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THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE TRANSFORMATION PROCESS OF
SOCIAL CHANGES IN SOCIETY
Abdurakhmonova Manzura Manafovna
Doctor of Social Sciences, Professor, Faculty of Sociology, Fergana State University.
Kurbonova Gulchehraxon Mo‘minjon qizi
Master’s Student, 1st Year, Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Work,
Fergana State University.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17646915
Annotation.
This article provides a theoretical analysis of social changes in society and
their transformation processes. Based on sociological and philosophical approaches, the
content, factors, and stages of development of social change are examined. The significance of
the transformation process in the social system, as well as the directions of renewal and
modernization of society through this process, is explained.
Keywords:
Social Change, Transformation, Modernization, Social System, Social
Institutions, Sociological Theories.
Introduction
At all stages of human history, society has always been in motion, undergoing change
and development. Social changes are qualitative shifts occurring in the structure, values, social
institutions, and system of relations within society. These processes take place through deep and
systemic changes known as transformation. In today’s era of globalization, social
transformations have a significant impact on national identity, culture, politics, economy, and
spirituality. Therefore, analyzing the theoretical foundations of these processes is an important
task of social sciences.
Relevance
Deep structural changes in modern society, global integration, economic reforms, rapid
development of digital technologies, and the renewal of value systems are turning the process of
social transformation into one of the most important scientific and practical areas of today.
Especially globalization, urbanization, migration, accelerated information flow, and the
strengthening of digital culture are shaping new social relations, new institutions, and new
governance mechanisms in all spheres of society. For this reason, studying the essence,
dynamics, and mechanisms of social change, and analyzing the impact of transformation on the
social system from a theoretical perspective, has significant scientific and practical importance
today.
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to conduct a scientific analysis of social changes occurring
in society and their transformation processes based on various sociological and philosophical
theories. The article aims to theoretically explain the content, forms, factors, and stages of
development of social change, as well as to conceptually describe the impact of the
transformation process on the structure of society, social institutions, value systems, and
governance mechanisms. So, social change is the process in which the structure, values, norms,
institutions, and social roles of society undergo change in a certain direction. The main
characteristics of social change are as follows:
systemic nature, because changes affect several interconnected parts of society;
continuity, as changes constantly occur in society;
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multi-factor nature, determined by economic, political, technological, and cultural
factors;
social adaptation, as society and individuals develop mechanisms of adjustment during
the process of change.
Social changes appear in two main forms:
1.
Evolutionary (gradual)
2.
Revolutionary (rapid)
Evolutionary changes are based on the natural development of society, while
revolutionary changes require a sharp renewal of the system. It is revolutionary changes that are
connected with transformation. Therefore, transformation is the deep and systemic renewal of
society and the reshaping of social relations. This process, by its nature, is deep, complex, and
long-term. The theoretical foundations of the transformation process have been explained by
several major scientific schools:
1.
Evolutionary approach (A. Comte, H. Spencer):
Society is compared to a biological system. A step-by-step transition from a simple
structure to a complex system is the natural form of transformation.
2.
Conflict theory (K. Marx, L. Coser, R. Dahrendorf):
The main source of transformation is the conflicts between social groups.
Conflicts lead to the emergence of a new social order.
3.
Structural functionalism (T. Parsons, R. Merton):
Society is a combination of interconnected systems. The adaptability of system
components ensures the effective progress of changes.
4.
Modernization theory:
Explains the mechanism of transition from traditional society to modern society. Market
economy, urbanization, scientific development, and individualism are the main factors of
transformation.
5.
Digital transformation theories:
The rapid development of information technologies is reshaping all layers of society. E-
government, online education, remote work, and artificial intelligence are creating new social
relations.
6.
Neo-institutional theory:
The most important changes in society occur through the creation of new institutions or
the restructuring of old institutions, which is the main driving force of transformation.
7.
Second wave of modernization theory (R. Inglehart):
In the first stage, societies strive for economic growth. In the second stage, value
transformation takes place:
post-materialistic values (freedom, rights, creativity)
rejection of traditional structures
new social identities
This theory explains the values of transformation.
8.
Post-industrial society theory (D. Bell)
9.
