Hey so I have this practice exam for SAC but we get the questions in order to prepare beforehand. One of the questions is: For a country you have studied (Japan), apply a social change theory to explain in ONE of the following aspects. (6 marks) and I was wondering if someone would be able to look over my response and let me know if it applies the theory well enough/is explicit enough etc. Thanks a lot!
Structural functionalist theory accounts for social change through an institutional interaction and specialised macro interdependence, which promotes an ideal continual equilibrium. Functionalism asserts that societies are constantly aiming to meet the needs of society through the cooperation of macro institutions, such as the legal system and political processes. This theory can be used to explain Japan’s historically shifting equilibrium on the macro scale of legal political processes, being subjected to both internal and external influences which disrupt tradition and continuity but necessitate the introduction of new systems. Throughout the Tokogawa period, Japan was able to maintain an equilibrium or sense of social stability, seen through the traditional shogunate government. A functional change became apparent in the arrival of the USA in the 1800s, with Western influence ending traditional geographic, economic and political isolation, and the pervasive effects of globalisation introducing trade. This structural shift continued with the Meiji Restoration, prompting adjustments such as changed laws, generalised government under an emperor, increased power of the merchant class and dismantling of caste system. This adapted social balance was maintained, with the equilibrium settling as all spheres of society adapted. Change reoccurred when Japan lost WW2 and the US initiated the reconstruction of macro institutions, evident through the introduction of women voting, new constitutions, classless education and a shift in government causing democratic elections, establishing a new equilibrium up to 1980. Social restructuring has since reoccurred with globalisation and increased western values, in which the effects of these changes are still prevalent today, with the prominence of female influence in macro affairs, government providing care for the elderly, increase in individualism and the prominence of media as an political platform. This transition from a traditional conservative government, which aligned strictly with culture, to an advanced and inclusive government, shows adaption of equilibrium and social stability, detailing the ability of structural functionalism to explain social change.