What does "social change" refer to?

"Social change" refers to significant alteration over time in behavior patterns and cultural values. This concept encompasses a broad spectrum of transformations that societies undergo, including shifts in social norms, collective behaviors, and shared cultural values. Such changes can be driven by various factors, including technological advancements, economic shifts, social movements, and changing ideologies.

While adapting to new technologies, modifying laws, and changes in individual preferences can all be aspects that contribute to or occur alongside social change, they do not fully capture the essence of what social change represents. Social change is more about the overarching patterns and collective behavior of a society rather than isolated incidents or individual preferences. It reflects how a society evolves and progresses, which often encompasses a range of interconnected elements that alter the fabric of social life over time.