• Emile Durkheim was a French sociologist who proposed a functionalist theory of social change.

• Durkheim argued that society is like a living organism, with different parts that work together to maintain stability and order.

• Social change is necessary for the survival of society, but it must be gradual and controlled to prevent disruption.

• According to Durkheim, social change is often initiated by external factors, such as technology, economy, or political events.

• Changes in social institutions, such as education or religion, can also lead to social change.

• Durkheim believed that social change should be guided by collective morality and social cohesion, rather than individual interests.

• He saw the role of religion as crucial in promoting social stability and preventing anomie, or a state of normlessness and confusion.

• In summary, Durkheim's functionalist theory of social change emphasized the importance of gradual, controlled change guided by collective morality and social cohesion.

Watch the following and take notes:

Thought Co - Resource: https://www.thoughtco.com/functionalist-perspective-3026625

Theories of cultural change

Term

Definition/explanation

Conflict 

Marx’ Conflict theory attempts to explain how social change at the macro level results from conflict between groups who have differences in power/authority. 

Functionalism

Durkheim’s Functionalist theory attempts to explain how social institutions and phenomena will continue or change at the macro/meso level in order to meet the needs of society, resulting in social stability.

Evolutionary

Comte’s Evolutionary theory attempts to explain linear directions of societal change particularly as they develop from small, simple entities to complex, post-industrial societies. 

Interactionist

Mead’s Interactionist theory attempts to explain how people create cultural symbols and act to shape the world according to their interpretation of cultural symbols.  

How is Functionalism linked to our Case study on China - Continuity and Change? 

Functionalist social change theory suggests that society responds to disruptive events by adapting and adjusting to restore equilibrium. China has experienced significant social change over the past few decades, with its shift from a communist state to a more market-oriented economy being a primary example. This change has been driven by a desire for economic growth and increased prosperity, with the Chinese government playing a key role in guiding this process. However, this rapid social change has also brought about new challenges, such as increased social inequality and environmental degradation.

What has the Chinese government done to modernise China? 

1. Economic Reforms: In 1978, China's government launched a series of economic reforms that opened up the country's economy to foreign investment and private enterprise, leading to the growth of a market economy.

2. Infrastructure Development: The Chinese government invested heavily in building modern infrastructure, such as highways, bridges, airports, and high-speed railways, to facilitate trade and commerce.

3. Education Reforms: The government expanded access to education and established a new curriculum to better prepare students for the demands of the modern economy.

4. Technological Innovation: The government invested in research and development to promote technological innovation, resulting in breakthroughs in areas such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and renewable energy.

5. Urbanization: The government encouraged urbanization and invested in the construction of modern cities, providing housing, healthcare, and social services to the rapidly growing urban population.

6. Population Control: The government implemented a strict one-child policy in the late 1970s to curb population growth, leading to a decline in birth rates.

7. Foreign Trade: The government promoted foreign trade and entered into agreements with other countries to increase exports and foreign investment in China.

8. Land Reforms: The government implemented land reforms that allowed farmers to lease or own land, which increased agricultural productivity and led to better living standards for farmers.

9. Financial Reforms: The government introduced financial reforms, including the establishment of stock markets, to provide businesses with access to capital and increase the efficiency of the financial sector.

10. Anti-Corruption Measures: The government launched a series of anti-corruption campaigns to improve governance, root out corrupt officials, and maintain social stability.

Activity: Research - Task

Topic: Durkheim's functionalist theory of social change in China

Question: Evaluate: To what extent does Durkheim's functionalist theory explain social change in China?

Instructions:

1. Create a research document entitled "Durkheim's functionalist theory of social change applied to China"

2. Conduct research on Durkheim's functionalist theory of social change and China.

3. Identify at least TWO scholarly articles that discuss functionalism or cultural changes in China. 

4. Summarize the main points and arguments of each source in a table or chart in your document. 

5. Analyze and synthesize the information gathered from the sources to develop a coherent argument of the Question: 

Evaluate: To what extent does Durkheim's functionalist theory explain social change in China? (15 marks) 

6. Simulate HSC Exam writing task: IN YOUR BOOKS 

Write a brief essay 400-600 words(2-3 pages) summarizing your findings and conclusions and answer the question. Include any strengths and weaknesses and a clear evaluation.

