11

12

Understanding Culture,
Society, and Politics
SECOND QUARTER
MODULE 11

CONCEPT OF SOCIAL
CHANGE

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 QUARTER 2
MODULE 11 – WEEK 11
CONCEPT OF SOCIAL CHANGE

Content Standard

 Cultural, social, and political institutions sets of norms and patterns of

behaviour that relate to major social interest
 Social Stratification as the ranking of individual according to wealth,
power, and prestige
 Social and political inequalities as features of societies and global
community
 The agent/institution processes, and outcomes of cultural, political,
and social change

Performance Standard
 Evaluate factors causing social, political and Cultural Change
 Advocates how human societies should adapt to such changes
 Identify new challenges faced by human populations in contemporary
societies

Learning Outcomes
 Assess options and alternatives for social action by individuals and
ommunities through an Assessment and modular approach
 Evaluate processes of social change through a simulation

Competency
 Invention (e.g., new of forms of media and social networking,
technological change)

What I Know

MULTIPLE CHOICE: Read each item prudently, and choose the correct answer by writing
letter and the word/s in your answer sheet.

1. Theory of social change teaches that society is like a human body.

A. Evolutionary theory C. Functionalist theory
B. Conflict theory D. Social theory

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2. A theory states that society is by nature unequal and competitive.
A. Evolutionary theory C. Functionalist theory
B. Conflict theory D. Social theory

3. According to this theory, society always evolves into “higher levels.”

A. Evolutionary theory C. Functionalist theory
B. Conflict theory D. Social theory

4. It is “the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and

promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of
society, organizations, public and private communities, and individuals.”
A. Education C. Bureaucracy
B. Recreation D. Public Health

5. Improvements root and branch in the style of political radicalism.

A. Radical Change C. Revolutionary Change
B. Continuous Change D. Fabian Change

6. It is abrupt, radical and drastic change, with implications of violence and of

starting afresh (perhaps most popular as a political bogeyman)
A. Radical Change C. Revolutionary Change
B. Continuous Change D. Fabian Change

7. An open-ended change - change (allegedly) for the sake of change

A. Radical Change C. Revolutionary Change
B. Continuous Change D. Fabian Change

8. A typically refers to an organization that is complex with multilayered systems

and processes. These systems and procedures are designed to maintain
uniformity and control within an organization.
A. Education C. Bureaucracy
B. Recreation D. Public Health

9. It is the development of industries in a country or region on a wide scale.

A. Industrialization C. Urbanization
B. Technology D. Population

10. The process by which large numbers of people become permanently

concentrated in relatively small areas, forming cities.
A. Industrialization C. Urbanization
B. Technology D. Population

11. Any set of productive techniques which offers a significant improvement

(whether measured in terms of increased output or savings in costs) over the
established technology for a given process in a specific historical context.
A. Industrialization C. Urbanization
B. Technology D. Population

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 12. Is the number of organisms of the same species that live in a particular
geographic area at the same time, with the capability of interbreeding. For
interbreeding to occur, individuals must be able to mate with any other
member of a population and produce fertile offspring.
A. Industrialization C. Urbanization
B. Technology D. Population

13. The act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing

the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or
others intellectually for mature life.
A. Education C. Bureaucracy
B. Recreation D. Public Health

14. Refreshment of strength and spirits after work also : a means of refreshment
or diversion : hobby.
A. Education C. Bureaucracy
B. Recreation D. Public Health

15. It is the measures designed to effect a more equitable distribution

of agricultural land especially by governmental action also : the
resulting redistribution.
A. Land Reform C. Peace and Order
B. Economic Reforms D. Social Services

What I need to know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master
the nature of Understanding Culture Society and Politics. The scope of this module
permits it to be used in many different learning situations.

Social change is a concept many of us take for granted or don't really even
understand. No society has ever remained the same. Change is always happening.
We accept change as inevitable, and it is, end of story, right? Well, not exactly.

Sociologists define social change as changes in human interactions and relationships

that transform cultural and social institutions. These changes occur over time and
often have profound and long-term consequences for society. Well known examples
of such change have resulted from social movements in civil rights, women's rights,
and LBGTQ rights, to name just a few. Relationships have changed, institutions have
changed, and cultural norms have changed as a result of these social change
movements. That's pretty heady stuff. Don't you think?

“Social change can be seen as a mosaic, taking that which is broken and creating
something new”.

