What Is a Sociological Theory - Essay Example

Table of Contents Table of Contents What is sociological theory? 2 Why Study Sociological Theory 3 Why Sociological Theory Doesn’t Work 5 Analyzing one day of my life through the Eyes of Max Weber 6 Analyzing my Big Fat Greek Wedding in relation to Feminist theory 8 Self reflection 10 How Social Theory Can Be Used To Improve Lives Socially, Culturally and Politically 11 Works Cited 12 SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY PORTFOLIO What is sociological theory? Human beings also attempt to get meaning of the world events as well as their position in the human society. Theorizing of social happening and events has been the order of the day for human beings. Theories are therefore statements that explain behaviors, actions and problems in any situation. The term sociological theory has been defined by different scholars in different social contexts. In general, sociological theory is designed to interpret and define the social nature as well as several contexts of social actions. Social nature and social actions are explained in terms of the prevailing social propositions, assertions and assumptions. Sociological theories have been undergoing significant changes over time (Bronner and Douglas 240). This has been facilitated by changes in social setups as well as advancement in civilization and industrialization. Emerging sociological scholars have tried to come up with sociological theories that fit the changing society. Although sociological theories are taken to be the modification of white people, it has impact and meaning to the entire social world. Sociological theory tries to explain various structures, activities, beliefs, and actions in a society. It also explains the changes which have taken place in a society over time. It is through the sociological theory that we understand how changes in the society developed and its impact to the modern society. Since sociological theories are meant to explain and analyze the changes in the society it helps in defining the factors that leads to changes in the society. It also helps in predicting the outcome of any social change. Changes in the society have contributed greatly to changes in sociological theory. Toward this end, sociological theory can be said to explain the changes in the society. Sociological theory is therefore very paramount in explaining social, economic and political changes in the society. Sociological theories make meaning when they are translated to a certain event or activity. The explanation of a sociological theory in relation to social changes is what explains their meaning. Sociological theory defines the tools which are relevant in explaining the happening in the surrounding society. The surrounding is always unclear without the contribution of sociological theory. The sociological tools in sociological theory give the society members an idea to explain phenomena in the society. Sociological theories are also known to explain the changes in modern contemporary society. The prevailing problem and characteristics of modern society has its explanation in sociological theory. Sociological theory also detects and gives an explanation of the benefits and dangers associated with modern social changes. Some of the social and economic changes which can be explained by the prevailing social changes include modern capitalist, the distribution of democratic ideals, bureaucratic organization, new form of social cohesion, and the modern nation states. There dilemma fronting this changes get their meaning from sociological theory. Why Study Sociological Theory Sociological theory is an important aspect in the society. Knowledge on sociological theory helps the society in explaining the happening in the society. Different events in a society can better be understood through prior knowledge of the variables behind an event. As observed every phenomenon in the society has a theoretical explanation. On the other hand, society members attempt to relate the events in the society with their inward perception. A society which is well informed and knowledgeable with the available sociological theory has accurate answers to the social events. Sociological changes have an explanation on the modern social changes. The cause effect and direction of the current social changes can be understood better through the analysis of the classical and contemporary theories. Sociological theorists are always consulted to address the causes of different behaviors in the society. They have the capability of incorporating the present happenings with their sociological knowledge in analyzing a certain prevailing behavior. There contribution in addressing various issues in the society is therefore very apparent and unavoidable. A society inadequate sociological expert is faced with analysis deficiency which is very dangerous for their survival. Knowledge of sociological theory is therefore very apparent in a society. Knowledge on sociological theory is paramount in predicting the future. According to sociological theorist, future is determined by current happenings and activities. A concrete explanation of the modern happenings can reflect on future happening. The sociological analysis tool presence in the modern and classical sociological theories has the capability of explaining the future. Due to this, adequate knowledge in sociological theories is very relevant for future occurrences preparations. Lack of knowledge of the future is