Social Change

Social change has been defined as significant altercation overtime in behavior pattern and culture (W.Moore 1967). The discussion will surrounds the argument that social change is driven by the power of ideas and not by economic factors which will be based on the premise of both Marx and Weber. While they share similar view as it relates to interpretive sociology; the theories of social change were different.

Social change is influence by the economy, religion, family, and government. In order to have social change it must be viewed on the basis of a paradigm shift where things is always changing, but this must be managed, contained and channeled for the good of the society. The success or failure of different political systems, globalization, democratization, development and economic growth, are all rooted in this basic idea of social change.

To have a successful economic growth depends on a number of factors, such as technology and natural and social resources. However, successful utilization of resources depends on having a stable and fairly flexible economic and political system, and a social system compatible with growth, for example, having values and customs which are favorable toward capital development and accumulation.

Marx believed that in order for social change to takes place the economic infrastructure is the ultimately determinant while Weber states that, human initiative is directed by meaning and motives. Marx is generally seen as a materialist. This is because he believed that material world shaped our belief. Unlike Marx, Weber refutes that by saying he does not believed that is always the case. At times it may; but it is not always shaped by economic factors.

As it relate to modern societies. Marx and Weber characteristics of social change were different in that, Marx stressed capitalism and class conflict. Capitalism is where production is privately owned and the main incentive for the economic activity is to gain profits. Class conflict is seen in relational terms i.e. classes are distinct entities which have particular roles in economic system (employer and employees). Weber stressed the process of rationalization and bureaucracy. Rationalization is where the world is increasingly governed by rationality in which tradition and affective forms of action are replaced by predominantly rational forms while bureaucratic organizations were essential for the operation of the industrial society.

Marx's view was different on bureaucracy. He believed that state bureaucracy is an instrument of class oppression that maintained the dominance of the bourgeoisie. Marx predicted that in this social change there would be a proletarian revolution where administrators would be elected and truly responsible for the people. This he believed would cease to exist in a classless society.

Even though they had different opinion on modern society, Marx and Weber both identified problems with modern