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PICTURE PERFECT : Below are some social changes that are evident in our society. Some
of this might be experienced by you. In three Sentences how will you access this changes?

https://www.humanrightscareers.com/issues/what-is-social-change/

What’s In

IN THE BOX: Try to identify and categorize each Government Departments / Commissions
/Bureaus or agency as to what Indicators of Social Change they belong.

DAR DA DBM DEPED DE DENR DFA DHSUD DICT DILG DOJ DOLE DND
DPWH DOST DOT DTI DOTr BAS BOC BFP BFAR BI BIR BJMP
BFAD COA CHED COMELEC CHR CDA PNP AFP PPA PEZA
PDEA PSA PAO SEC GSIS SSS NBI NCAA NEA NKTI
NMPIA NNC NPC NTC PHILHEALTH PAG-IBG

Growth Life Education Culture Nutrition Employment Consumption

Rate Expectancy

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 Social Wealth Social Welfare Electrification Water Supply Communication
Security

What’s New

BUILDING BLOCKS: Write the Elements of Socio-Cultural Change in the blocks provided

1 2

3 4

5 6

7 8

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 What is It

Sociologists define social change as a transformation of cultures, institutions, and

functions. Most change isn’t instantaneous. In society, change is often very slow. There
are a variety of parts and forces at work, many of which resist disruptions of the status
quo. All societies go through these types of changes at one point. You don’t need to be
an avid student of history to know that. Consider a modern society and reflect on what
it looked like hundreds of years ago. Often, society is unrecognizable.

Theories of social change: While it’s inevitable for all societies to go through some
changes, why that happens isn’t obvious. Throughout history, sociologists have wrestled
with different ideas and models. There are three main theories of social change:
evolutionary, functionalist, and conflict.

Evolutionary theory: The evolutionary theory of social change gained prominence in the
19th century. Sociologists latched on to Darwin’s theory of evolution, applying it to
society. Auguste Comte, known as the “father of sociology,” believed in the evolutionary
model. According to this theory, society always evolves into “higher levels.” Like
organisms evolve from simple to more complex, so do societies. Societies that don’t adapt
fast enough will fall behind. This led many sociologists to conclude that Western societies
must be “superior” because of their “advanced” state.

At first, social evolutionists asserted that all societies must go through the same
sequence of progress. Modern theorists believe that change is multilinear. Societies can
evolve in different ways and different directions.

Functionalist theory: The functionalist theory of social change teaches that society is
like a human body. Each part is like an organ. Individual parts can’t survive on their
own. Emile Durkheim, a major leader in the social sciences, believed that all parts of a
society must be harmonious. If they aren’t unified, society is “no more than a pile of
sand” that’s vulnerable to collapse. When one part suffers, all the other parts must
adjust. Why? The functionalist theory believes that society always works toward
stabilization. When problems occur, they’re temporary, but they do need attention from
the other parts.

This means social change.Functionalism isn’t without its critics. Many point out that
this theory tends to ignore that society’s elite often creates a mirage of harmony and
stability. The theory also fails to factor in race, class, and gender. Functionalism reached
its peak in the 1940s and ’50s, only to decline in the 1960s.

Conflict theory: The conflict theory states that society is by nature unequal and
competitive. Karl Marx spearheaded this theory. While he did believe in the evolutionary
model to a point, Marx didn’t think each phase resulted in something better than before.
More often than not, the rich and powerful control the rest of society by exploiting
vulnerable groups. This sows conflict, provoking people to action. Social change occurs
as a result. The conflict model evolved over the years. It’s found in other theories such
as feminist theory, queer theory, and critical race theory.
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What triggers social change?

No society stays the same forever, but what specific causes drive it? Social change has
three main triggers:

CONFLICT CHANGE: It is clear from a glance at our global history that conflict provokes
social change. Inequalities based on class, race, gender, religion, and more foster
dissatisfaction and anger. To address their situation, groups come together to fight for
change. Governments can be overthrown or restructured. Sometimes change happens
quickly, but oftentimes it develops over time in stages.

DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE: When the demographic makeup of a society changes, social

change is inevitable. Society’s demographics often change when births increase and/or
people start living longer. A bigger population affects the dispersal and availability of
resources. An increase in immigration or emigration also affects society.

CULTURAL CHANGE: New inventions, discoveries, and the spread of ideas contribute to
cultural changes. Consider the effect of the internet. It’s not only changed the culture of
individual countries but the entire world. It’s transformed how we communicate, as well
as the structure of countless industries. Discoveries also impact a society’s culture.
Consider how much changed when the Europeans “discovered” America. This example
shows how social change is not always beneficial to everyone. New ideas about gender,
race, religion, work, education, and so on also change a culture.

