One invariant in the life of all living and non-living things is change. When it takes place in the lives of interacting human beings,it is termed social change.
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Rogers defined social change more specifically as the process by which alteration occurs in the structure and function of a social system. When viewed within the context of a social system, it is the alteration in the systematic attributes of a social system. It is the alteration in the systematic attributes of a social system. It therefore involves any change in ideas,values,norms,social roles,habit,obligations of people or change in life-style,life goals,chances,and environment or in the composition or organization of their society hence a social system may be a social group,a city,a community, a region or a nation.
When it is viewed within the rural setting,it is termed RURAL SOCIAL CHANGE. The fact is that Change takes place in the rural, sub-urban and urban areas. Change could be in all attributes of a societal unit such as in number, quality and importance. It could be introduced from internal or external sources to the society or both. It could be planned, when it is more effective and predictable or unplanned. It could be by force , when it is quick with early gains but not enduring or voluntary, when it is slow but enduring it could be total. When it is comprehensive or segmental when it affect a part of the system.
SOCIAL CHANGE MAY ASSUME EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING FORMS
(A) Modification in human attitudes and behavior pattern as a result of education e.g. when farmers develop a more positive attitude toward a specific innovation as a result of extension activities hence decide to change their farming system by incorporating the innovation.
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(B) Alteration in social conditions as a result of changes in the policies of a social organization e.g. if government decides to institute free and compulsory primary education which will bring about change in each family and the entire society.
(C) Effecting reforms in major legal and functional systems of a society e.g. whenever laws are passed;they call for changes in the way of life of people,which in turn calls for adjustment.
(D) Change in the material culture I.e. in the arts and artifacts if the culture. This is often the outward manifestation of changes in the non-material aspects of culture therefore social change pervades all aspect of social life.