Sociological research on discontinuous change

This paper discusses the relative neglect of the study of discontinuous change and its effects on sociology. Three hypotheses are discussed, dealing with methodological bias, scarcity of data and lack of problem awareness. The concept of a positivist bias is explored. Examples of relative neglect include studies of discontinuous economic and social change, military and political dynamics, cultural change and demographic transitions. Possible ways of addressing this neglect are also discussed.