Examples of social change

Social change often occurs as a result of social movements. There are countless examples
throughout history in every country on earth. Some of the most famous (many of which
are ongoing and/or evolving) include:
 The Reformation
 The abolition of the transatlantic slave trade
 The Civil Rights movement
 The feminist movement
 The LGBTQ+ rights movement
 The green movement

Type of Change
Social changes can vary according to speed and scope and impetus. [7] Some research on
the various types of social change focuses on social organizations such as corporations.
Different manifestations of change include:
 Fabian change - gradual and reformist incremental amelioration after the manner of
the Fabian Society
 radical change - improvements root and branch in the style of political radicalism
 revolutionary change - abrupt, radical and drastic change, with implications
of violence and of starting afresh (perhaps most popular as a political bogeyman)
 transformational change - a New-age version of radical change, and thus difficult to
define
 continuous change, open-ended change - change (allegedly) for the sake of change
 top-down change - reliance on leadership
 bottom-up change - reliance on the huddled masses

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IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL CHANGE

Social change occurs when societal institutions, structures, and cultures undergo a
significant shift. Famous examples include the Reformation in 16th-century Europe and
the American civil rights movement. More often than not, social change is slow. This is
especially true of a global society. Why does social change matter? Here are 10 reasons:

1. Social change gets the world closer to gender equality: Looking at the state of gender
equality can be overwhelming, even discouraging. It’s important to remember that social
change starts small. It becomes impactful as more individuals, groups, and institutions
get on board. These actors propel the world forward culture by culture, country by country.
Actions like closing the gender pay gap; increasing education access; and
improving women’s healthcare contribute to lasting social change on a large scale.

2. Social change improves worker rights: Throughout the course of history, greed
exploits and endangers employees in every industry. The Philippines s is an example of
how social change affects labor and worker rights. Over centuries, the Philippines
experienced the birth of unions, child labor laws, the minimum wage, and laws for family
and medical leave. This area of social change is ongoing as workers continue to fight for
their rights. They strike for higher wages and push for better legal protections. Consumers
also play a part when they boycott businesses with unethical practices.

3. Social change protects the LGBTQ+ community: The LGBTQ+ community is one of
the world’s most vulnerable populations. People in this community face higher rates of
suicide, violence, and discrimination. Many past and current social movements around
the world center on LGBTQ+ rights. The legalization of same-sex marriage; legal
protections against discrimination; and shifts in cultural perspectives represent social
change. It protects individuals and gives them equality within society.

4. Social change improves racial equality: Most societies deal with racial inequalities.
Based on their race, groups and individuals face discrimination and
disenfranchisement. Social movements (like the civil rights movement in the United States)
focus on protesting current conditions and changing laws. Social change is also significant
when it addresses society’s perception of race. Education and awareness can be as
important as legislative measures.

5. Social change is good for business: Studies show that when workplaces are more
diverse, they’re more productive. If every workplace prioritized better inclusion and
equality, it would improve business and society’s economy as a whole. Social changes
include closing the gender pay gap, establishing legal protections for workers, and
following non-discriminatory practices. These contribute to a workplace’s diversity and
success.

6. Social change helps the environment: No other living thing has affected the
environment as much as humanity. Research shows that we’re damaging the air, water,
and land at unprecedented rates. This affects the wellbeing and safety of everything on
earth, including humans. Green social movements have pushed back with earth-friendly
initiatives such as supporting endangered species. They also encourage individual
responsibility and spread awareness about issues like climate change.

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7. Social change keeps governments accountable: History proves that power can
corrupt. Governments often commit human rights violations against their own people.
Social change can draw attention to these injustices, dismantle destructive structures,
and help societies transition into better systems. These changes can occur quickly and
violently through civil war or conflict. Through elections and legislature, the change can
be more gradual.

8. Social change addresses problems at the root :Lasting impact is one of the markers
of social change. It isn’t enough to treat the symptoms and not the wound. The most
effective social movements tackle issues at the root instead of only looking at the effects.
As an example, to address homelessness, we must examine why people are homeless in
the first place. Only providing short-term solutions won’t deal with underlying
causes. Long-term measures are also needed. Looking at the roots allows for permanent
changes to develop, saving a society’s time, energy, and resources.

9. Social change empowers citizens: Social change often occurs when individuals
decide to work towards a common goal. They take note of what’s destructive or inefficient
in society and take the steps necessary to change it. Most activists can point to a specific
movement or person from the past that inspires them. Social change empowers citizens,
proving that passion and hard work pays off even when there’s significant resistance.

