The Social Differentiation Model by Smelser (1959)

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The Social Differentiation Modelby Smelser
(1959)
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The model consists of four processes that explain
the change from traditional to modern society.
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1.There is a move from simple to complex
technology ? modernization of technology. Eg.
Use of typewriter to computer
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2.There is a change from subsistence farming to
cash crop farming ?commercialization of
agriculture. Eg. Use of HYV of paddy for 2-
cropping replacing the 1-cropping
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3.There is a transformation from the use of human
and animal power to machine power ?
industrialization. Eg. Use of machines in textile
and food industries
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4.There is a change from the rural settlements to
urban settlements. There should be accompanied by
public amenities such as schools and banks
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• The processes may occur simultaneously or at
  different time or rates.

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• Modernization leads to social and structural
  differentiation.

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Eg. a developed economy and society is highly
differentiated culture. Commercialization of
agriculture leads to differentiation of
production, marketing and consumption.
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The change from traditional to modern society
affects social structure in 3 ways
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1. Structural differentiation is defined as a
process whereby one social role or organization
differentiates into two or more roles or
structure to function more effectively. The new
social units are structurally distinct from each
other.
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2. Integration small differentiated units merge
into larger units which are assumed to be
stronger and more efficient.
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3. Differentiation may lead to uneven processes
of change conflicts, disturbances, disparity in
values and acceptance.
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Eg. one reaction to modernization has been the
emergence of social groups that reject modern
values.
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Another theory of development by Dudley Seers
(1969) says that development should occur when 3
major social problems i.e. inequality, poverty
and unemployment among the population are reduced.
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Thank You