equivalent to dull future. Additionally, the study of sociological theory is important in development of new theories. New and emerging scholars utilize the knowledge they have concerning the already present theories to come up with new theories. The antithesis used to come up with a theory relies on the already existing theory. On the other hand, emerging theories are tested and retested using the already prevailing theory. Study of the sociological theory therefore helps in advancing the existing social knowledge. Many scholars are earning their living through the study of sociological theory. Scholars with adequate knowledge on sociological issues earn their living through utilizing the already acquired knowledge. They are employed as tutors and lecturer in higher learning institutions. According to a survey conducted in the world, famous higher learning institution, sociological theorist is among the highly paid lectures and tutors. Other sociological theory scholars serve as private consultant. They are consulted by government and other organization to explain contradicting social phenomena. The contribution of experts in this knowledge also plays a very important role in policy making and implementation. Why Sociological Theory Doesn’t Work Sociological theory addresses the political, economic and social changes in the contemporary world. These issues are very dynamic and keep changing. The study of sociological theory entails changing and shaping the society structures. Taking criminology as a case study, it is evident that dealing with this crime in the society is quite unachievable. This is because of the existing challenges posed for criminology by the political, economical and cultural transformations in the modern world. The economic and social relations restructuring, social process fluidity, the speed with which technology is changing and heterogeneity of culture have hampered the intellectual capability of dealing with criminology challenges. Another reason why sociological theory does not work is because of the way it is perceived by various sociologists. For instance, sociologists take various perspectives such as symbolic interactionism, conflict theory, feminism theory and functionalism theory. All these perspectives view the society in various ways. For example, symbolic interactionism bases its focus on an individual rather than the society at large. In short, it focuses more on the micro level as opposed to macro level. Functionalism on the other hand, views a society as being composed of sub-units when put together make up a complete society. In order for these sub- systems to function effectively and efficiently, there is need for balance (equilibrium between them).This is because; each social structure has a part to play in the overall social set up. Thus, instability in one system affects the functioning of the other parts of the systems. Conflict theory views the society as parts that are competing to make up a whole. The maker of this theory is Max. According to Max views, the society is categorized into two: the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. The bourgeoisie belong to the upper class and uses the proletariat for control and cheap labor. The resulting outcome is conflict which acts as a catalyst for socialist revolution in a capitalist society. On the contrary, the capitalist society relies on the revolution to keep itself moving. Conflict is maintained via controlling the political structure by the bourgeoisie. Social passivity is maintained by religion. As such, the proponents of conflict theory views the society as a system that is continuously in conflict for purposes of promoting social growth and social change in its aim of transiting into socialism. Finally, feminist theory views females as being oppressed whilst male are given all the available privileges. The privileges are in terms of healthcare, salary and education. This has inflamed women to continuously think of restructuring the society by making both male and females equal. Unless these entire sociologists with different viewpoints come into a consensus, sociological theory can never work (Flaggson 77). Analyzing one day of my life through the Eyes of Max Weber Through Max teaching, I have learned to be rational in what I do in my daily endeavors. I do not make judgments based on what people say about me, but what I think is Wright through analyzing both sides of the coin and making decisions that are informed. For instance, I dropped my position as a football captain because I did not like the commitments that came along with it. However, my friends and my family members were against it. According to me, the utility I derived from dropping the position was more satisfactory than maintaining the position. According to Max Weber (p.113-114), if an individual performs an act because it’s traditional, fashionable or it leads to social differentiation, then the act is meaningful. However, it is significant for an individual to develop a conception differentiation. In addition to that, the action I took was to fulfill my self-interests and not for the society. According to Kellnerer (154), Europe social development was as a result of rationalization. According to him, rationalization is an outcome of value orientation changing patterns in actions performed by individuals. Individual actions in the past were guided by traditions and religious which were enhanced by a disenchanted modern world. Nevertheless, the rational