How to Understand Social Theory

Social cohesion is a concept that is central to social theory, and was addressed in the theory of Six Degrees of Separation by Stanley Milgram.

Society is a mutable concept. It is refined by events as well as by ideas. Concepts of social theory, such as Marxism or Social Darwinism, have affected the progress of civilization in the last century. Understanding social theory requires a person to consider society from a number of perspectives. By reading original documents by social theorists as well as commentaries on these documents, a student of social theory can both develop an understanding of this field of study as well as to apply principles described in social theory to his own life.

Things You'll Need

• Access to Works by Leading Social Theorists (See Resources)

Instructions

1. Recognize that most social theories strive to objectively assess data. The aim of a social scientist is to produce a theory that can account for the existence of a number of social phenomena. To accomplish this aim, he will often suspend his own preconceived notions of these social phenomena, and will attempt to study them as if for the first very time. Critics of these theories claim that such a goal is impossible to satisfy. Nevertheless, social theorists are inclined to develop their theories under the influence of the single lofty objective of eliminating bias from their work.

2. Review and compare several primary documents of social theory. Original works by prominent social theorists are not difficult to find if you use a little creativity and patience while searching. To begin a search, locate a list of key social theorists or theories (See Reference 1). On the basis of the list, search for works of each theorist online or in a public library. If you are unable to find original works by the theorist, you may succeed in finding pertinent commentary related to the theorist in question. Compare several theories, in order to nurture your critical thinking skills. Notice differences between schools of thought such as romanticism, existentialism and postmodernism. By contrasting feminist theories against theories designed by men, you may notice the presence of a patriarchal tradition that informs a great percentage of social theory.

3. Focus attention on the relationship of social theory to the natural sciences. Archaeology (the study of humanity through material remains) and anthropology (the study of humanity through evidence of social relationships) share much in common. By vicariously analyzing objects such as ancient pottery and human fossils, through the works of their peers in the field of archaeology, social theorists are able to formulate mental constructs of bygone societies. Social theories are sometimes limited by a scarcity of information regarding humanity's past. However, whenever new archaeological discoveries are unearthed, social theory is bound to undergo revision.

4. Remember that theories are partially produced from opinions, rather than solely from facts. This is something that many social theorists themselves easily forget. While many theories are normative in nature, prescribing cures to society's ills, much of recent theory simply aims to characterize certain themes that commonly appear in human history. Nevertheless, all theories originate from opinions, whether or not these opinions are strong or weak in nature. According to theorist Thomas McCarthy, "If knowledge is itself understood as a social product, the traditional oppositions between theory and practice, fact and value, and the like begin to break down, for there are practical, normative presuppositions to any social activity, theorizing included (Source: The Critique of Impure Reason: Foucault and the Frankfurt School; See Reference 2)."

5. Consider the relevance of social theory to present-day concerns of society. One of the best ways to understand social theory is to apply it to modern situations. Evergreen theories by Socrates, Immanuel Kant and even the fathers of the U.S. Constitution continue to attract followers to this day. They examine the human condition and attempt to explain why people choose to behave in certain ways. Such theories are still applicable, and continue to inspire fervent debate.

Tips & Warnings

• Popular social networks such as Myspace and Facebook offer rich data to inform the development of social theory. By analyzing the interests of individual users as well as groups they belong to, you will able to observe commonalities and differences between network participants that may of interest to social theorists.

• A survey of social theory is simply a starting point for further study. Thus, one who studies is discouraged from making blanket assumptions on the basis of superficial knowledge.

References

• Key Theorists of Social Philosophies
• Critique and Power