Do you sometimes think about how our society is developing? Well, for example, do you compare what happened five centuries ago with the current state of affairs? If so, then you are probably interested in how the changes are taking place. An attentive reader understands that development can take place in different, different forms. But what are the main differences between reforms and revolutions, few understand. In the best case, a person may indicate a different degree of bloodiness of events. But what is really going on? Let's get it right.
Progress, revolution, reform
First you need to talk about the essence of processes. How do we begin to understand what are the main differences between reforms and revolutions, if we do not understand why they are needed? The fact is that society does not want to remain static. This pattern is not in dispute. Look inside yourself: do you agree to go to kindergarten all your life? People strive for development. In addition, they desire progressive change. That is, those that lead to increased well-being, the creation of more acceptable conditions for their life and self-realization. Although not everyone thinks about it. However, if you offer the best conditions, then no one refuses. The principles of social change are based on this . They grow in society for the time being, and then break out. But the ways in which changes come to people can be different. Already surely understandable, this is revolution and reform. We’ll talk about them.
What is a revolution?
The best way to search for truth is to study phenomena. In order to understand what are the main differences between reforms and revolutions, it is necessary to determine what these terms mean. Let's start with the radical. This refers to the revolution. In society, this phenomenon is characterized differently. Sometimes the term is used, so to speak, for other purposes.
In fact, a revolution can be considered changes that span all sectors of society, accompanied by a change in the social system. That is, the process should go "on a wave of people." It involves not only parties or politicians, but the entire population (or most of it). As a rule, he accompanies the threat of violence. When you understand what the main differences between reforms and revolutions are, these conditions must be borne in mind. Indeed, despite the fact that each process has personal characteristics, its forms may be implicit. This makes their classification difficult.
What are reforms?
Society does not have to wait for the “big bang” from the inside. That is such a moment when it is already impossible to live as before. After all, people already understand that change is necessary. Why wait for the revolution to take place? And reform comes to the rescue here. Its main feature is gradualness. That is, almost the same changes are taking place in society, only smoothly, without military conflicts, demolition of the current system and other shocks. During reform, changes are created within the old mechanism. They are gradually being put into action, capturing parts of the system, changing them. The lack of reform is considered that this process does not capture the entire public life. Reorganization concerns only certain parts of the current system.
Compare revolution with reform
Let's take some hypothetical society. Using his example, we will try to find several differences between the described processes. Let's say society is ready for change. What will happen to him if a revolution happens? The old system of power will be demolished. Society will plunge into chaos for a while. And a new system will grow out of it. Moreover, all state mechanisms will work on different principles. Change can be described as complete. Nothing will remain of the old (except for people). What will happen if the ruling class decides not to wait for a revolution, but engages in reform? Smart people will begin to replace parts of an outdated system with new mechanisms. At the same time, naturally, the society will feel the change. But they will be partial. The management class will remain in place. In addition, some of the previously working bodies will also not cease to exist. But, on the other hand, the people will receive the welcome change.
Evolution: Revolution - Reform
What is the purpose of all these raging among the people? Why run such heavy and expensive processes? As already noted, society needs change. Remember at least the October Revolution. It happened because, on the whole, the population (all layers) understood: the old mechanisms did not work. Changes are needed in order for life to satisfy most of the people. This is an objective process. The system cannot progress indefinitely. She reaches the peak of her development. Then changes are needed. The criterion for its development is public opinion. If people are satisfied, then the system is still positive. When evolution pushes society to new achievements, it itself gives the existing system a negative assessment. Thus, revolution and reform are objectively determined methods of human development.