SOCY 314
Social theory
1 | Page
,SOCY 314
Study Unit 1: Introduction to Social Theory & the
Classical paradigms
Explain what theory is and consider its uses;
Explain key terms often used in social theory;
Explain the core concepts often used in social theory
Distinguish between ‘classical’ and ‘modern’ theory;
Briefly discuss the contribution of foundational thinker Immanuel Kant and
the direction that these ideas were developed by Durkheim, Weber, and
Marx
Theory vs Social theory
What is theory?
refers to a set of interconnected ideas and concepts that seek to explain
and understand the social world
provides a framework for analyzing and interpreting social phenomena,
patterns, and behaviors
sociological theory aims to uncover the underlying causes and
mechanisms that shape society and human interaction
Use of theory
- Attempt to explain clearly & meaningfully events, ideas
and processes in a comprehensive way
Sociological theory
organised articulation of a set of statements
product of its social setting and has developed from the accumulation of
information during a specific period in Western European history
with early theorists offering ideas and answers that remain useful in
modern times
Use of sociological theory
Multifaceted
firstly, it helps in understanding and explaining social issues and
problems by providing a systematic way to approach and analyze
them
secondly, it guides research by offering hypotheses and concepts
that can be tested and applied to real-world situations
Additionally, sociological theory aids in predicting social trends
and changes, as well as in informing social policies and
interventions
2 | Page
,SOCY 314
Features of social theory (building blocks)
1. Concepts
All made up of concepts
Theory = set of ideas that have to be expressed in words in order to
communicate these ideas
Concepts rarely used alone – thus used in clusters
Concept clusters:
- groups of concepts that work together that helps us
understand an aspect of social life
2. Assumptions
Statements/ ideas about society and human beings that often taken
as true
Theories based on them & mostly hidden /not stated
Sociologists make them about nature and relationship of society
and people
The influence of sociologist’s assumptions shape the kind of
theories developed
3. Explanations
Theories= built form assumptions + made concepts
Based on assumptions
- With use of concepts + clusters in theory
- To provide explanations of the social world
- Means they try to explain how+ why things happen
- Not merely describing
Key terms often
used in social theory
revolution - complete
overthrow of a
government or a
significant change in
society, such as the
scientific and industrial
revolutions
solidarity - the unity
and cohesion within a
society
3division
| P a g eof labor - to
the specialization of
tasks within a society
, SOCY 314
Core concepts often used in social theory
Means of livelihood
- ways in which societies sustain themselves, such as
through agricultural, industrial, or service-based activities
Culture
- encompasses the values, beliefs, and practices that hold a
society together
- which can vary between traditional, modern, and post-
industrial societies
Time period
- also a crucial aspect, as it distinguishes between different
types of societies, such as pre-modern, modern, and
post-industrial
- each with distinct characteristics and social dynamics
Immanuel Kant's philosophical contributions to social theory
Kant posited existence of a universal moral law = "categorical imperative"
law based on reason
- applies universally to all rational beings, regardless of
individual desires or circumstances
- "categorical imperative" forms foundation of Kant's
approach to social theory
- it emphasizes importance of ethical principles in governing
human interactions and institutions
1. Respect for Individual Autonomy
Central to Kant's social theory = principle of respecting individual
autonomy
Kant argued : every rational being possesses inherent worth +
dignity
they should be treated as ends in themselves rather than means
to an end
principle underlies Kant's stance on political and social
arrangements
- emphasizing importance of ensuring individuals have
freedom to make their own choices
4 | Page
Social theory
1 | Page
,SOCY 314
Study Unit 1: Introduction to Social Theory & the
Classical paradigms
Explain what theory is and consider its uses;
Explain key terms often used in social theory;
Explain the core concepts often used in social theory
Distinguish between ‘classical’ and ‘modern’ theory;
Briefly discuss the contribution of foundational thinker Immanuel Kant and
the direction that these ideas were developed by Durkheim, Weber, and
Marx
Theory vs Social theory
What is theory?
refers to a set of interconnected ideas and concepts that seek to explain
and understand the social world
provides a framework for analyzing and interpreting social phenomena,
patterns, and behaviors
sociological theory aims to uncover the underlying causes and
mechanisms that shape society and human interaction
Use of theory
- Attempt to explain clearly & meaningfully events, ideas
and processes in a comprehensive way
Sociological theory
organised articulation of a set of statements
product of its social setting and has developed from the accumulation of
information during a specific period in Western European history
with early theorists offering ideas and answers that remain useful in
modern times
Use of sociological theory
Multifaceted
firstly, it helps in understanding and explaining social issues and
problems by providing a systematic way to approach and analyze
them
secondly, it guides research by offering hypotheses and concepts
that can be tested and applied to real-world situations
Additionally, sociological theory aids in predicting social trends
and changes, as well as in informing social policies and
interventions
2 | Page
,SOCY 314
Features of social theory (building blocks)
1. Concepts
All made up of concepts
Theory = set of ideas that have to be expressed in words in order to
communicate these ideas
Concepts rarely used alone – thus used in clusters
Concept clusters:
- groups of concepts that work together that helps us
understand an aspect of social life
2. Assumptions
Statements/ ideas about society and human beings that often taken
as true
Theories based on them & mostly hidden /not stated
Sociologists make them about nature and relationship of society
and people
The influence of sociologist’s assumptions shape the kind of
theories developed
3. Explanations
Theories= built form assumptions + made concepts
Based on assumptions
- With use of concepts + clusters in theory
- To provide explanations of the social world
- Means they try to explain how+ why things happen
- Not merely describing
Key terms often
used in social theory
revolution - complete
overthrow of a
government or a
significant change in
society, such as the
scientific and industrial
revolutions
solidarity - the unity
and cohesion within a
society
3division
| P a g eof labor - to
the specialization of
tasks within a society
, SOCY 314
Core concepts often used in social theory
Means of livelihood
- ways in which societies sustain themselves, such as
through agricultural, industrial, or service-based activities
Culture
- encompasses the values, beliefs, and practices that hold a
society together
- which can vary between traditional, modern, and post-
industrial societies
Time period
- also a crucial aspect, as it distinguishes between different
types of societies, such as pre-modern, modern, and
post-industrial
- each with distinct characteristics and social dynamics
Immanuel Kant's philosophical contributions to social theory
Kant posited existence of a universal moral law = "categorical imperative"
law based on reason
- applies universally to all rational beings, regardless of
individual desires or circumstances
- "categorical imperative" forms foundation of Kant's
approach to social theory
- it emphasizes importance of ethical principles in governing
human interactions and institutions
1. Respect for Individual Autonomy
Central to Kant's social theory = principle of respecting individual
autonomy
Kant argued : every rational being possesses inherent worth +
dignity
they should be treated as ends in themselves rather than means
to an end
principle underlies Kant's stance on political and social
arrangements
- emphasizing importance of ensuring individuals have
freedom to make their own choices
4 | Page
