The paper discusses the phenomenon of the symbolic in its transformational aspect, analyzing the key ideas of famous scientists (V. Pareto, T. Parsons, D. Rasmussen, A. Schutz and others) on symbolic components and imperatives of social transformations. The latter are discussed by the author from the point of view of the balance of rational and irrational elements in the process of social changes. On the example of the Russian "perestroika" (1985-1991) the author argues that in certain circumstances irrationality may become the dominant factor of social changes.