What theory of social change suggests that all societies pass through the same stages of evolution?

The correct choice is the unilinear evolutionary theory, which posits that all societies progress through a series of distinct and predetermined stages of development. This theory suggests that social change follows a linear path, with each society moving from a simpler to a more complex state in a uniform manner. The stages typically include development from hunting and gathering societies to agrarian, industrial, and ultimately post-industrial societies.

This concept is rooted in the belief that there is a singular direction of societal evolution that can be observed universally across different cultures and regions. The unilinear perspective emphasizes similarities in the evolutionary paths of societies, regardless of their specific historical or environmental contexts. This theory is often contrasted with multilinear evolutionary theories, which acknowledge that societies can evolve in various ways and through different pathways, influenced by numerous external and internal factors.

Understanding the unilinear perspective is essential for grasping early sociological thought and how it laid the groundwork for further discourses on social evolution and change. It reflects an oversimplified view of societal development, implying a hierarchy of stages through which all societies must pass.