The functionalist perspective minimises change, it emphasizes the persistence of social life and views change as necessary in order to maintain the equilibrium of a society. By contrast, conflict theorists contend that change is of crucial significance as it is a means for securing the social interests of every class. Several sociologists emphasize the importance of conflict in social change. Darhrendr of says that every society is subject to change at every moment. Social change is natural and ubiquitous.
Every society experiences at every moment social conflict, hence social conflict is ubiquitous. It is this social conflict which leads to social change. Since social conflict is continuously present in every society, social change naturally and essentially characterize each society and in each period of its history.
Society changes through social compromises, social adjustments, or even by greater repression. Conflict of interests and ideas is present in each society. No society is or can be free from conflict and some disagreements and even disputes. Each society therefore tries to resolve these for securing and maintaining a tolerable social harmony.
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This is done through agreements, compromises, and law-making by the government and judicial settlements. Unresolved conflict can lead to a social disorder, violence and even anarchy, chaos and civil war. As such Conflict-resolution is a social necessity and it is continuously practiced because some conflict is continuously present in society. Social change takes place in this process.
Conflict theory is quite impressive and influential. But it does not account for all forms of social change. It only gives us a means of analysing some of the most significant changes occurring in history of social functioning. It does not tell us much about the direction of social change.
Thus, there have been present several theories of Social Change and each of it is advocated by several protagonists and criticized by several critics. Since Social change is a universal, complex and dynamic phenomenon in which several factors play a part, no single theory can really explain its nature and scope. We have to use several theories for studying all dimensions of Social Change.