The transition from industrial society to a service-based society is the main content of
transformation.
Characteristics:
information technologies become central
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knowledge turns into economic resources
social professions develop
a knowledge-based economy emerges
the development of the social work profession is linked to this theory
9.
Globalization theory (A. Giddens, U. Beck).
Societies are connected with change, and these changes occur not in one country but on a
global scale. In this case: The transformation process intensifies under the influence of global
culture, economy, and technologies.
10.
“Risk society” theory (U. Beck)
Modern transformation creates new risks. Environmental, technological, and social risks
emerge. This requires new systems of governance.
11.
Digital transformation theory (M. Castells – “Information society theory”)
The transformation of modern society is driven by information technologies.
Important aspects:
social relations become network-based
e-government expands
artificial intelligence enters social life
virtual communication changes social institutions
These processes lead to the emergence of the “network society” theory.
12.
Transition theory (for socialist societies)
This theory explains the transition processes in Eastern Europe and CIS countries. It
refers to the transformation from a totalitarian system to a democratic society and market
economy.
According to this theory:
the political system is reformed
processes of transition to a market economy take place
the emergence of civil society is emphasized
One of the main factors of the transformation process is social factors. These include:
changes in the social needs of the population
strengthening of the demand for social justice and equality
modernization of the social protection system
the impact of the transformation process on social life
The transformation process brings renewal in all spheres of society:
education system – transition to a competence-based model, development of digital
education;
labor market – emergence of new professions, expansion of remote work forms;
social services – innovative approaches in serving the population;
family institution – changes in gender roles and upbringing models;
culture – dynamics of cultural values shaped by the new information environment
The transformation process differs from ordinary change. That is:
strategic – state governance, legislation, education, healthcare, and social protection
institutions are formed based on new principles;
systemic – transformation occurs not in a single part of society but across the entire
system, including:
economy
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politics
social relations
cultures
governance
Long-term – transformation does not occur within 1–2 years but includes complex stages
that last for many years. For example, the transition period in Eastern European countries lasted
10–20 years. It is a process that covers all spheres of society. At its core lie goals such as
modernizing society, improving the effectiveness of the governance system, and providing the
population with high-quality social services.
Conclusion
The transformation process occurring in society is one of the most important research
objects in modern sociology, political science, and social sciences. Transformation is not simply
social change; it is a deep, systemic, and complex renewal of the structure of society, institutions,
social relations, value systems, and governance mechanisms. Modern technologies, global
integration, urbanization, demographic changes, and digital culture accelerate the transformation
process. Societies are now organized based on a network model, and the flow of information has
become the main factor in social relations.
In the case of Uzbekistan, social, economic, political, and digital reforms implemented
since 2017 demonstrate a real model of transformation. This process serves to develop societal
openness, transparency, civic activity, and an effective governance system. Overall,
transformation is a strategic movement aimed at renewing society, manifesting as a natural
continuation of social development. A deep and scientific study of the transformation process is
of significant scientific and practical importance for improving social policy, organizing
effective governance, and ensuring the sustainable development of society.
References
1.
Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan: Government Publishing, 1992.
2.
Marx, K., & Engels, F. The Communist Manifesto. London: Penguin Classics, 1848.
3.
Parsons, T. The Social System. Glencoe, IL: Free Press, 1951.
4.
Lipset, S. M. Political Man: The Social Bases of Politics. Garden City, NY: Doubleday,
1960.
5.
Castells, M. The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture. Volumes 1–3.
Malden, MA: Blackwell, 1996.
6.
Meyer, J. W. Institutional Theory in Education: Organizational and Cultural Perspectives.
New York: SUNY Press, 1977–1990.
7.
Inglehart, R. The Silent Revolution: Changing Values and Political Styles Among
Western Publics. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1977.
8.
Bell, D. The Coming of Post-Industrial Society: A Venture in Social Forecasting. New
York: Basic Books, 1973.
9.
Giddens, A. The Consequences of Modernity. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press,
1990.
10.
Castells, M. The Rise of the Network Society. Malden, MA: Blackwell, 1996.
11.
Comte, A. The Positive Philosophy. Paris: Bachelier, 1830–1842.
