Epilogue: Man and His Society

Abstract

Abstract This chapter is an epilogue and includes, in addition to a philosophical and sociological discussion of man as a structurer and the dialectics of stability versus change, an examination of the practical relevance and application of social resource theory (e.g., possession of resources as social indicators). A highly practical and relevant conclusion that Foa and Foa draw is that identifying resource deficits, considering emotional, social, and economic aspects of human resource-seeking behavior, and realizing the consequences of different types of resource deficits for individuals and society comprise a fruitful approach to deal with acute social problems. Thus, the goal is to evolve toward forms of social organization that will offer a more balanced supply of resources, and the integrative approach advocated by social resource theory is conducive to realizing this goal.