Social change and behavior can happen rather quickly or slowly. For example, what was deviant or unusual years ago may be considered normal or acceptable today (i.e., piercing or tattoos) or once was normal is now not (i.e., smoking in restaurants).
Provide an example of a slow change and a quick change in the American culture over the past 25 years. What are possible reasons that some social changes occur more quickly and other social changes receive resistance? What agents of socialization may contribute to social changes?
I HAVE NO IDEAS EVEN WHERE TO START LOOKING
I think that some changes come slowly when they involve changing deep-seated or physiological change. The prohibition on smoking, for example, had to fight smokers' psychological and physical addiction. Gradually over the last 25 years, many smokers have given up this habit. Non-smokers have become more vocal about second hand smoke as they've become accustomed to clean air. Another gradual change has been in the size of homes. Many factors, mostly economic has affected this change. Check this site for more details.
http://www.therealestatebloggers.com/2007/03/27/size-of-average-home-peaking-and-expected-to-shrink-in-the-future/
Rapid change involves fashions and fads. We don't have much physical, emotional, or economic energy invested in fashions, so we, especially young people, can quickly adopt the new changes.
Here are a couple of examples to think on:
Slow change: What kids do on dates, and the role of automobile in that change
Fast change: Kennedy's speech: "Ask not what you can do for your country, but ask...." look that up. That was the agent, the change was apparent in the Peace Corps, and in volunteering for social service actions locally.
To find examples of slow and quick changes in American culture over the past 25 years, you can start by considering the major cultural shifts that have taken place during that time period. A good starting point would be to look at changes in attitudes toward technology, gender roles, and social justice issues.
A slow change in American culture over the past 25 years has been the acceptance and normalization of same-sex relationships and marriage. In the 1990s, same-sex relationships were generally stigmatized and same-sex marriage was not legally recognized. However, over time, there has been a shift in public opinion, with increasing acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ rights. This change has been gradual and involved a combination of grassroots activism, legal challenges, and increased visibility and representation in media.
On the other hand, a quick change in American culture over the past 25 years has been the widespread adoption of smartphones and the integration of technology in various aspects of daily life. In the early 2000s, smartphones were not yet mainstream and the internet was primarily accessed through desktop computers and laptops. However, with the introduction of smartphones and their increasing capabilities, there was a rapid shift in how people communicate, access information, and engage with technology. This change in technology has had far-reaching effects on behavior, communication, and social interactions.
There are various reasons why some social changes occur more quickly while others face resistance. One factor is the level of visibility and awareness of the issue. If an issue gains widespread media attention or becomes a topic of public discussion, it can accelerate the pace of change. For example, social justice movements like #MeToo gained momentum and facilitated change by raising awareness of issues related to sexual harassment and assault.
Social changes that challenge deeply ingrained cultural norms or beliefs often face more resistance and take longer to occur. This resistance can stem from fear, ignorance, or holding onto traditional values. For example, changes related to gender equality or racial equity often face significant pushback from individuals and institutions that benefit from existing power structures.
Agents of socialization play a crucial role in influencing social changes. These are the sources through which individuals learn the values, beliefs, and behaviors of their society. Examples of agents of socialization include family, education system, mass media, peer groups, and religious institutions. When these agents promote new ideas, challenge existing norms, or provide alternative perspectives, they can contribute to social change.
To explore further, you can search for specific examples and studies related to the slow and quick changes mentioned above, as well as read sociological research on social change and behavior.