Discuss about the relation between the change of demographic structure...
Social change, in sociology, the alteration of mechanisms within the social structure, characterized by changes in cultural symbols, rules of behaviour, social organizations, or value systems.
Throughout the historical development of their discipline, sociologists have borrowed models of social change from other academic fields. In the late 19th century, when evolution became the predominant model for understanding biological change, ideas of social change took on an evolutionary cast, and, though other models have refined modern notions of social change, evolution persists as an underlying principle.
Other sociological models created analogies between social change and the West’s technological progress. In the mid-20th century, anthropologists borrowed from the linguistic theory of structuralism to elaborate an approach to social change called structural functionalism. This theory postulated the existence of certain basic institutions (including kinship relations and division of labour) that determine social behaviour. Because of their interrelated nature, a change in one institution will affect other institutions.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Humanities/Arts courses
Discuss about the relation between the change of demographic structure...
Introduction:
The demographic structure of a society refers to the composition of its population in terms of age, sex, education, occupation, and other relevant factors. Changes in the demographic structure can have a significant impact on social change. This is because the demographic structure affects various aspects of society, including social institutions, culture, economy, and politics.
Effects of Change in Demographic Structure on Social Change:
1. Economic Impact:
- Changes in the demographic structure can have a profound impact on the economy of a society.
- An increase in the working-age population can lead to economic growth as it increases the labor force and productivity.
- Conversely, a decrease in the working-age population due to an aging population can result in economic challenges, such as a shortage of skilled workers and increased burden on the healthcare system.
2. Social Institutions:
- Changes in the demographic structure can influence social institutions like family, education, and healthcare.
- For example, an increase in the elderly population can lead to changes in the family structure, with a greater need for elder care and intergenerational support.
- Similarly, changes in the age distribution can impact the education system, with a larger or smaller number of students requiring educational resources and facilities.
3. Cultural Changes:
- Demographic changes can also influence cultural norms, values, and practices.
- For instance, as the population becomes more diverse in terms of ethnicity and religion, it can lead to the emergence of multiculturalism and the adoption of new cultural practices.
- Furthermore, changes in the demographic structure can also influence patterns of migration, urbanization, and social mobility, which in turn affect cultural dynamics.
4. Political Implications:
- Changes in the demographic structure can have political consequences as well.
- For example, a large youth population can lead to political mobilization and demands for social change.
- Similarly, an aging population may demand policies and programs that address their specific needs, such as healthcare and retirement benefits.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the demographic structure of a society plays a crucial role in shaping social change. Changes in the age distribution, education levels, occupational patterns, and other demographic factors can have wide-ranging impacts on the economy, social institutions, culture, and politics. Therefore, understanding and analyzing the demographic structure is essential for policymakers and sociologists to effectively address the challenges and opportunities brought about by social change.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Humanities/Arts study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Humanities/Arts.