10. Social change makes life better for future generations: Many social movements
lean on the understanding that social change is slow. Those fighting for change now know
they might not reap the benefits, but coming generations will. Climate change activists
are keenly aware of this fact. They understand that healing the planet takes time. Fighting
battles now on behalf of those not even born yet is a selfless act. It sets up a society for
future success.

SOCIAL CHANGE IN THE PHILIPPINE SOCIETY

Implies the change from the traditional life to a more complex, technologically advanced,
rapidly changing style of life.

New Dimensions of Social Change

A major consequence of change in the Philippines
 Leadership patterns
 National developmental policies
The use of social indicators
 Population growth rate; percentage of urban and rural population
 health and life expectancy
 education and culture
 nutrition
 employment and social security
 consumption
 wealth and social welfare
 electrification
 water supply
 communication systems

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Programs

 peace and order - It is the measures designed to effect a more equitable distribution
of agricultural land especially by governmental action also : the
resulting redistribution.
 land reform - a purposive change in the way in which agricultural land is held or
owned, the methods of cultivation that are employed, or the relation of agriculture to
the rest of the economy. Reforms such as these may be proclaimed by a government,
by interested groups, or by revolution.
 economic reforms - usually refers to deregulation, or at times to reduction in the size
of government, to remove distortions caused by regulations or the presence of
government, rather than new or increased regulations or government programs to
reduce distortions caused by market failure.
 social services - are a range of public services provided by the government, private,
profit and non-profit organizations. These public services aim to create more effective
organizations, build stronger communities, and promote equality and opportunity.

Focus

 regional and local autonomy,

 Asianism
 reconciliation with other Third World societies and contracting foreign policy treaties
and agreements

Socio-cultural Change - These are changes that involve social and cultural factors.

ELEMENTS OF SOCIO-CULTURAL CHANGE

 Industrialization - It is the development of industries in a country or region on a wide

scale.
 Urbanization - The process by which large numbers of people become permanently
concentrated in relatively small areas, forming cities.
 Technology - Any set of productive techniques which offers a significant improvement
(whether measured in terms of increased output or savings in costs) over the
established technology for a given process in a specific historical context.
 Population - Is the number of organisms of the same species that live in a particular
geographic area at the same time, with the capability of interbreeding. For interbreeding
to occur, individuals must be able to mate with any other member of a population and
produce fertile offspring.
 Education - The act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing
the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others
intellectually for mature life.
 Recreation - Refreshment of strength and spirits after work also : a means of
refreshment or diversion : hobby.
 Bureaucracy - A typically refers to an organization that is complex with multilayered
systems and processes. These systems and procedures are designed to maintain
uniformity and control within an organization.
 Medicine and Public Health - It is “the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging
life, and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of
society, organizations, public and private communities, and individuals.”
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 GOVERNMENT

Leadership Pattern Nat’l Dev. Policies

Loyal Outstanding Platform of Government

PROGRAMS Socials with the Filipinos
Visionary Extraordinary Good Governance and
Anti-Corruption
and
Freedom of Information’
Peace and Order Social Services Anti-Dynasty
Sincerity
People’s Budget
Excellence
Human Development
Respect/Responsiveness/
Resourcefulness Land Reform Economic Reform Poverty Reduction
Responsible Parenthood
Vigilance/Virtue Enhance Tax Collection
Integrity/Innovation Reliable Education
Competence/Compassion Economic Development
Efficiency/Expertise Countryside Dev.
INDICATORS Environmental and
FOR THE COUNTRY Climate Change

Growth Rate Life Expectancy Education

Culture Nutrition Employment Consumption

Social Security Wealth Social Welfare

Electrification Water Supply

Communication

OWNED/CONTROLLED BY GOVERNMENT or
ATLEAST PARTICIPATED BY GOVERNMENT

GOVERNANCE POLICIES

MORAL OBLIGATION
SPIRITUAL OBLIGATION Judgement of Conscience,
Worship, Apostolic, Spiritual Formation of Conscience,
Disciplines, Discipleship, Choose According to
Fellowship, Service, Conscience, Erroneous
Evangelism, Judgement

CHURCH

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 What’s more

RECIPROCAL FAN: Provide the Policies and Governance of the State and Church in
influencing social change. Write your answer in the space provided.

GOVERNANCE
CHURCH GOVERNMENT

POLICIES

CHURCH GOVERNMENT
GOVERNANCE

POLICIES

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 What I Have Learned

GIVE IT THAT WAY: Based on the given statement inside the circle. Identify the importance
of Social Change by writing your answer in the space provided.

