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In the first picture, it is possible to notice a family watching television altogether, whereas the second shows a kid watching it alone. 

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Accumulation is a process through which the growth of human knowledge from generation to generation allows society to develop new ways of doing things. Social change inevitably follows when economic and technological changes occur in this way.

An example of accumulation is advancements in television technology. In the 1950s, since televisions were quite expensive, family members would sit down together to watch it and communicate with each other to discuss which program to view and their opinions on them. However, after technical advances, televisions became more affordable, thus families had more than one in their households. This made television watching a solitary activity, leading to family members talking less among themselves, weakening the family structure, and causing significant social change.

What could be another example of accumulation?

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The diffusion of innovations is a sociological theorical model, that explains how an emergent innovations in society is being spread.

As stated by numerous sociologists, there are two key factors that affect the diffusion of a new innovation:

the adopters (those who use the innovation)

the advocates (the ones who spread it, and speak in the favor of the new development)

Therefore without these two key factors it would be near impossible for a new innovation to be diffused across generations, and countries. Because if there was no user, no adopters then who would be there to use this new innovation. Thus leading to the exact same conclusion for those who advocate. If they weren't here to advocate for the product then who would tell the world about it. Who would share this innovation accross borders? Nobody, therefore this shows the importance of both the advocates and adopters when it comes to the diffusion of an idea.

Any idea of innovation, belief, piece of fashion or technology that worked under that theory?

An innovation is more likely to stay and widspread, if it's adopted by younger generations, who are educated, or that have high-status occupations. This is also a reason why when brands make ads, they tend to use famous people of the current generation.

Example: Samsung collaborating with BTS

Why do you think that is?

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Structural-functionalism is focused on social structure instead of social change. It is trying to understand which social institutions are influential in society and what characteristics give them influence (power, wealth, popularity). Structural-functionalists believe that when social change did occur, it's the result of tension and adaptation. This means that when one part of the social system changes, tension arises between that part and the rest. This creates imbalance but with adaptation, balance is restored to society.

Example:

The Great Depression

A huge economic depression hit which caused high numbers of unemployment. This caused economic disaster for thousands of families around North America.

Since there were no welfare programs, there was no government help for these families. (tension)

This caused the government to intervene and help the families in need. (Adaptation)

This also helped kick start the economy and started up the modern welfare. (Balance)

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There are several theories that are part of the Sociological lens. From structural-functionalism, accumulation, diffusion of innovation, and 6 factors that can cause social change, the sociological lens encompasses society as a whole, while still focusing on smaller groups in our society. The sociological theories of social change more specifically focuses on what, and who may influence society.

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Accumulation: The more knowledge a society grows, the more development will be taking place.

Example: Advancements in  television technology → suddenly TV is purchasable for way less money → less socialising and talking with family in general

Diffusion of innovations: Model explains how innovations are adopted in society, influenced by education, or famous people, more likely to be known by younger audiences, who advertise the product

Adopters: use innovation

Advocates: Spread the word

Structural Functionalism: Social structure and the disruptions/change of that structure, often occurring due to tension among different social groups, resolved by one or all groups adapting to new conditions.

Example: The Great Depression - Many families suddenly didn’t have enough money to afford pretty much anything, also losing their jobs, causing high numbers of unemployment, depending on support by the government.

Six Factors of Social Change that influence the pace and nature of social change:

Geography: Societal development determined by location of the country

External Events: exploitation of other lands and colonies

Human factors: communication and union are very essential for success in societal growth

Cultural Pluralism: basic values and beliefs to agree on

Technology: transport - influencing development of society by providing resources

Aboriginal Communities: individual groups within society need to be known to understand the change that needs to happen

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Geography:

Geography played a significant role in the development of capitalism in north-west Europe, where the presence of extensive river systems facilitated easy trade routes. This accessibility to waterways not only encouraged commerce but also contributed to the emergence of independent city-states and fostered a robust merchant class. The combination of geography and trade ultimately laid the groundwork for the flourishing of capitalist economies in the region.

External Events:

The growth of industrialism in Europe during the 19th century spurred Europeans to sail across the Atlantic Ocean in search of new opportunities. They established colonies in North and South America, exploiting these territories as vital sources of raw materials to fuel their industries while simultaneously utilizing them as markets for their manufactured products. This transatlantic exchange significantly impacted both the economies of Europe and the development of the Americas.

Human Factors:

The success of the American Revolution in the 1770s can be attributed to several human factors, notably the unity among American commanders contrasted with the division among British commanders. While British leadership faced internal disagreements that weakened their strategic cohesion, the American side presented a more unified front, which played a crucial role in achieving victory.

Cultural Pluralism:

Pluralistic societies are societies in which minorities can maintain their original cultures and their tradtions. In modern pluralistic societies, it is necessary to find a consensus on basic values and beliefs to find a collective will to take action on social issues. A good example of this is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as they clearly couldn't agree on anything, leading to excessive violence.

Technology:

The creation of Canada in 1867 and the arrival of European immigrants across the country wouldn't have been possible without the railways. These trains were like the highways of their time, helping to connect different regions and make travel much faster and easier. Before railways were built, it was tough for people to move to new places, especially in a vast country like Canada. The railways allowed families and workers to travel long distances, bringing them to new opportunities and helping to make Canada what it is today.

Aboriginal Communities:

Aboriginal communities in Canada see themselves more as independent nations within Canada, rather than as ethnic groups in Canada. This means that the social change that they want to see is typically different to what a "typical Canadian" might want to see in their communities.

Can you think of some other examples for any of the six factors?

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Why is the theory of Diffusion of Innovation still revelant today?

Since this theory was created in 1962, it really never stopped being relevant. The theory applies to every innovation. If we use an example such as technology or AI, we can observe the same scheme all along. First the advocates are brought in, they start showing to everyone what are the advantages, of this new innovation. Thus by bringing up to the world, this new innovation, they are gonna find people who will also find it interesting, and they will adopt it. Those people are defined as adopters. Such a thing happened with AI, at first not a lot of people enjoyed it, and most thought it was useless, but with the advocaters, people really got into it, and now AI is now one of the most famous innovation of our generation. This proves how the diffusion of innovation is still revelant nowadays, and will still be relevant in years.

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Why is structural-functionalism important today?

Structural-functionalism is still important today because it helps us understand certain aspects in our society. For example, the theory sheds a light on how institutions work together to maintain social stability and order. We can also learn to anticipate how social changes in one area will affect the rest of society. Lastly, this theory permits us to understand that everything in our world is interdependent. It allows us to see how institutions like family, education, and government work together to contribute to social cohesion and continuity.

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Summary

Why is accumulation still relevant today?

Because it explains how societies adapt, change, and deal with difficult problems, accumulation remains extremely relevant today for different reasons:

artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology, which result from accumulated discoveries over centuries.

developments in areas like civil rights, gender equality, and sustainability have led to significant cultural and institutional changes.

Automation and the shift to digital economies are two examples of how technologies are altering economies, workforces, and industries as well as bringing new lifestyles and social change.

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Kahoot!

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Sociological theory quiz - Details - Kahoot!

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