50140 Comparative Social Change

Handbook description

The aim of this subject is to provide students with an understanding of the processes of modernisation and social change in a comparative context using case studies in countries of Western Europe, Latin America, East and South-East Asia. The lectures highlight a number of key issues, e.g. whether the processes of social change are universal or specific; the consequences of modernisation in and for the economy, politics, society, culture and ideology of non-Western societies and whether the established Eurocentric analytical models are still useful in understanding the modern world. It emphasises that differing interpretations of modernisation flow from various relations of power which lead to a multiplicity of views on its meanings and significance.

We can't simply 'discover' how social change happens, develop a theory, and solve the social problems that face us. There are many models of social change and no agreement about which model is best. There is intense disagreement between advocates of the different approaches to understanding social change and indeed whether there can be a common approach. This subject introduces students to these disagreements. It aims to question our assumptions and raise as many questions as it answers. It is a 'question posing' subject, designed to stimulate debate and inspire critical social inquiry.

The overall assumption is that knowledge is contingent; we need to evaluate all interpretations in terms of where and when they are produced. Knowledge is seen as a product of particular circumstances, or specific historical legacies. The subject focuses on a variety of conflicting interpretations of the process of social change and modernisation. These interpretations, whether celebratory or critical, gain broad acceptance as a result of the wider social and historical contexts in which they are embedded, as much as from any claim they might make to objectivity. Our task is to understand these contexts, and to shed light on the claims that are made.

Subject objectives/outcomes

This subject is designed to introduce students to the analysis of comparative social change. In broad terms its aims are to permit students to interpret developments in specific countries or regions by providing them with an understanding of the processes of social change in a comparative context and introducing them to the intellectual debates about the wider processes of social change.

On completion of this subject, students are expected to be able to:

1. investigate contemporary social change, and be familiar with emerging theorisations as well as more traditional approaches
2. conduct presentations that engage with theories of social change through issue-centred debates, developing innovative perspectives and proposals
3. formulate and develop research questions that combine theoretical exploration with research into illustrations and case studies
4. conduct comparative research into the contemporary international context for social change
5. participate and reflect on their own conceptual understanding of debates in international sociology, that are academically rigorous and relevant to contemporary processes of social change.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject will contribute to:

• student capacity to evaluate theoretical claims and address strategic questions through in-depth research and analysis
• the development of theoretical knowledge in social inquiry, offering a world context for understanding social environments
• the development of critical thinking, analytical skill and research capacity in relation to key contemporary perspectives and issues
• the development of ethical behaviour and practice, fostering understanding across widely varying political contexts
• an appreciation of the importance of theory in understanding social and political life
• the development of critical understanding of international processes
• opening up new perspectives on political life, widening horizons, facilitating greater commitment to lifelong learning.

Teaching and learning strategies

Lectures (one hour per week) and seminars (two hours per week). Whereas lectures are more formal large-group learning situations in which lectures will cover key areas of the topic for that week, the seminars involve active learning and teaching. Seminars offer an opportunity for students to discuss, debate and clarify issues raised in the lectures and readings. Attendance at seminars is compulsory and students will be expected to participate in group discussions. In addition, UTSOnline will be used to post student work.

Content

Since the late 1980s the end of the Cold War and rapid social, economic and political change in Eastern Europe, East and South-East Asia, have combined to emphasise the importance of the comparative analysis of social change. There have been various claims for the inevitable triumph of the homogenising influences of capitalism and democracy; renewed emphases on cultural determinism; and questioning of the euro-centricity of the social sciences. There have essentially been two dimensions to the debate: the extent to which the processes of social change are universal or specific; and the ways in which modernisation creates convergence or divergence in the processes and outcomes of social change.

The subject provides an introduction to both the comparative analysis of social change and to the processes of social change in the countries of Western Europe, Latin America, East and Southeast Asia. In general the subject does not concentrate on developments within specific countries but rather focuses on specific themes and topics that characterise modernity and modernisation. A key focus of concern is whether established analytical models are still useful in understanding the modern world. This involves a re-consideration of the explanatory value of such units of analysis as the state, the nation, social class, capitalism and so on.

