Question

Provide several reasons to explain why social change occurs. Discuss the differences between planned and unplanned change. Why are some people resistant to social change?  

Answer 1

Social change is an alteration in the social order of a society. One of the central concerns of the sociology of development is change. A large part of change in society is caused by change in culture. Culture is a system that constantly loses and gains components. Invention, discovery and diffusion are considered to be the main sources of cultural change. Also, new ideas and modification of old ideas in a new context bring wide-scale changes in society. Social change may also occur due to tension and conflict.

Planned change	Unplanned change
A planned change is intentional.	An unplanned change is spontaneous.
The results of planned change are expected.	The results of unplanned change are unexpected.
Planned change emanates from within the company, usually from the management.	Unplanned change is influenced by external factors outside of the organization's control.

Resistance to social change:

1. Misunderstanding about the need for change.
2. Cultural factors also play a central role in resistance to social change. When technology enters a society, non‐material culture must respond to changes in material culture.
3. Resistance can also stem from perceptions of the change that people hold.