Helpful resources

List societal and cultural changes in China in the last 50 years

1. Economic Growth: In the last 50 years, China has experienced a massive economic growth that has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and transformed the country into a global economic power.

2. Urbanization: The population of China has become increasingly urbanized in the last 50 years. Many people have migrated from rural areas to cities, leading to the development of megacities such as Beijing and Shanghai.

3. One-Child Policy: From 1979 to 2015, China had a one-child policy which aimed to control population growth. The policy had a significant impact on Chinese society, leading to changes in family structure, the workforce, and social norms.

4. Internet and Technology: The rapid development of the internet and technology has changed the way Chinese people communicate, work, and access information. China is now home to the largest online population in the world.

5. Education: Education has become increasingly important in China in the last 50 years, with more children attending school and higher education becoming more accessible.

6. Environmental Awareness: In recent years, China has made significant efforts to address environmental issues such as air and water pollution. This has led to the development of a green economy and a greater emphasis on sustainable development.

7. Globalization: China has become increasingly integrated into the global economy and culture in the last 50 years. This has led to the spread of Western culture and ideas in China, as well as the emergence of a global Chinese culture.

8. Women's Rights: Women's rights have improved significantly in China in the last 50 years, with greater access to education and job opportunities, and the implementation of laws to protect women from discrimination and violence.

9. Changing Family Structure: The traditional Chinese family structure has changed in the last 50 years, with smaller families and a greater emphasis on individualism and personal autonomy.

10. Political and Legal Reforms: China has undergone significant political and legal reforms in the last 50 years, including the establishment of a legal system, the introduction of market-oriented economic policies, and the expansion of political freedoms.

Evaluate To what extent does Durkheim's functionalist theory explain social change in China? 300 words (C - Level)

Durkheim's functionalist theory argues that society is a complex system of interdependent parts that work together to maintain social stability and order. Social change, according to Durkheim, occurs when there is a dysfunction in this system, leading to a breakdown of social order. The functionalist approach can be applied to explain social change in China to a certain extent.

Firstly, the rapid economic growth in China can be explained through the functionalist lens. The Chinese government's decision to adopt market-oriented policies in the 1980s led to an increase in production and economic growth. This growth has helped to provide employment opportunities and raise the standard of living for many Chinese citizens, thereby contributing to social stability and order.

However, Durkheim's theory has limitations in explaining social change in China. The government's one-child policy, implemented in 1979, aimed at controlling the population growth, but it has led to demographic imbalances, such as a disproportionately high number of elderly citizens. This imbalance has led to an increased burden on the younger generation to provide for the elderly, resulting in potential social dysfunction.

Furthermore, the rise of social media and technology has challenged traditional values and social norms in China. The increased access to information and communication has led to a shift in the way people interact and communicate, leading to social change. This change has led to concerns about maintaining social order and stability, particularly among the older generation who are less receptive to these new ideas.

In conclusion, Durkheim's functionalist theory provides a useful framework for understanding social change in China to some extent. However, it fails to account for certain factors that contribute to social dysfunction and may be limited in its ability to explain the more complex and nuanced changes in society, particularly in the context of rapid technological advancements.

How can Durkeims functionalism theory of culture continuity/change be applied to either the Mao era or the Deng Xiaoping era?

Émile Durkheim's functionalist theory focuses on how cultural elements serve functions in society, either maintaining stability (continuity) or adapting to new needs (change). Applying this theory to the Mao era and the Deng Xiaoping era in China can illustrate how cultural elements were instrumental in either preserving stability or facilitating change.

Mao Era (Cultural Continuity and Change):

• Continuity: Mao aimed to establish a new communist society by eliminating old cultural elements associated with feudalism or capitalism. He sought continuity through the promotion of collectivism, egalitarianism, and revolutionary zeal. This period attempted to create a unified socialist culture where values of selflessness, loyalty to the state, and class struggle were emphasized.