Social change often occurs

when individuals decide to
work towards a common goal.

Social change can draw

Looking at the state of gender
attention to these injustices,
dismantle destructive equality can be overwhelming,
even discouraging.
structures, and help societies
transition into better systems.

The most effective social

movements tackle issues
They understand that
at the root instead of only
healing the planet takes
looking at the effects. As
time. Fighting battles now
an example, to on behalf of those not
address homelessness, we even born yet is a selfless
must examine why people act. It sets up a society for
are homeless in the first future success.
place.

Social change can draw

attention to these injustices,
dismantle destructive
structures, and help societies
transition into better systems.
The LGBTQ+ community is one
of the world’s most vulnerable
populations.

Social change often occurs

when individuals decide to
work towards a common goal.

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 What I can Do
PICTURE ANALYSIS: Below are illustrations of different theories of social change. Make
analytical assessment on what theory being represented by the illustrations and explain its
theory in a precise statement.

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 Assessment

MULTIPLE CHOICE: Read each item prudently, and choose the correct answer by writing
letter and the word/s in your answer sheet.

1. The act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing

the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or
others intellectually for mature life.
A. Education C. Bureaucracy
B. Recreation D. Public Health

2. A typically refers to an organization that is complex with multilayered systems

and processes. These systems and procedures are designed to maintain
uniformity and control within an organization.
A. Education C. Bureaucracy
B. Recreation D. Public Health

3. It is “the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and

promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of
society, organizations, public and private communities, and individuals.”
A. Education C. Bureaucracy
B. Recreation D. Public Health

4. Improvements root and branch in the style of political radicalism.

A. Radical Change C. Revolutionary Change
B. Continuous Change D. Fabian Change

5. It is abrupt, radical and drastic change, with implications of violence and of

starting afresh (perhaps most popular as a political bogeyman)
A. Radical Change C. Revolutionary Change
B. Continuous Change D. Fabian Change

6. It is the development of industries in a country or region on a wide scale.

A. Industrialization C. Urbanization
B. Technology D. Population

7. The process by which large numbers of people become permanently

concentrated in relatively small areas, forming cities.
A. Industrialization C. Urbanization
B. Technology D. Population

8. Refreshment of strength and spirits after work also : a means of refreshment

or diversion : hobby.
A. Education C. Bureaucracy
B. Recreation D. Public Health

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9. It is the measures designed to effect a more equitable distribution
of agricultural land especially by governmental action also : the
resulting redistribution.
A. Land Reform C. Peace and Order
B. Economic Reforms D. Social Services

10. Any set of productive techniques which offers a significant improvement

(whether measured in terms of increased output or savings in costs) over the
established technology for a given process in a specific historical context.
A. Industrialization C. Urbanization
B. Technology D. Population

11. Is the number of organisms of the same species that live in a particular
geographic area at the same time, with the capability of interbreeding. For
interbreeding to occur, individuals must be able to mate with any other
member of a population and produce fertile offspring.
A. Industrialization C. Urbanization
B. Technology D. Population

12. A theory states that society is by nature unequal and competitive.

A. Evolutionary theory C. Functionalist theory
B. Conflict theory D. Social theory

13. According to this theory, society always evolves into “higher levels.”
A. Evolutionary theory C. Functionalist theory
B. Conflict theory D. Social theory

14. Theory of social change teaches that society is like a human body.
A. Evolutionary theory C. Functionalist theory
B. Conflict theory D. Social theory

15. An open-ended change - change (allegedly) for the sake of change

A. Radical Change C. Revolutionary Change
B. Continuous Change D. Fabian Change

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 References

Books
Gonzales, Maria Carinnes P. et. al Understanding Culture, Society, and
Politics.,Diwa Learning System Inc., 2016 pp. 112-24

Aguilar, Maria Virginia G. et. al Society, Culture and Politcs., The Phoenix
Publishing House Inc., 2016 pp. 114-126

Lanuza, Gerry M. et. al Understanding Culture, Society, and Politcs., Rex Book
Store and Printing Company Inc., 2016 pp. 104-140

Online Resources
https://ucspsite.wordpress.com/page/

https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-relationship-of-culture-society-and-politics

https://www.humanrightscareers.com/issues/what-is-social-change/

https://prezi.com/c2ek6aon4auf/social-change-in-the-philippine-society/

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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education - Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)

Ground Floor, Bonifacio Bldg., DepEd Complex

Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600

Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985

Email Address: blr.lrqad@deped.gov.ph * blr.lrpd@deped.gov.ph

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