Below is a Notion-compatible, UPSC-ready explanation of Orthogenic Change in Society through Differentiation, keeping sociological depth and conceptual clarity.

Orthogenic Changes in Society through Differentiation

1. Meaning of Orthogenic Change

• Orthogenic change refers to directional, cumulative and progressive social change.
• The term is associated with evolutionary sociology, especially Talcott Parsons.
• It implies movement from simple → complex, undifferentiated → differentiated, and ascriptive → achievement-based structures.

Orthogenic change is not random; it follows an internal logic of systemic growth.

2. Concept of Differentiation

• Differentiation means:
  • Separation of functions, roles, institutions, and structures which were earlier fused together.
  • Increasing specialization and autonomy of social subsystems.

📌 Core idea:

As societies grow, single institutions cannot perform multiple functions efficiently.

3. Differentiation as the Engine of Orthogenic Change

Differentiation is the primary mechanism through which orthogenic change operates.

(a) Structural Differentiation

• Emergence of distinct institutions for specific functions.

Example:

• Family → earlier performed:
  • Production
  • Education
  • Welfare