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Develops a perspective on social transformation and social change. The perspective is described as social transformations as inadvertent consequences of adaptation. 5 adaptive phases since World War 11 are identified in their economic, political, military and cultural aspects. (Original abstract - amended)

Develops a perspective on social transformation & social change that is best described as "social transformations as inadvertent consequences of adaptations." The major world transformations of the late 20th century -- continuing economic growth, continuing democratic revolution, new constellations of solidarity & identity, & the environmental crisis -- are not treated as master trends dictated by general evolutionary principles; rather, they are interpreted as unanticipated accumulations & precipitates of short-term adaptive strategies on the part of nations & groups of nations. Five adaptive phases since WWII are identified in their economic, political, military, & cultural aspects. 1 Photograph. Adapted from the source document.

Analyzes the ambivalence of most social scientists, who are more comfortable in analyzing & interpreting problems than in taking actions to solve them. Academic conferences & study, the media, the family, mainstream religion, & the state discourage people from acting. The university as an institution inspires decontextualization & intellectualization. The ambivalence of most social scientists about social change is due to the risk of making things worse & the socialization of consumerism. Activism is a way of testing the self, of opening to new discoveries of unknown strengths, vulnerabilities, virtures, & weaknesses. 2 References. L. Nguyen