Changes in theories related to social structural change
There exist varying patterns of criminal behavior within the social structure. Theories related to social structure have changed over time due to various factors. Theory of social structure attempts to describe social change and its effect on behavior development. Social structure is a result of the distribution of power, wealth, and prestige. These different elements in the society have led to these changes in social structure.
Presently, researchers pursuing research in the field of social structure follow limited but practical goals. The major focus has turned to development of laws, theories, generalizations, and methods that describe cultural regularities in society (Listwan, 2013). However, they do not consider the limitless structural regularities in society including the stability of national boundaries, linguistic routines, permanence of religious practices, or durability of gender inequality.
Many societal factors have resulted into significant changes in social structure. To start with, changes in the physical environment such as climate change, soil erosion, and lakes gradually diminishing can greatly affect a culture. Such changes might affect the economic activity of a population hence change in social structure. Changes in population can become casual factor in further cultural and social change (Listwan, 2013). Increased migration can lead to social and structural changes as the population adapts to the changes through migration, improve productivity, or face hunger.
The structure of a society influences its rate of change. A society that vest much authority in the old people as in the case of China made the country become more stable and conservative. Many countries today have a centralized bureaucracy, which favors the promotion and diffusion of change.
However, in the past, institutions used bureaucracy to suppress change in the society.
In conclusion, the theories related to social structure have changed over time as the population grows and people become more civilized. Elements such as structure of society, population growth, and climate change have led to these changes.
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References
Listwan, S.J. (2013). Introduction to juvenile justice. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education.
