why did Fred Riggs revisit his theory of prismatic society?
To understand why Fred Riggs revisited his theory of prismatic society, we first need to know what his theory is about. The concept of a prismatic society was introduced by Riggs in his book "Administration in Developing Countries" published in 1964.
According to Riggs, a prismatic society refers to a society that exhibits complex social and cultural divisions. In such societies, people are divided not only by traditional factors such as class, ethnicity, and religion but also by modern factors like education, occupation, and bureaucratic structure. Riggs believed that these divisions create fragmentation and fragmentation leads to conflicts within society.
Riggs revisited his theory of prismatic society for a few reasons:
1. Advancements in the field: Over time, Riggs's initial theory was subjected to critique and analysis. By revisiting his theory, he aimed to incorporate new perspectives and empirical evidence that emerged since the original publication of his book. This allowed him to refine and improve his theory to better explain the complexities of societal divisions.
2. Changing global context: As societies evolve and transform, their social, economic, and political contexts change as well. Riggs recognized the need to adapt his theory to account for these changing circumstances. By revisiting his theory, he aimed to capture the evolving dynamics of prismatic societies in contemporary times.
3. Practical application: Riggs was not solely interested in academic discourse but also sought to provide practical insights for policymakers. By revisiting his theory, he aimed to refine it in a manner that could be more effectively applied to understand and address the challenges faced by administrating developing countries.
In summary, Fred Riggs revisited his theory of prismatic society to refine and improve it based on advancements in the field of social sciences, changing global context, and the need for practical application in policy-making.