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Punctuated equilibrium in social theory
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<p>Punctuated equilibrium in social theory is a <a href="/facts/Conceptual_framework/47772FXG">conceptual framework</a> for understanding the process of <a href="/facts/Social_change/koLr0mLY">change</a> in complex <a href="/facts/Social_system/crIBHftt">social systems</a>. The approach studies the evolution of policy change, including the evolution of conflicts. The theory posits that most social systems exist in an extended period of stasis, which may be punctuated by sudden shifts leading to radical change. The theory was largely inspired by the <a href="/facts/Evolutionary_biology/8tBoG55U">evolutionary biology</a> theory of <a href="/facts/Punctuated_equilibrium/7keGQrc9">punctuated equilibrium</a> developed by <a href="/facts/Paleontology/60n5yldd">paleontologists</a> <a href="/facts/Niles_Eldredge/xzpNf8Rr">Niles Eldredge</a> and <a href="/facts/Stephen_Jay_Gould/FtAcabjg">Stephen Jay Gould</a>. </p>