TOWARD A MODEL OF SOCIAL CHANGE.

Abstract

This paper outlines a model of social change. In what follows I shall first briefly list the shortcomings of existing models, second, note the premises behind my model, and third, formally present the change model itself. In all of this my intention is to work both rigorously (I'll offer definitions) and systematically (I'll utilize a propositional format, which follows, and natural progression of the phenomena as I understand it). The shortcomings discussed in the literature appear to be several: (a) little attention on directing or implementing change, rather they most often offer the means for observing it; (b) Attention to tactics or the technology of change, not to strategic interventions: (c) there is an individualistic-rationalistic bias; commitment, risk, and fear are largely ignored; (d) the politics of change is strangely avoided, hence power underutilized in change thinking and acting; (e) usually only one level of analysis is focused upon. That is, the range of targets, e.g., individual, group, organization, community, is equally applicable by change theories: (f) change is typically viewed as a linear sequence, not a natural cycling; (g) targets of change theories are usually entities of one kind or another, this detracting from attention to relationships; (h) change is typically seen as the result of a major, new or critical input from the environment, this view obscures both the many internal sources of change as well as the significance of relatively small initial changes in every day affairs; and (i) contemporary change theories are highly value infused. While most explicitly acknowledge this, a valid model should comprehend positive as well as negative events or outcomes. The model presented below consciously attempts to overcome most of these shortcomings. This proposition allows for the social system to