In this paper the author considers social changes from the perspective of a pragmatic approach. The focus of attention is John Dewey's conception of social reconstruction. His starting point is that social change should lead to a reconciliation of tradition and innovation. Knowledge of the legacy of the past is necessary in order not to break the bonds of present and past. So the past is used to direct the present movement. That is why from the point of view of pragmatism, social change does not need a social revolution. One cannot believe in a revolutionary political force that could really rearrange society. In Dewey's theoretical concept, the continuity of life within a community is achieved through upbringing. This understanding can be criticized as a key factor in social reconstruction. However, it cannot be negated as a factor of reconstruction which nevertheless has some influence, and in this sense Dewey's conception is significant from the point of view of our social changes. If education, among other things, is a means of social change, then our society is in great difficulty. In addition, it is difficult to reconcile tradition and innovation for the simple reason that traditionalism and retraditionalisation are at work in our society.