There are five parts to the subject:

1. 'Definitions and Concepts' outlines the reasons why we might want to compare social change, introducing key analytical concepts and defining our terms
2. 'Theories of Social Change' reviews and compares two opposing grand theories of social change, i.e. the realist/materialist and idealist/post-materialist perspectives
3. 'Modes of Social Change' discusses three models for engineering social change ('from above') with the purpose of reaching economic development
4. 'Possibilities of Social Change' presents a range of approaches that emphasise different cultural, economic, and political contexts, suggesting that different societies encounter modernity in very different ways
5. 'Making social change' discusses the role of social movements in making/influencing social change ('from below'), and finally, asks whether the concepts of (post-)modernisation and (third world) development need to be rejected or reformulated in the light of current global contentions and transformations.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Two seminar facilitations and one seminar facilitation report

Assessment item 2: Critical review of work covered in weeks 2-6

Assessment item 3: Research essay

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g. illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Required text(s)

Most of the additional readings are on closed reserve, you can access these by going to 'Electronic Reserve' on the library's web site, click on 'shortcut to closed reserve by subject' and type in 'comparative social change'. All the materials that are held on closed reserve for the subject are listed under 'Comparative Social Change – 50140'.

Recommended text(s)

General background and readings for essays

F Deyo The Political Economy of the New Asian Industrialism Cornell University Press, Ithaca, 1987
Stathakis, G. and G. Vaggi (2006) Economic Development and Social Change: Historical Roots and Modern Perspectives, London; New York: Routledge.
Szirmai, A. (2005) The Dynamics of Socio-Economic Development : An Introduction, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Inglehart, R. and C. Welzel (2005) Modernization, Cultural Change, and Democracy : The Human Development Sequence, New York NY: Cambridge University Press.
Roberts, J. T. and A. Hite (2000) From Modernization to Globalization: Perspectives on Development and Social Change, Malden, Mass: Blackwell.
Gray, J. Al Qaeda and What it Means To Be Modern, London: Faber & Faber. 2003
Hobson, J. The Eastern Origins of Western Civilization, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 2004
Kingsbury, D. et al Key Issues in Development, Palgrave Macmillan. 2004
Cammack, P. Third World Politics: A Comparative Introduction 2004
Randall, V. Political Change and Underdevelopment: A Critical Introduction to Third World Politics, Palgrave Macmillan, 1998.
Browning, G. & Kilminster, A. Critical and Post-Critical Political Economy, 2004
Smith, B.C. Understanding Third World Politics: Theories of Political Change and Development, Palgrave Macmillan. 2003
Ibister, J. Promises Not Kept: Poverty and Betrayal of Third World Development, 2003
Bonnett, A. The Idea of the West: Politics, Culture, History, Palgrave Macmillan, 2004
S Haggard Pathways from the Periphery Cornell University Press, Ithaca, l990
S. Haggard and R. R. Kaufman, The Political Economy of Democratic Transitions, Princeton University Press, Princeton, 1985.
Hoogveldt, A. Globalisation and the Postcolonial World: The New Political Economy of Development, 2001
Gill, S. & Bakker, I. (eds.) Power, Production and Social Reproduction, Palgrave Macmillan, 2003
Harrison, G. Global Encounters, Palgrave Macmillan, 2004
M. Tetreault & R. Denemark (eds.) Gods, Guns and Globalisation: Religious Radicalism and International Political Economy, Lynne Reiner, 2004
Seligson, M.A. & Passe-Smith, J.T. Development and Underdevelopment: The Political Economy of Global Inequality, Lynne Reiner, 2003
Green, D. & Luehrmann, L. Comparative Politics of the Third World: Linking Concepts and Cases, Lynne Reiner, 2003
Rapley, J. Understanding Development: Theory and Practice in the Third World. Lynne Reiner, 2002
Fraser, C. & Restrepo-Estrada, S. Communicating for Development: Human Change for Survival, I.B. Taurus, 1998
Payne, A. The Regional Politics of Development, Palgrave, 2004.
T Skocpol States and Social Revolutions, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1979
C Tilly Coercion, Capital and European States, Basil Blackwell, Oxford, 1990

Students who feel that they need to gain a theoretical background to social science are directed to Raymond Boudon & Mohamed Cherkaoul (eds.) Central Currents in Social Theory 1700-2000 and to Andrew Gamble's An Introduction to Modern Social and Political Thought, Macmillan, 2nd edition, 1994. There are also various dictionaries of sociology and politics in the UTS library.

