Evolution Versus Revolution

The Paradoxes of Social Change

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Evolution Versus Revolution by Melvyn L. Fein, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Melvyn L. Fein ISBN: 9781351521345
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Melvyn L. Fein
ISBN: 9781351521345
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Revolutionary and evolutionary theorists have very different views about change; Fein writes in favour of evolution. He proposes an integrated model of social evolution, one that accounts for the complexity, inconclusiveness, and impediments that characterize social transformations.This multi-dimensional approach recognizes that change is always saturated in conflict. Major changes are rarely initiated by conscious decisions that are automatically implemented; power and morality generally control the direction that significant alterations take. Fein explains how the social generalist dilemma places our need for both flexibility and stability in opposition to each other such that non-rational mechanisms are needed to produce a solution. He also describes how an "inverse force rule" dictates that small societies are bound together by strong social forces, whereas large ones are secured by weak forces. This suggests that social roles are likely to become professionalized over time.If social change is, in fact, analogous to natural rather than artificial selection, we may be in the midst of an only partially predictable middle class revolution. Indeed, the current impasse between liberals and conservatives may be evidence that we are in the consolidation phase of this process. Should this be the case, a paradigm shift, not a classical revolution, is in our future.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Revolutionary and evolutionary theorists have very different views about change; Fein writes in favour of evolution. He proposes an integrated model of social evolution, one that accounts for the complexity, inconclusiveness, and impediments that characterize social transformations.This multi-dimensional approach recognizes that change is always saturated in conflict. Major changes are rarely initiated by conscious decisions that are automatically implemented; power and morality generally control the direction that significant alterations take. Fein explains how the social generalist dilemma places our need for both flexibility and stability in opposition to each other such that non-rational mechanisms are needed to produce a solution. He also describes how an "inverse force rule" dictates that small societies are bound together by strong social forces, whereas large ones are secured by weak forces. This suggests that social roles are likely to become professionalized over time.If social change is, in fact, analogous to natural rather than artificial selection, we may be in the midst of an only partially predictable middle class revolution. Indeed, the current impasse between liberals and conservatives may be evidence that we are in the consolidation phase of this process. Should this be the case, a paradigm shift, not a classical revolution, is in our future.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Environmental Management in Organizations by Melvyn L. Fein
Cover of the book Russian Legal Culture Before and After Communism by Melvyn L. Fein
Cover of the book The Language Myth in Western Culture by Melvyn L. Fein
Cover of the book Studying for Continuing Professional Development in Health by Melvyn L. Fein
Cover of the book Pure Economic Loss by Melvyn L. Fein
Cover of the book The State of Working America by Melvyn L. Fein
Cover of the book Alternatives to Domestic Violence by Melvyn L. Fein
Cover of the book The Archaeology of Anglo-Saxon England by Melvyn L. Fein
Cover of the book Reflections on Aesthetic Judgment and other Essays by Melvyn L. Fein
Cover of the book Researching Virtual Worlds by Melvyn L. Fein
Cover of the book Virgil Thomson by Melvyn L. Fein
Cover of the book Pro Tools for Music Production by Melvyn L. Fein
Cover of the book The New Islamic State by Melvyn L. Fein
Cover of the book The New Liberalism by Melvyn L. Fein
Cover of the book Adaptation of Western Economics by Russian Universities by Melvyn L. Fein
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy