Abstract
The explanatory form of Spencer's theory of social evolution has been persistently misunderstood in the sociological literature. This paper challenges the conventional interpretation that Spencer proposed a theory of immanent change to establish that his is an evolutionary theory in the modern biological sense. Proponents of the immanence interpretation have failed to grasp the role that Lamarckian and von Baerian models of change play in Spencer's theories of organic and superorganic evolution. Their case against Spencer and evolutionary theory more generally attacks a model of change Spencer had already rejected. Instead of providing support for the standard sociological definition of evolution and its corollary, the argument for deconstruction, Spencer's theory of social change points to the need for a fundamental rethinking of the terms of the debate over evolutionary theory in sociology.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