A useful compendium of facts and figures about global issues is The World Affairs Companion, Simon and Schuster, Sydney, 1993 (Abbeys Bookshop)

'Particular Country' books for essays:
Students are strongly encouraged to go beyond this list where appropriate. Independent research is an important dimension of good essay writing.

South-East Asia
Connors, M. & Dosch, J. (2004) New Global Politics of the Asia Pacific, London: Routledge.
Beeson, M. (2004) Contemporary South East Asia, Palgrave Macmillan.
Quadir, F. & Lele, J. (2004) Democracy and Civil Society In Asia. Vol 1 & Vol 2.
Reed, A. (2003) Corporate Capitalism in Contemporary South Asia
Tehranian, M. Asian Peace: Security and Governance in the Asia Pacific Region, I.B. Taurus
Christie, C.J. (2000) A Modern History of Southeast Asia: Decolonisation, Nationalism and Separatism, I.B. Taurus.
Halib, M. & Huxley, T. (1996) An Introduction to Southeast Asian Studies.
Sunindyo, S. (2004) Women's Agency and Resistance in Indonesia, Palgrave.
Capitalism and Democracy Allen and Unwin, Sydney, l993
Adam Schwarz A Nation in Waiting Allen and Unwin, Sydney, 1994
Richard Robison Indonesia: The rise of Capital Allen and Unwin, Sydney, 1986
Andrew Macintyre Business and Politics in Indonesia Allen and Unwin, Sydney, 1990
John L. S. Girling Thailand: Society and Politics Cornell University Press, Ithaca, 1981
Melanie Beresford National Unification and Economic Development in Vietnam, Macmillan, London, 1989
Diane K. Mauzy Politics in the ASEAN States Maricans, Kuala Lumpur, 1984
G White Developmental States in East Asia, St Martin's Press, New York, 1988

East Asia
Saich, T. Governance and Politics of China, Palgrave Macmillan, 2004
McCargo, D. Contemporary Japan, Palgrave Macmillan, 2004
Lingle, C. The Rise and Decline of the Asian Century, I.B. Taurus, 1998
Webber, M. & Wang, M. (eds.) China's Transition to a Global Economy, Palgrave Macmillan, 2002
Chetham, D. Before the Deluge: The Vanishing World of the Yangtze's Three Gorges, Palgrave, 2004
R. Garran, Tigers Tamed: The End of the Asian Miracle, Sydney: Allen and Unwin, 1998
K Hewison, R Robison and G Rodan Southeast Asia in the 1990s: Authoritarianism,
Itoh, M. The Hatayama Dynasty: Japanese Political Leadership Through the Generations, Palgrave Macmillan, 2003
Bernard Eccleston State and Society in Post War Japan Polity Press, Oxford, 1989
Joy Hendry Understanding Japanese Society Croom Helm, London, 1987
Lo Shiu Hing Political Development in Macau Chinese University Press, Hong Kong, 1995
Joseph Cheng and Sonny Lo From Colony to SAR: Hong Kong's Challenges Ahead Chinese University Press, Hong Kong, 1995
Craig Dietrich People 's China Oxford University Press, 2nd edition, 1994
David S. G. Goodman & Gerald Segal China in the Nineties Oxford University Press, 1991
R Benewick and P Wingrove China in the 1990s Macmillan, London, Hong Kong, 1995
Chu Yun-han Crafting Democracy in Taiwan Institute for National Policy Research, Taipei, 1992
Edwin Winckler and Susan Greenhalgh Contending Approaches to the Political Economy of Taiwan, M E Sharpe, New York, 1988
Hagen Koo State and Society in Contemporary Korea Cornell University Press, 1993
Sung Chul Yang The North and South Korean Political Systems Westview Press, 1994

