“Herbert spencer” belonged to, the structural-interactionist school of thought, his assumption behind super organic evolution was that the structure of society gradually changes, from simple to complex form. To identify the stages of social change “Spencer”, divided the society structure, in to three systems, “regulative system”, “sustaining system” and “distributive system”. He assumed that, society evolve from one stage to another, when population of the society increases. Population of society may increase, due to multiple reasons, via conquest, high birth rate, joining with the previously social systems and expropriation. Moreover, he explained, social evolution in to four stages, simple, compound, doubly compound and trebly compound.
Simple
This stage describes the primitive society, in which, there is no coordination among the individuals and groups. Individuals don’t live in organized way. Social structure of society is very simple for the reason that, It just comprises of few disperse living families and operated without leader and planning. In this stage society may or may not have leaders in regulative system of the society.
Compound Society
In this stage the size of the society is bigger than the first, however, the structure is still simple but organized than the former stage. Individuals are more coordinated and interact with one another. Multiple families are compounded and organized into clan. Regulative system, of the society includes, paramount chieftain, lieutenants and local chiefs, who are heads of group or tribe and have authority of making decisions for them. Distributive system of the society is simple in this stage, it is dependent on the internal trade. Whereas, operative system is simple as well. Distribution of labor is not proper because people almost have similar skillset. Moreover, society have initiated satisfying, its regulatory need by appointing leaders. It supports the Herbert spencer assumption of society, changing form from simple to complex.
Doubly Compound Society
Doubly compound society, comprises of several clans compounding in to tribe. In this stage the regulative system hierarchy is broader than the first two stages. It include the following regulative authorities, political state, civil administration, military bureaucracy and local governments. Furthermore, the structure and functions of distributive system have also evolved to complex form. There is basic communication channel (roads) between towns and cities. For trading purpose society has its own markets.
Trebly Compound Society
In this type of society different tribes merge together and form a nation state, it is categorized as trebly compound society. Its structure is similar to the society, in which we are currently living in. The regulative system is more complex and sophisticated from the other stages. It comprises of the following regulative systems, political leaders, legislature, large military, military administration and local representative body. Whereas, the distributive system moved towards complex form as well. Multiple mediums are available for individuals to communicate, television, radio and telephone. Traders are able to conduct their business in distant areas because means of transportation is advanced in this society. Individual have many options available, for the means of transportation like bus, car and train.
