Question

The concept "changes in the frequency of social contacts, a shift from primary to secondary group relationship, informal personal to formal contractual relationship, cooperative to competitive form of relationship" is related to which of the followings:

• A. Social changes
• B. Structural changes
• C. Functional changes
• D. Cultural changes

Hint:

Structure refers to the "framework" or "parts" of society (like family, school, government).
Function refers to "how these parts work and interact" (relationships, contacts, cooperation).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Social change is a broad term describing alterations in the social order of a society.
These changes are classified as structural, functional, or cultural depending on whether they affect the institutions, the roles/relationships, or the values of the society.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us differentiate between the types of social change:
1.Structural change (B): Involves alterations in the basic institutions, framework, or status-roles of a society (e.g., changes in the class system, legal framework, or the emergence of new organizations).
2.Cultural change (D): Involves changes in the values, beliefs, customs, arts, and languages of a group.
3.Functional change (C): Focuses on the dynamic, operational aspects of social institutions and human relationships.
A shift in how people interact—such as moving from intimate, personal, and informal relationships (primary groups) to formal, impersonal, and contractual agreements (secondary groups)—represents a change in the social functions and roles within that system.
Similarly, moving from a cooperative mindset to a competitive mode of relationship alters the daily functioning of social groups, which is classified as a functional change.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The described shifts in social contacts and relationships are classified as Functional changes.