Chapter XX

EVOLUTION, REVOLUTION, AND THE MASS
MOVEMENT

THE forms of social differentiation that have been discussed in the
preceding chapters account for much of the conflict and some of
the changes that occur in contemporary societies. Conflict between so-
cially determined in-groups and out-groups—ethnic, class, occupational,
national, etc,—is, however, an expression of social disequilibrium rather
than a major process whereby social disequilibrium is corrected; it does
not, therefore, invariably lead to social change. An ethnic minority may
become subordinated by or assimilated into the majority without any
considerable effect on the culture of the majority. The American Indians,
for example, contributed much to the making of American history but
very little to the making of American society. Likewise, wars between
nations may bring no significant change in international conditions. The
First World War was an historical event of great magnitude and the
prelude to the Second World War. It no doubt marked a change in the
status of the various nations; but, early hopes to the contrary, it did
nothing to ameliorate the conditions that make for wars between nations.
There is, however, one order of social differentiation that serves in
the long run to bring about a better functional equilibrium between the
various groups within a society and between a society and its social con-
text. This is the differentiation of the members into those who want
things to stay as they are and those who would endeavor, in some way
or other, to bring about a change or many changes in the status quo.
Differentiation of this order is a product of and a correction for social
disequilibrium. It begins with the detachment of one individual from
some aspect of his society; and upon occasion it grows, almost individual
by individual, to the magnitude of a revolutionary or fanatical break
with the status quo. There is then a sharp group distinction between those
who cling to the established forms of social life and those who veer away
from them, and considerable conflict on this basis may subsequently arise.

INDIVIDUAL DEVIATION AND SOCIAL EVOLUTION

In every society and within the membership of every social group
there have been, it will be recalled, some individual deviations from the
established norms. The individual hunter was more or less skillful than

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