What are the 3 major sociological theories?
What are the 3 major sociological theories?
Sociologists describe social change as a transformation of societies, structures, and roles. Most of the changes are not immediate. Change in society is always quite gradual. There are several components and forces at work, many of which resist disturbances of the status quo. At one level, all societies are undergoing these kinds of changes. You don't need to be an ardent student of history to know that. Think of modern society and think about what it was like hundreds of years ago.
Although all societies must undergo any change, it is not clear why this is happening. Sociologists have struggled with numerous concepts and models throughout history.
Three critical theories of social change are evolutionary, functionalist, and conflictual.
Evolutionary Theory
The evolutionary theory of social change gained popularity in the 19th century. Auguste Comte, who is considered the "father of sociology," believed in the evolutionary paradigm. As species develop from the necessary to the more complex, so do societies. Societies that do not change quickly enough are going to fall behind. It has led many sociologists to believe that Western societies must be "advanced" because of their "superior." state.
Social evolutionists first argued that all cultures would go through the same series of advances. Contemporary theorists believe that the transition is multilinear. Societies can develop in a variety of ways and directions.
Functionalist theory
The functionalist theory of social change teaches that culture is like a human body. Every portion of it is like an organ. Individual pieces cannot survive on their own. Emile Durkheim, a prominent social science pioneer, argued that all aspects of society must be harmonious. If they are not united, civilization is "no more than a pile of sand" likely to collapse. All the other parts have to be adapted when one part suffers. Why? Why? The philosophy of functionalism maintains that society is still working towards stabilization. They are temporary when problems arise, so they need the attention of the other components. It means social adaptation.
Conflict theory
Conflict theory notes that, by nature, society is unequal and competitive. Karl Marx was the leader of this theory. Although he believed to some extent in the evolutionary model, Marx did not think that any stage would lead to anything better than before. More often than not, by manipulating marginalized groups, the rich and prosperous dominate the rest of society. It sows strife and provokes action on the part of citizens.
As a result, the transition to society is taking place. The conflict model has evolved over the years. It can be found in other ideas such as feminist theory, queer theory, and critical race theory.
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