systems available are unable to provide convincing values that are vital in guiding individuals’ actions. As a result, in the current world, individuals are forced to maintain and make their value choices in absence of religion or tradition guidance. The traditional and religious authority had enhanced forms of authority that were rational which were characterized by bureaucratic administrations that operated under impersonal legal and abstract forms. In his view (Max Weber), he viewed socialism as an ideology that would promote bureaucratization through increasing state control. Like Weber, I also advocate for capitalism where distribution and production are owned cooperatively. In that case, people are entitled to property rights and individual rights. Since I want to become a political leader in future, I would apply capitalism in comparison to socialism. Socialism triggers high level of bureaucratic as the state controls all resources. On the contrary, capitalism is a political system that is moral as it entails the protection of rights. Protection of rights is a significant component for flourishing and survival of human beings. As a matter of fact, it needs to be safeguarded on a basis that is moral and not in a utilitarian or economic basis (Scott 23). Analyzing my Big Fat Greek Wedding in relation to Feminist theory My Big Fat Greek wedding begins as a Cinderella story and ends as a fairy-tale romance. In this film, there is clashing of cultures. The movie highlights the principal rules that need to be accomplished by a married Greek woman. These rules are such as, marrying a Greek boy, making Greek babies and feeding everyone in an entire lifetime. On the contrary, Toula Portokalos one of the actors in the movie violates these rules via dating Ian Miller who is not Greek. This eventually creates conflict in the family (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”). When the movie starts, Toula acts as a hostess in “Dancing Zorba’s “restaurant. The restaurant belongs to his father. At the age of thirty, she has no hopes of getting married or engaging herself in any romantic affairs. She decides to enroll in a self-improvement course via taking computer classes as an initial step. However, her father (Gus) is not happy at all and only pays school fees for Toula after being convinced by his wife Maria. She eventually clears her study and gets employed at a travel agency owned by her aunty. This is where she unites with Ian. They start dating and eventually get engaged. When Toula breaks her engagement news to her father, he gets extremely disappointed on learning that Ian is not from the Greek culture. This movie portrays the view-points dominated by the male society. Toula’s father is very reluctant to pay fees for her daughter which signifies the oppression of women in the society. For instance, the Greek culture outlines the roles women are supposed to fulfill the moment they get married. They are not given room to make their own decisions and that is why Toula’s father gets angry when he realizes her daughter is dating a none-Greek. Toulas’ mother on the other hand is trying to restructure the existing norms whereby he convinces Toula’s father to pay fees for her daughter thus fighting for equality. In addition to that, Toula acquires a job at the travels agency and makes her own decision on whom to marry and get engaged to. She does not go with the traditions and culture in place of marrying individuals from one’s tribe. My Big Fat Greek wedding highlights the differences that exist in treating women in comparison to men. The movie illustrates how women in the society are trying to fight for their rights and equality. Just like men, women are entitled to education, better jobs and property rights. There life should not only be confined to kitchen and child rearing as illustrated in the Greek culture. They have all rights to make their own decisions and do what fulfills the desires of their heart just like the male figure in the society. Analyzing a contemporary event from the news (Two years after BP oil spill, offshore drilling still poses risks. http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/two-years-after-bp-oil-spill-offshore-drilling-still-poses-risks/2012/04/19/gIQAHOkDUT_story.html?hpid=z1 Offshore drilling remains risky and sensitive as evidenced by incidents that occurred recently. French Oil Total located in the North Sea is exerting a lot of efforts to contain the leaking natural gas for about four weeks. On the other hand, Brazil has confiscated Transocean drilling Contractor’s eleven chevron employees and five other employee’s passport who are still awaiting trial related to an oil spill (offshore). In December, approximately forty thousand barrels of unfinished (crude) oil leaked out from a transporting oil tanker in Nigeria. Some experts argue that, despite having tougher regulations, oil spill incidents are unavoidable as they are not intentionally caused. Rodger Rufe who was a coast Guard but retired asserts that, offshore drilling should be practiced but with efficient systems that are human-designed. In addition to that, he points out that, with this system there is potential for problems occurring while they are being used. Oil spill incidents have faced opposition from environmental experts as in the case of Shell Company. Shell Company is on the move of getting access to two permits that will allow it to drill in the Sea of Chukchi. This move has greatly engineered strong