Social entropy theory was devised by Kenneth D. Bailey and promoted in the books Social Entropy Theory (1990) and Sociology and the New Systems Theory (1994). Social entropy theory seeks to remove flaws of classical functionalism, and systems theory, both of which advocate a view of society as dominated by a state of equilibrium, social integration, and harmony. Bailey, on the other hand, promotes the concept of “entropy” that he borrowed from physics. Entropy, for Bailey, is a much more appropriate concept for explaining society than the concept of equilibrium. Entropy is a concept that is applicable and necessary for understanding physical, biological, and social systems. Entropy is a process and not a state of a system and exists and is crucial for understanding and analyzing any system where energy and information are processed. The system can experience a rise or decrease in entropy depending on internal and external factors. For a system to reach a high degree of complexity and low level of entropy, it must continuously expand energy efficiently and use available information properly.   

One such example of complex social systems with low entropy are modern bureaucracies. Although bureaucracies function far from equilibrium, they are very robust systems that are resistant to negative external and internal influences.

Books:

Bailey, Kenneth D. Social Entropy Theory (1990);

     -     Sociology and the New Systems Theory  (1994).