Sociology

Social Change

            Social change is an inevitable part of human life and its effects have been felt across geographical borders. Actually, all societies making up the world have undergone evolutionism through encroachment factors that have led to change. In the US, technological change has had a significant influence over the nation’s economy. The agrarian revolution as we study in history is very interesting although to some extent, it seems domineering and unfair. The American natives highly comprising of the Indians lived in what was deemed as a backward society that was bent on the hunting and gathering lifestyle and with time, they were forced to adapt to practices like farming, monetary trading, wearing clothes among others (Schmidt & Hersh, 2000). It may well have brought the desired change but in my view, the cost paid for this was great. Revolutions arose that led to massive life loss and hostility between the Whites and the Indians. Social segregation set in with some tribes being superior or inferior to others and that I believe has shown its effects to date.

Racism has been a contentious issue in the US and the West with some neighborhoods being associated with class and a particular people. President Obama’s campaign period was marked with some cases of racial violence and since his empowerment, racial threats from the societal and political interests have rose by four hundred percent while the number of militia groups rose by two hundred and forty four percent. Groups in favor of anti-immigration have also rose by eighty percent, a clear indication that the ancient problem of race is still very much spread in America (United States of America Congressional Record, 2010). Although it may not be clearly said or indicated, it is still a huge price for the American citizens. Peace treaties were later used to calm the agrarian situation but the damage was already done. Rich cultural practices were eroded for ‘modern’ but the discrimination that arose from that one single move does not show any modernization in segregation. However, each coin has two faces and for this, perhaps there is a good cause from the technological innovations and change in the society. America grew economically to presently become a strong nation that commands international recognition.

In addition to this, the constitution has been amended to fit different human concerns that have been able to empower citizens especially the minority groups like women and children. Equal employment rights and free education systems are a few of these factors (Schmidt & Hersh, 2000). The internet that has led to the institution of a global community has led to growth and expansion of markets, globalization and trade liberalization that has imparted a level of social welfare. Employment and career lines have been enhanced through human right factions and activism. However, another major concern of technology arises from the creation of weapons used for warfare. The US was the first nation to launch nuclear warheads on the Japanese Hiroshima and Nagasaki regions. World War II soon ended after this and so were human lives. The world also learned the power of nuclear materials and this time treaties did nothing to stop the proliferation of such harmful materials. Nations indulged in nuclear weapons creation and the US stands at a threatened position by the al Qaeda faction as seen from the September 11 attacks.

The US has been on the frontline to anti-terrorism campaigns but I think that the threats stem from conflicts, which I believe, stemmed from the notion of superiority and discrimination cultivated as early as the technological revolution period. The natives may have been Indians as some may argue, but currently, India and North Korea are among some of the leading nations supporting the spread of nuclear weapons and the probable use on the West. Making peace in this warring condition is very important at a time like these where the US enemies have increased over the years with a prime objective of harming massive US citizens through weapons of mass destruction. My view is that, traditional as opposed to power threats would serve to resolve the situation, otherwise the next social change that may go down in history is the annihilation of the human community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited:

Schmidt, Johannes & Hersh, Jacques. Globalization and Social Change. New York, NY: Routledge, 2000. Print.

United States of America Congressional Record. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 2010. Print.