• Change: Mao's Cultural Revolution aimed at changing societal norms by purging elements deemed bourgeois or counter-revolutionary. The revolution aimed to transform society by eliminating old customs, beliefs, and hierarchies in favor of proletarian culture and communist ideology. This rapid change disrupted established cultural norms, emphasizing ideological unity over traditional values.

Deng Xiaoping Era (Cultural Continuity and Change):

• Continuity: Deng's reforms focused on economic modernization while maintaining political control by the Communist Party. There was continuity in the preservation of the Communist Party's authority and the maintenance of Chinese cultural symbols and traditions. Elements like Confucian values of order and stability were promoted alongside economic reforms.

• Change: The era brought substantial changes in economic policies with the introduction of market-oriented reforms. The emphasis on economic growth, entrepreneurship, and openness to foreign investment marked a shift away from Mao's collectivist ideology. This led to a cultural shift towards consumerism, individualism, and a redefined social structure as China opened up to the world economically.

In both eras, Durkheim's theory is applicable:

• Functionalist Continuity: Elements of continuity served the function of providing stability and a sense of identity during times of significant change. Whether through Mao's attempts to forge a unified socialist culture or Deng's balance between economic reform and political control, continuity helped maintain social cohesion.

• Functionalist Change: Changes introduced in both eras aimed to address perceived societal needs. Mao's revolution sought to eliminate old elements for the creation of a new socialist society, while Deng's reforms responded to the need for economic progress, leading to shifts in cultural values and societal structures.

Durkheim's theory helps to analyze how both eras in Chinese history utilized cultural elements to either maintain stability or adapt to changing socio-economic circumstances, shaping the trajectory of China's cultural and societal development.

Q: How did Mao's cultural changes impact society on the micro meso macro level of society?

Mao's cultural changes had profound effects on Chinese society across various levels: micro (individual), meso (community or institutional), and macro (national).

Micro Level (Individual):

• Social Identity and Beliefs: Mao's campaigns aimed to reshape individual identities by promoting a socialist collective identity. People were encouraged to abandon old customs, embrace communist values, and view themselves primarily as members of a class rather than through traditional affiliations.

• Behavioral Changes: Individuals were compelled to conform to the ideals of the Cultural Revolution. This led to radical changes in behavior, such as the adoption of revolutionary rhetoric, participation in Red Guard activities, and conforming to the norms set by the Communist Party.

Meso Level (Community/Institutional):

• Disruption of Communities: The Cultural Revolution brought turmoil to communities as social structures were challenged. Schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods were affected by political struggles, purges, and the breakdown of traditional hierarchies. Red Guards often disrupted institutions, leading to instability and fear.

• Impact on Institutions: Existing institutions, such as schools, religious places, and cultural organizations, were targeted for revolutionary re-education or dismantling. Intellectuals, professionals, and those associated with the old order were persecuted, leading to institutional instability and loss of expertise.

Macro Level (National):

• Social Cohesion and Fragmentation: While the Cultural Revolution aimed to unite society under the communist ideology, it led to deep divisions and fragmentation. The struggle sessions and class conflicts exacerbated social tensions, disrupting social harmony on a national scale.

• Economic Impact: The upheaval and emphasis on ideological purity rather than expertise had adverse effects on the economy. Production decreased, infrastructure suffered, and the country experienced economic setbacks as the focus shifted from economic development to political ideology.

• Political Landscape: The Cultural Revolution profoundly reshaped China's political landscape. It purged the party of perceived adversaries and consolidated Mao's power. However, it also led to a power struggle within the party and left a legacy of cautiousness and apprehension towards political reforms.

Overall, at the micro level, Mao's cultural changes impacted individual identities and behavior. At the meso level, communities and institutions faced upheaval and disruption. At the macro level, China experienced significant social, economic, and political ramifications, reshaping the nation's fabric for years to come.