Final answer:
Emile Durkheim explains the causes of social change and evolution through the concept of "anomie." He suggests that when societal norms and values weaken or are disrupted, individuals experience a sense of aimlessness and lack of direction, leading to social instability and the potential for change.
Step-by-step explanation:
Durkheim, a prominent sociologist, viewed social change through the lens of anomie, a state where norms and values lose their hold on individuals, creating a sense of disconnection and confusion. This disruption often arises from rapid changes in society, such as industrialization or economic shifts, weakening traditional structures. Durkheim argued that during these periods, individuals might feel disconnected from the collective conscience, leading to a breakdown in social cohesion. Consequently, this lack of shared beliefs can propel societal evolution as new norms and values emerge to replace the old ones.
Durkheim's theory of anomie serves as a foundation for understanding how disruptions in societal norms lead to shifts in behavior and ultimately contribute to social change. Anomie illustrates the tension between individual aspirations and societal expectations, highlighting the impact of these conflicts on the evolution of social structures and values. This concept remains influential in sociological discourse, shedding light on the complex interplay between individual agency and societal forces in shaping the trajectory of societies.