Reconstructive Change Definition

Reconstructive change is a type of social change that occurs when a society or group reconstructs its institutions, values, beliefs, or practices. This type of change is often brought about by major events or periods of upheaval, such as wars, revolutions, natural disasters, or economic crises. Reconstructive change can also occur gradually over time as a result of slow and gradual shifts in social norms and values.

The concept of reconstructive change was first developed by sociologist Karl Polanyi in his 1944 book The Great Transformation. Polanyi argued that societies undergo periodic periods of ‘creative destruction’ in which the old order is swept away and replaced by a new one. This process often involves violence and conflict, but it can also lead to positive outcomes such as increased freedom, equality, and prosperity.

In recent years, the concept of reconstructive change has been applied to various social phenomena, such as the Arab Spring uprisings, the #MeToo movement, and the rise of Donald Trump.