EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIOLOGY: TRACING THE ROOTS OF SOCIO-CULTURAL CHANGE

Abstract

The study of societies and their cultures is inherently intertwined with the examination of change, particularly socio-cultural change, which has been a central focus of sociology since its inception as an academic discipline. This enduring interest in understanding the processes of change is exemplified by the work of sociologists such as Herbert Spencer, a foundational figure in the field. Spencer argued that sociology can only attain the status of a science by embracing the concept of natural evolutionary law, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the dynamic nature of social structures and institutions. This paper delves into the significance of studying evolutionary changes within sociology, emphasizing the necessity of recognizing societal transformations as integral to the discipline's scientific inquiry. By exploring the historical roots of this perspective and its implications for contemporary sociological research, this paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between societal dynamics and scientific inquiry in the field of sociology.