Which theorist is NOT noted for contributions to modern Western theories of social change?

John Dewey is recognized primarily for his contributions to education and philosophy, particularly in the realm of pragmatism and democratic theory. While his ideas about experiential education and the importance of social context are influential, they do not directly contribute to the foundations of modern Western theories of social change in the same way that the other theorists do.

In contrast, Max Weber, Karl Marx, and Emilie Durkheim are central figures in the study of social change. Weber's analysis of bureaucracy and authority shapes our understanding of modernity, while Marx's theories on class struggle and economic factors pivotal to social transformation remain foundational to sociological discourse. Durkheim's work on social integration and the collective conscience informs the ways in which societies undergo change in response to modern pressures. Thus, Dewey's focus diverges from the explicit frameworks for understanding social change that are provided by the contributions of the other theorists.