Communication and Social Evolution

The evolution of the written and printed word maintains vast implications to the social and political evolution of the world. Advances in communication have spawned major power shifts in history. Throughout the Middle Ages the Catholic Church held a monopoly over the print medium. The main works in print were Bibles written in Latin, copied by scribes, and only understood by the clergy, some motivated scholars, and those of noble decent. The Protestant Reformation changed how religion was viewed and practiced. The Catholic Church’s Monopoly on print was stifled and with that a transformation in communication arose.

This power shift allowed for the dissolving of the feudal system, the collapse of the absolute authority of the Catholic Church, and the rise of the middle class. The evolution of the printing press allowed for the education of the lower classes and created an atmosphere for a blossoming middle class, which would eventually become the bourgeoisie. With knowledge comes power, and for the lower classes of feudal Europe the access to books meant power. After Martin Luther’s The Ninety-Five Theses an individual had the opportunity read religious texts in a language they understood, and no longer relied on the Church for religious guidance. Worshippers gained some autonomy in their religious endeavors. They could analyze religious texts themselves and come to their own conclusions on their underlying meanings.

Pamphlets, Newspapers and other communication mediums also became technologies utilized. Well-motivated people with a little money and an urge to spread their word could feasibly do so. This also contributed to the declining upper classes, Church authority and the rise of the middle class. A newfound class-consciousness arose that was otherwise impossible. Today the modern pamphleteer may be the blogger. Blogging is an easy way to share views, exchange words and vent feelings. Advances in technology have made communication easier and far more accessible, marking the change into the communication age.