opposition from a broad dimension of environmental experts. Not only environmental activists are against the offshore oil drilling but also other conservation groups such as the National Wildlife Federation. From their data/ Report, they illustrated that, there has been a steady increase in Shrimp catch but after the spill significant changes have been reported. For instance, five hundred and twenty three Dolphins were stranded on the shore of which ninety five percent (95%) were confirmed dead. Furthermore, according to Peter Roopnarine a scientists, he claimed that the oysters gathered after the spill had higher concentration levels of heavy metals in their muscle tissue, gills and their shells. Such things are what causes conflicts in the society, Conflict help in fighting for the rights of individuals whose voices are unheard. Without conflict the society cannot change rather it will remain static forever. Conflict is what causes revolution and triggers change thus being inevitable in a society that fights for the rights of its people. Self reflection Learning of social theory has enabled me to avoid asking questions such as” which of these theories is the best”. Thus, instead of perceiving one theory to be better than the other, I have learned to view them in a contemporary perspective as it is more informative and useful. For instance, one theory may be significant in explaining one component of a phenomenon while the other may give a different opinion on the same phenomena. For example, one theory may address structural functionalism- the role played by religion in the society while a conflicting theory may explain why there is a decline in religion in the society. At fast it was difficult for me to view sociological theory in that perspective. However, as I have read some of these theories and found out that each explains certain phenomena perfectly than the other. For instance, feminism theory deals with the oppression of women in the society hence their fight for equality in the society. On the other hand, functionalist theory explains that a society is made of sub-systems which when combined together make a whole. In addition to that, the sub-systems should maintain equilibrium between them to function effectively. Learning of these theories has helped me greatly in understanding why individuals behave in various ways in the society. How Social Theory Can Be Used To Improve Lives Socially, Culturally and Politically Through social theory there has emerged politics that is more concerned with the distribution and interpretation of ecological and socials ‘bads’ in comparison to the ‘goods’. Distribution and production of goods such as formal employment, income and wealth were characterized by industrial society politics. However, the western societies have diverted their attention to environmental issues. In that case, they are concerned with cultural, socio-economic and the environmental impacts of “social progress”. In the society that is industrial, politics has diverted its attention to equitable distribution of resources making the central political conflict to be between labor and capital and political life. In post-industrial and industrial society, the politics have distributed the risks and costs of socio-economic hazards to individual responsible thus being mindful of the society well being (Barry 156). The Materialist social theory by Horhkeimer’s focuses on the suffering and needs of human beings, the ways in which economic conditions inflame suffering and the needed changes that will help alleviate the suffering and increase human well being. As such, the changes need a social theory that is very critical in confronting the present age social issues such as criminology. Political philosophy and social theory helps in race social construction. It explores and understands the function of race in sociological context. For instance, they examine the intellectual, cultural and socio-economic thinking about race and provide a critical inquiry into the racial phenomena (Clarence 1). This helps in promoting the coexistence of individuals from different cultures. In conclusion, these are the significant points that I learned in class. Social theory helps in explaining the chances in the society (Lindsay 1). For instance, how change develops, factors facilitating it and inhibiting it and the change outcomes. In addition to that, there exist various perspectives to sociological change which are hotly contested amongst various sociologists. Among the perspectives, the one that stood out is the conflict theory by Max Weber. The theory points out that, conflict triggers social growth and change. Works Cited Clarence, Sherran. “Theorizing Race: Imagining Possibilities”. Journal of Theoria (2012).1-1. Scott, John. Sociological Theory: Contemporary Debates. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, 2012. Print. Barry, John. Environment and Social Theory. Routledge: Taylor and Francis group, 1999. Bronner, Stephen and Douglas, Kellner. Critical Theory and Society: A Reader. New York and London: Routledge, 1999. Kellner, Douglas. "Postmodernism as Social Theory: Some Problems and Challenges." Theory, Culture & Society 5(1988):240-269. Flaggson, Hub.2012. Sociological Views on Society.Web.April.2012. Berardinelli, James. My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Web.April.2012. Max, Weber. Fundamental concepts of Sociology. Web.April.2012. < http://ssr1.uchicago.edu/PRELIMS/Theory/weber.html Read More