Europe
Dukes, P. Paths to a New Europe: From Premodern to Postmodern Times, Palgrave Macmillan, 2004
Holland, M. The European Union and the Third World, Palgrave Macmillan, 2004
Smith, J. The Fall of Soviet Communism, 1986-1991, Palgrave Macmillan, 2004
Sakwa, R. & Stevens, A. Contemporary Europe, Palgrave, 2000
Wyman, M. Contemporary Russia, Palgrave, 2000
Dinan, D. Europe Recast: A History of the European Union, I.B. Taurus.
Cederman, L. Constructing Europe's Identity: The External Dimension, 2001
G. C. Lodge and E. F. Vogel, Ideology and National Competitiveness: An Analysis of Nine Countries, Harvard Business School Press, Boston, 1987
A. S. Milard, The European Rescue of the Nation State, Routledge, 1992
H. Coenen and P. Leisink (eds) Work and Citizenship in the New Europe, Aldershot, 1993
E. Meehan, Citizenship and the European Community, Sage, 1993
J. Gray, Beyond the New Right, Routledge, 1993
N. Swain, Hungary: The Rise and Fall of Feasible Socialism, Verso, 1992.
P. Allan and K Goldman (eds) The End of the Cold War, London, 1992.
W. Brus and K. Laski, From Marx to Market, Oxford, 1989
M Bowker and R. Brown (eds) From Cold War to Collapse: Theory and World Politics in the 1980s, Cambridge, 1993
R. Blackburn, (ed), After the Fall: The Failure of Communism, Verson, 1991
G. Steiner, Proofs and Three Parables, Faber and Faber, 1992.
P. Anderson, Zone of Engagement, Verson, 1992.

Latin America
Munck, R. Contemporary Latin America, Palgrave Macmillan, 2003
Lapp, N. Landing Votes: Representations and Land Reform in Latin America Palgrave Macmillan, 2004
Santiso, J. The Political economy of Emerging markets: Actors, Institutions and Crisis in Latin America, Palgrave Macmillan, 2003
Haagh, L. Helgo, C. (eds.) Social Policy Reform and Market Governance in Latin America, Palgrave Macmillan, 2002
Fraser, L. J (ed.) Gender's Place: Feminist Anthropologies of Latin America, 2003
M. T. Berger Under Northern Eyes: Latin American Studies and US Hegemony in the Americas 1898 - 1990, Indiana University Press, Bloomington and Indianapolis, 1995
H. Aguilar Camin and L. Meyer, In the Shadow of the Mexican Revolution, Austin, University of Texas Press, 1993
N. Harvey, (ed.), Mexico: Dilemmas of Transition, London ; New York, Institute of Latin American Studies, University of London and British Academic Press, New York, 1993
D. James, Resistance and Integration: Peronism and the Argentine Working Class, 1946 - 1976, Cambridge, 1988.
D. Lehmann, Democracy and Development in Latin America: Economics,Politics, and Religion in the Postwar Period, Cambridge, England, Polity Press, 1990
B. Loveman, Chile: The Legacy of Hispanic Capitalism, New York, Oxford University Press, 1988
J. Martinez and A. Diaz, Chile: The Great Transformation, Washington, D.C., Brookings Institution; Geneva, Switzerland : United Nations Research Institute for Social Development, 1996
D. Rock, Authoritarian Argentina: the Nationalist Movement, its History and its Impact, Berkeley, 1993
P. Smith, (ed.) Latin America in Comparative Perspective, Boulder, Westview Press, 1995
W. C. Smith, Authoritarianism and the Crisis of the Argentine Political Economy, Stanford, Calif., Stanford University Press, 1989.
C. Waisman, Reversal of Development in Argentina, Princeton, N.J., Princeton University Press, 1987

Elsewhere
Hill, H & Saldanha, J. East Timor: Development Challenges for the World's Newest Nation, 2002
Hainsworth, P. & McClosley, S. The East Timor Question: The Struggle for Independence From Indonesia, I.B. Taurus, 2000
Sheller, M. Consuming the Caribbean, Routledge, 2003
Peter Ferdinand The New Central Asia and its Neighbours Pinter, London, 1994

Other
Stephan Haggard and Robert R Kaufman The Political Economy of Democratic Transitions Princeton University Press, 1995

Other resources

Using UTSOnline:
In Week 1 you must log on to UTSOnline (see 'Using UTSOnline' below). The URL for the UTSOnline log in page is: http://online.uts.edu.au Your username is your student number; your password, the first time you log in, is the first two letters of your surname (IN CAPS) followed by your student number. You will receive notices about the Subject through UTSOnline, and can read through the Facilitators' Statements, which will be posted on your tutorial group's link from Week 2. You are encouraged to look at these each week, to assist you in reviewing and understanding the readings, and to help you in preparing the Critical Review exercise due in Week 8.

If you have any problems accessing or using UTSOnline, call the UTS Computing Help Desk on x 2222 (from internal phones at UTS) or 9514 2222. The Help Desk is available 8am-9.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday, email helpdesk@uts.edu.au