A concept that seeks to explain major social transformations—of the order that can change societies permanently—by positing that they are as much a product of chance and circumstance as directed human endeavors (in the shape of “social movements,” broadly understood).[1] In other words, such transformations are always an outcome of a fortuitous relationship between agency and “historical structures” (the latter being understood, in this instance, as major historical factors, be they natural or human, that originate outside the dictates of the agency in question and therefore are bereft of intentionality, that is, in terms of the transformations). (See also Social Change.)
[1]. This is a very important concept because it helps to debunk the myth propagated by the powerful, the conquerors that their power is rooted in their own genetic makeup (that is that they are a naturally superior people born to rule, dominate exploit, etc. others). Whereas the truth is that this power and domination is an outcome of being in the "right place" at the "right time," so to speak. In other words, no group of human beings (by whatever means you categorize them: race, class, gender, etc.) have a monopoly over intelligence and creativity. If they did have such a monopoly then how come they or their empires and civilizations are no longer with us today. (The passage into the dustbin of history of numerous civilizations and empires—e.g. the Egyptian Civilization, the Greek Civilization, Roman Empire, the Chinese Civilization, the Mongol Empire, the Byzantium Empire, the Islamic Empire, the Aztec Civilization, The British Empire, the Soviet Empire, and so on—attests to this point) Civilizations or empires are not preordained, whether by nature or God. Today the dominant civilization is the Western Civilization, but will it last forever? History tells us that the answer is no, but only time will tell.