THE UTILITY OF SOCIAL THEORY

“The Importance we attach to theories that teach the laws of phenomena, and give us the power of prevision, is chiefly due to the fact that they alone can regulate our otherwise blind action upon the external world.” (COMTE, 1851)

Things to consider about social theories:

1. Social theories offer a system within which we can trace the causes and effects of social phenomena (some theories reject this)

2. Utilizing the perspectives of many social theories provide multiple explanations for social phenomena

3. Social theories are embodiments of ideologies and ideologies shape society:

--Ideologies “provide the rationale for particular forms of action. They can justify the status quo or demand revolution. [They] unite as well as divide us and is a powerful (cultural) human-made force within societies.” (text, p.88)

4. Since social theories are “human-made,” they are, therefore, inherently limited