Social Theory: Definition, Characteristics and Examples

The social theory is the science responsible for studying the phenomena related to human activity and society. The term typically refers to frames or paradigms of analysis that are used to study concrete elements of human activity.

Unlike sociology, which is responsible for studying society in general, social theory focuses mainly on why humans move in the world in the way they do, and on the elements that have been taught to them. led to do so: norms, social structures and power relations.

To get a more complete knowledge about the motivators of human behavior, social theory draws on the knowledge of several different disciplines, such as anthropology, social psychology, history or sociology.

As an independent discipline, social theory did not emerge until the 20th century. It appeared for the first time due to a desire to gain a posteriori knowledge about the different elements of human behavior, and as a consequence of the critical thinking of the time.

Definition of social theory

Social theory seeks to find explanations for different types of actions and behaviors present in modern societies, through a set of knowledge from disciplines such as sociology, philosophy, psychology or anthropology.

One of his biggest concerns is to understand the differences between different cultures to analyze the modern Western culture that has emerged in recent decades.

Historically, social theory was very Eurocentric, that is, it examined all societies from the Western point of view.

However, in recent times new branches have emerged in the field of social theory that try to examine the characteristics of societies from different points of view.

Main characteristics

Social theory has evolved throughout history, as they changed the societies studied and the way to do it.

Therefore, we can not speak of a set of characteristics applicable to all types of social theory; It is more useful to examine the different currents that have emerged over time.

Social theory in antiquity and the Middle Ages

Already from the first civilized societies, one can find a manifest interest in understanding the culture and social facts on the part of some thinkers. This happens both in the old oriental societies and in the western societies.

Understand society

In Europe, philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle used politics to try to understand and regulate society. Both were concerned about the influence that the State had on the lives of people, and on the relationship between society and the happiness of each individual.

In Asia some thinkers such as Confucius and Mozi wrote about society, its ethics and the idea of ​​a just state. However, his social theories were based more on reflection than on evidence.

In the Middle Ages, despite the fact that social and scientific thought did not advance much, some philosophers emerged who reflected on this type of question. One of them was San Agustín, who designed a model of society that he believed would lead to"the city of God."

Social theory in ancient Europe

After the Middle Ages and during the Enlightenment, political and social systems evolved to resemble those we have today. However, societies were still predominantly rural until the Industrial Revolution completely changed the way in which countries were organized.

These fundamental changes in the way of life of most people also led to new ways of thinking. Many European philosophers of this time spoke about progress, modernity and the best way to make society evolve.

Emergence of scientific thought

Also at this time the scientific thought arose, reason why the social theory began to take elements of the evidence found in fields like the biology, with the theory of the evolution of Darwin. Issues such as social order also gained importance.

Paradigms of social theory

At this time three fundamental paradigms for social theory emerged, which would later be expanded and revised to form the current approaches: the theory of social evolutionism, the theory of the social cycle and the historical materialism of Marx.

Topics covered in classical social theory

From the Enlightenment and the Modern Age, when social theory emerged as we know it today, thinkers began to worry about specific issues that particularly affected society.

Some of the topics most treated by the social theorists of the time were the following:

- Social inequality, its causes and possible solutions.

- The relationship between individual interest and that of society.

- The division of labor.

- The end of slavery.

- The importance of religion in society.

- More specific topics, such as suicide.

Postmodern and current social theory

With the arrival of globalization, the relocation of work and the mass media, society has changed a lot since the times of the Industrial Revolution. For this reason, the current social theory is concerned with new issues that until now had not been relevant.

Some of the most striking are free will, the ability to choose individually, the"false needs", individual happiness, empowerment and equality between classes, sexes and races.

Examples of questions posed by social theory

Nowadays, social theory is concerned with issues related to the contemporary world and how they affect people, both collectively and individually. Some of the questions that are posed are the following:

- Has the development of societies, which has caused such great differences in the wealth of its citizens, really been a progress?

- What should be the relationship between individual freedom and government intervention in the lives of citizens?

- Should the market be regulated, or be totally free?

- What is the best way to overcome social inequalities?

- How can social progress be combined with sustainable development?

These questions try to be answered from fields as diverse as psychology, economics and history.

References

1. "Social Theory"in: Oxford Bibliographies. Retrieved on: February 28, 2018 from Oxford Bibliographies: oxfordbibliographies.com.
2. "What is Social Theory?"In: Social Theory Applied. Retrieved on: February 28, 2018 from Social Theory Applied: socialtheoryapplied.com.
3. "Social Theory"in: Wikipedia. Retrieved on: February 28, 2018 from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org.
4. "Social Theory"in: New World Encyclopedia. Retrieved: February 28, 2018 from New World Encyclopedia: newworldencyclopedia.org.
5. "Social theory"in: Wikipedia. Retrieved on: February 28, 2018 from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org.