THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE TRANSFORMATION PROCESS OF SOCIAL CHANGES IN SOCIETY

591 ResearchBib IF - 11.01, ISSN: 3030-3753, Volume 2 Issue 11 THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE TRANSFORMATION PROCESS OF SOCIAL CHANGES IN SOCIETY Abdurakhmonova Manzura Manafovna Doctor of Social Sciences, Professor, Faculty of Sociology, Fergana State University. Kurbonova Gulchehraxon Mo‘minjon qizi Master’s Student, 1st Year, Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Work, Fergana State University. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17646915 Annotation. This article provides a theoretical analysis of social changes in society and their transformation processes. Based on sociological and philosophical approaches, the content, factors, and stages of development of social change are examined. The significance of the transformation process in the social system, as well as the directions of renewal and modernization of society through this process, is explained. Keywords: Social Change, Transformation, Modernization, Social System, Social Institutions, Sociological Theories. Introduction At all stages of human history, society has always been in motion, undergoing change and development. Social changes are qualitative shifts occurring in the structure, values, social institutions, and system of relations within society. These processes take place through deep and systemic changes known as transformation. In today’s era of globalization, social transformations have a significant impact on national identity, culture, politics, economy, and spirituality. Therefore, analyzing the theoretical foundations of these processes is an important task of social sciences. Relevance Deep structural changes in modern society, global integration, economic reforms, rapid development of digital technologies, and the renewal of value systems are turning the process of social transformation into one of the most important scientific and practical areas of today. Especially globalization, urbanization, migration, accelerated information flow, and the strengthening of digital culture are shaping new social relations, new institutions, and new governance mechanisms in all spheres of society. For this reason, studying the essence, dynamics, and mechanisms of social change, and analyzing the impact of transformation on the social system from a theoretical perspective, has significant scientific and practical importance today. Purpose The purpose of this article is to conduct a scientific analysis of social changes occurring in society and their transformation processes based on various sociological and philosophical theories. The article aims to theoretically explain the content, forms, factors, and stages of development of social change, as well as to conceptually describe the impact of the transformation process on the structure of society, social institutions, value systems, and governance mechanisms. So, social change is the process in which the structure, values, norms, institutions, and social roles of society undergo change in a certain direction. The main characteristics of social change are as follows:  systemic nature, because changes affect several interconnected parts of society;  continuity, as changes constantly occur in society; 592 ResearchBib IF - 11.01, ISSN: 3030-3753, Volume 2 Issue 11  multi-factor nature, determined by economic, political, technological, and cultural factors;  social adaptation, as society and individuals develop mechanisms of adjustment during the process of change. Social changes appear in two main forms: 1. Evolutionary (gradual) 2. Revolutionary (rapid) Evolutionary changes are based on the natural development of society, while revolutionary changes require a sharp renewal of the system. It is revolutionary changes that are connected with transformation. Therefore, transformation is the deep and systemic renewal of society and the reshaping of social relations. This process, by its nature, is deep, complex, and long-term. The theoretical foundations of the transformation process have been explained by several major scientific schools: 1. Evolutionary approach (A. Comte, H. Spencer): Society is compared to a biological system. A step-by-step transition from a simple structure to a complex system is the natural form of transformation. 2. Conflict theory (K. Marx, L. Coser, R. Dahrendorf): The main source of transformation is the conflicts between social groups. Conflicts lead to the emergence of a new social order. 3. Structural functionalism (T. Parsons, R. Merton): Society is a combination of interconnected systems. The adaptability of system components ensures the effective progress of changes. 4. Modernization theory: Explains the mechanism of transition from traditional society to modern society. Market economy, urbanization, scientific development, and individualism are the main factors of transformation. 5. Digital transformation theories: The rapid development of information technologies is reshaping all layers of society. Egovernment, online education, remote work, and artificial intelligence are creating new social relations. 6. Neo-institutional theory: The most important changes in society occur through the creation of new institutions or the restructuring of old institutions, which is the main driving force of transformation. 7. Second wave of modernization theory (R. Inglehart): In the first stage, societies strive for economic growth. In the second stage, value transformation takes place:  post-materialistic values (freedom, rights, creativity)  rejection of traditional structures  new social identities  This theory explains the values of transformation. 