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Gradualism. Gradualism, from the Latin gradus ("step"), is a hypothesis, a theory or a tenet assuming that change comes about gradually or that variation is gradual in nature and happens over time as opposed to in large steps. [1] Uniformitarianism, incrementalism, and reformism are similar concepts. Gradualism can also refer to desired ...
The word phyletic derives from the Greek φυλετικός phūletikos, which conveys the meaning of a line of descent. [2] Phyletic gradualism contrasts with the theory of punctuated equilibrium, which proposes that most evolution occurs isolated in rare episodes of rapid evolution, when a single species splits into two distinct species, followed by a long period of stasis or non-change.
Punctuated equilibrium in social theory is a conceptual framework for understanding the process of change in complex social systems. The approach studies the evolution of policy change, [1] including the evolution of conflicts. [2] The theory posits that most social systems exist in an extended period of stasis, which may be punctuated by ...
v. t. e. In evolutionary biology, punctuated equilibrium (also called punctuated equilibria) is a theory that proposes that once a species appears in the fossil record, the population will become stable, showing little evolutionary change for most of its geological history. [1] This state of little or no morphological change is called stasis.
Creeping normality (also called gradualism, or landscape amnesia[1]) is a process by which a major change can be accepted as normal and acceptable if it happens gradually through small, often unnoticeable, increments of change. The change could otherwise be regarded as remarkable and objectionable if it took hold suddenly or in a short time span.
Critical juncture theory seeks to explain both (1) the historical origin and maintenance of social order, and (2) the occurrence of social change through sudden, big leaps. [3] Critical juncture theory is not a general theory of social order and change. [4] It emphasizes one kind of cause (involving a big, discontinuous change) and kind of ...
The equilibrium model of group development (equilibrium model) is a sociological theory on how people behave in groups. The model theorizes that group members will work to maintain a balance, or equilibrium, between task-oriented (instrumental) and socio-emotional (expressive) needs. [1][2] A group can be successful if it maintains this ...
The debate between these two models is often misunderstood by non-scientists, and according to Richard Dawkins has been oversold by the media. [45] Some critics jokingly referred to the theory of punctuated equilibrium as "evolution by jerks", [46] which prompted Gould to describe phyletic gradualism as "evolution by creeps." [47]