How is social change defined?

Social change is defined as the transformation of cultural and social institutions. This encompasses a wide range of shifts that can occur within a society, influencing everything from values and norms to structures and practices. It describes how societies evolve over time, responding to various factors such as economic development, technological innovation, shifts in population dynamics, and changes in cultural attitudes.

This definition recognizes that social change isn't merely about isolated events or specific laws; it is often a complex process that can reshape the core foundations of a society. For example, major movements in civil rights, feminist perspectives, or environmental awareness all reflect changes in how individuals and groups interact with each other and their environments.

While the establishment of new laws and regulations can be an aspect of social change, it is merely a symptom or component rather than a comprehensive definition. Preservation of traditional customs suggests stagnation or continuity rather than change. The decline of technological influence implies a retreat from change, whereas social change frequently involves the integration and adaptation of new technologies and their effects on social structures.