Upheaval: Understanding the Concept of Significant Disruption

What is the meaning of upheaval?

How does societal upheaval impact class levels in society?

Answer:

Upheaval refers to a significant disruption or change, often sudden or radical, in a pre-existing state. In social terms, this might describe the shift in societal class levels, often fueled by unmet expectations and dissatisfaction.

Explanation:

The term upheaval generally refers to a significant disruption or change in a pre-existing state or condition. In the context of social hierarchy, upwards mobility, and wealth, it could refer to a change in social class status which tends to be induced by unmet expectations or unfulfillment. For instance, Davies' Theory illustrates that societal upheaval often arises when individuals in the middle of the social hierarchy - not at the very bottom - become discontented with their current conditions, possibly due to a disparity between their expectations and reality. These disruptions or changes can lead to events such as revolutions as witnessed in the Arab Spring, that was largely fuelled by young, educated individuals whose potentials were thwarted by corrupt governments. The term upheaval often has a connotation of being sudden, extreme, or noteworthy in nature.