Submitted by Madhura Sawant
In sociology theories are understood as an analytical frameworks or paradigms based on different recurring patterns in the society that helps one understand the social phenomenon. The word theory can have many virtues and vices, sometimes counting as knowledge and sometimes contrasting with knowledge (Garver, 2020) Theories can be understood as logical sets of interrelated abstract and testable propositions that define an empirical reality.
According to Harrington (2005), “A theory can be defined as the study of scientific ways of thinking about social life. It encompasses ideas about how societies change and develop, about methods of explaining social behavior, about power and social structures like class, gender, ethnicity, modernity and ‘civilization’, revolution and utopias, and numerous other concepts and problems in social life”.
When theories are used to study larger groups, for instance certain recurring, patterns or problems in a country or a social movement then such theories are called as Macro level theories. When theories are used to study smaller groups or individuals, for instance families, or small organizations then such theories are called as Micro level theories.
Prominent social theories are-
- Functional Theory
- Conflict Theory
- Critical Theory
- Feminist Theory
- Interactionist Theory
Importance of theories-
- Theories form an important element of the discipline of sociology- it guides academicians, researchers and practitioners in their intervention strategies.
- It gives you a framework to understand society scientifically- As theories are abstractions and generalizations that are conceptually developed and empirically tested.
- Theories can help us understand and predict human behavior in particular situations- Society consists of people and to make sense of the social world one needs to understand certain specific patterns of human behavior and interactions.
- Social Theories can provide tools that can help researchers understand the social world from different perspectives and lenses - social world is complex and needs to be studied from different perspectives. Theories can help a researcher raise research questions and interpret the information within a particular framework.
- Social theories attempt at looking for a deeper meaning of a particular social phenomenon- for instance, a social theory will focus on understanding what structural changes lead to social change in the society rather than just focusing on the factors leading to social change.
- Social theories have a spectrum of moralism, it incorporates debates regarding normative concerns of social lives- Social theories describe how societies ‘ought to be’.
Works Cited
Garver, N. (2008). What Theory Is. Journal of Folklore Research, 63-70.
Harrington, A. (2005). Modern Social Theory. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Submitted by Madhura Sawant
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