. As a result, people's lives move towards dynamism and social evolution is achieved.
(e) Cultural change is always changing. However, cultural change is slow compared to changes in other elements of society.
(f) Technology has a profound impact on cultural change. With the spread of technology, cultural development accelerates. In some cases, new technological innovations bring radical changes in society. In this case, the Internet can be mentioned.
(g) Cultural change brings about a great change in the religious life of people. Along with cultural change, there are also great changes in religious rituals, ceremonies, customs, etc. For example, in the post-independence period, there have been great changes in religious dogma, customs, traditions, casteism, etc. due to the great cultural change in India.
(h) Cultural change also brings about a change in the cultural life of people. There have been great changes in various cultural elements such as dance, song, painting, literature and scientific practice, drama, films, etc.
(i) Cultural change has also brought about a change in personal life. Following the demands of modern culture, people's lives have become fast-paced. Gradually, they are becoming followers of the West.
Finally, it can be said that technological and cultural elements are not mutually exclusive. Just as technology helps in cultural change and makes it faster; similarly, culture also exerts a profound influence on technology. Technological innovation is motivated by the need for change in the cultural world.
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