To what extent are revolts, revolutions, riots and uprisings cyclical in nature?

Question

Does socio-political change happen in cycles?

Answer 1

Socio-political change has  been termed as cyclical by Karl Marx. He gave probably the most famous rendition of how change occurs in society. Other examples are available if you look into development theorists in sociology.

Revolts, Revolutions... are cyclical because people in power whosoever it might be oppress the masses the same way they might have been oppressed.... that is to say, we ll all act the same way once we are in power.

Answer 2

I don't necessarily subscribe to this rather abstract, ethereal theory, BUT . . . The world contains this duality of order and chaos, control and freedom . . . Biological organisms tend toward entropy and decay, but once they decay they transform and rebuild into a different ordered being.  Society is disorderly naturally, so the need for greater order and control arises. Once this desire for order and control becomes an intolerable fascist/police state, then the people will revolt and Revolution will come. The new way brings disorder in the beginning, and a new order will emerge. Revolution and Reaction - back and forth - forever. But maybe it is a cycle that is constantly moving forward to some higher state. I can't draw it here.