Sociological theories are “statements about how and why specific facts are related”,these theories are created using the theoretical approach which is “a basic image of society that guides theory and research” (Macionis 2020, pg 13)
SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES
Structural Functional Approach: looks at society as interrelated parts
-Within the structural functional sociologist describe the main parts as social institutions, which are major spheres in social life that are used to meet basic human needs
-EX. sociologist using this approach may look at how the family is a system that works to ensure a child is raised and cared for
-Social Pathology Theory: treats social problems as a disruption to societies normal operations (Macionis 2020, pg 13-15)
Social-Conflict Approach: theoretical framework that looks at society as divided by inequality and conflict
-Marxist Theory: sometimes called "class conflict theory" explains social problems based off Marx theories (Macionis 2020, pg 15-16)
Feminist Approach: Also called the "gender conflict" approach, is another type of social conflict approach. Feminism is the political movement to seek the equality between men and women. (Macionis 2020, pg 16)
Symbolic Interactional Approach: theoretical framework that looks at society as a product of individuals who interact with each other
-Learning theory: people learn bad behavior and attitudes from the people around them
-Labeling theory: reality of a situation depends on how that person defines it (Macionis 2020, pg 17-18)
Sociological Approaches to Social Problems 