Social Inventions

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Abstract
This paper points out that at various times in the history of society new social forms have emerged, constituting what might be termed “social inventions.” Three of these social inventions of the past are examined: role-based social organization, the nation-state, and the corporation. Current trends in social structure are discussed and the emergence of possible social inventions is discussed. These include a social structure composed of mixed rational organization and communal enclaves, between which some persons move periodically; a replacement of the nation-state by a form of organization which separates territorial control from citizenship; the emergence of more transitory work relations; and the development of new styles of social interaction.

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