Social
Change of the First Kind is slow and almost imperceptible.
Gradual social change is psycho socially comfortable and comforting
for human beings because it provides for the highest degree
of social predictability. We make our life choices with less
fear of the unknown because our sets of choices are constrained
by the limitations imposed by the very nature of Social Change
of the First Kind. Ah! But humans are an inquisitive and creative
species.
Social Change
of the Second Kind
Excerpt
Social
Change of the Second Kind is more rapid social change
within the same cultural paradigm. For example, an agricultural
society changing from growing one traditional primary crop to
a new one [for whatever reasons]. This change will have an influence
on the human 'choice sets' and a corresponding impact on their
psycho social comfort level. The seeds of cultural discontinuity
are planted and the social distress is heightened. Individuals
begin to feel themselves being pulled in two ways.
Social Change
of the Third Kind
Excerpt
Social
Change of the Third Kind is a
much more dramatic process of change, but still operates within
the cultural paradigm.
It can create significant psycho social distress and social
upheaval. An example might be the period of the mid 19th and
early 20th Centuries as America made the move from an agricultural
Capitalist society to an industrial Capitalist society. Tension
and Boundary are in a potentially volatile but steady balance.
The apparent continuity of 'Democratic Capitalism' during
this period was sufficient to offer a sense of predictability
in the midst of the unknown.
At
each of these levels of social change different types of human
talents are required in order to survive the change. More importantly,
to progress during the period of change. That period might frame
the life of single or multiple generations.