8. Post-industrial society theory (D. Bell) 9. The transition from industrial society to a service-based society is the main content of transformation. Characteristics:  information technologies become central 593 ResearchBib IF - 11.01, ISSN: 3030-3753, Volume 2 Issue 11  knowledge turns into economic resources  social professions develop  a knowledge-based economy emerges  the development of the social work profession is linked to this theory 9. Globalization theory (A. Giddens, U. Beck). Societies are connected with change, and these changes occur not in one country but on a global scale. In this case: The transformation process intensifies under the influence of global culture, economy, and technologies. 10. “Risk society” theory (U. Beck) Modern transformation creates new risks. Environmental, technological, and social risks emerge. This requires new systems of governance. 11. Digital transformation theory (M. Castells – “Information society theory”) The transformation of modern society is driven by information technologies. Important aspects:  social relations become network-based  e-government expands  artificial intelligence enters social life  virtual communication changes social institutions  These processes lead to the emergence of the “network society” theory. 12. Transition theory (for socialist societies) This theory explains the transition processes in Eastern Europe and CIS countries. It refers to the transformation from a totalitarian system to a democratic society and market economy. According to this theory:  the political system is reformed  processes of transition to a market economy take place  the emergence of civil society is emphasized One of the main factors of the transformation process is social factors. These include:  changes in the social needs of the population  strengthening of the demand for social justice and equality  modernization of the social protection system  the impact of the transformation process on social life The transformation process brings renewal in all spheres of society:  education system – transition to a competence-based model, development of digital education;  labor market – emergence of new professions, expansion of remote work forms;  social services – innovative approaches in serving the population;  family institution – changes in gender roles and upbringing models;  culture – dynamics of cultural values shaped by the new information environment The transformation process differs from ordinary change. That is:  strategic – state governance, legislation, education, healthcare, and social protection institutions are formed based on new principles;  systemic – transformation occurs not in a single part of society but across the entire system, including:  economy 594 ResearchBib IF - 11.01, ISSN: 3030-3753, Volume 2 Issue 11  politics  social relations  cultures  governance Long-term – transformation does not occur within 1–2 years but includes complex stages that last for many years. For example, the transition period in Eastern European countries lasted 10–20 years. It is a process that covers all spheres of society. At its core lie goals such as modernizing society, improving the effectiveness of the governance system, and providing the population with high-quality social services. Conclusion The transformation process occurring in society is one of the most important research objects in modern sociology, political science, and social sciences. Transformation is not simply social change; it is a deep, systemic, and complex renewal of the structure of society, institutions, social relations, value systems, and governance mechanisms. Modern technologies, global integration, urbanization, demographic changes, and digital culture accelerate the transformation process. Societies are now organized based on a network model, and the flow of information has become the main factor in social relations. In the case of Uzbekistan, social, economic, political, and digital reforms implemented since 2017 demonstrate a real model of transformation. This process serves to develop societal openness, transparency, civic activity, and an effective governance system. Overall, transformation is a strategic movement aimed at renewing society, manifesting as a natural continuation of social development. A deep and scientific study of the transformation process is of significant scientific and practical importance for improving social policy, organizing effective governance, and ensuring the sustainable development of society. References 1. Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Tashkent, Uzbekistan: Government Publishing, 1992. 2. Marx, K., & Engels, F. The Communist Manifesto. London: Penguin Classics, 1848. 3. Parsons, T. The Social System. Glencoe, IL: Free Press, 1951. 4. Lipset, S. M. Political Man: The Social Bases of Politics. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1960. 5. Castells, M. The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture. Volumes 1–3. Malden, MA: Blackwell, 1996. 6. Meyer, J. W. Institutional Theory in Education: Organizational and Cultural Perspectives. New York: SUNY Press, 1977–1990. 7. Inglehart, R. The Silent Revolution: Changing Values and Political Styles Among Western Publics. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1977. 8. Bell, D. The Coming of Post-Industrial Society: A Venture in Social Forecasting. New York: Basic Books, 1973. 9. Giddens, A. The Consequences of Modernity. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 1990. 10. Castells, M. The Rise of the Network Society. Malden, MA: Blackwell, 1996. 11. Comte, A. The Positive Philosophy. Paris: Bachelier, 1830–1842.