An Introduction to Theories

In the video clip above, each of the six men had a different perception of what an elephant was like. Their viewpoints were influenced by their experiences with the part of the elephant they explored. This encounter created their beliefs or assumptions about what was true. However, in the end, the lesson they were to take away was that only when all the viewpoints were considered would they have an accurate understanding of an elephant and a solution to their problem.

Social scientists observe social situations and attempt to provide reasoning for why particular behaviours happen. Theories are the tools that social scientists use to explain their observations, and they help social scientists provide a rationale for their explanations or answers.

Theories are not facts, rather they are a set of assumptions that are accepted in social science as a meaningful way to explain behaviour. This does not mean that one theory is better or more correct than another. Each theory offers a unique way of looking at the world.

Social Science Theories

Social science theories attempt to define patterns and trends, and they do this by analysing situations from two broad perspectives:

You will examine many theories throughout this course, and each unit will introduce you to some new perspectives. In the next section, you will see four main theories that social scientists use to study human behaviour in a variety of social settings.

• Functionalism
• Conflict Theory
• Feminist Theory
• Symbolic Interactionism

Which Theory Works Best?

You just read about different theories that might explain situations and behaviours in society. Part of the job of a social scientist is to select the theory that would best explain why a situation happened. Take the following quiz to provide a quick assessment of your understanding of theories and the key ideas they present.

Which theory would be most helpful in attempting to explain each of the following situations:

• Functionalism,
• Conflict Theory,
• Feminist Theory, or
• Symbolic Interactionism?

1. Teenagers respond to text messages from their parents in one way, and then respond to text messages from their friends in other ways.
   Answer

   Symbolic Interactionism focuses on the meaning people attach to different people or situations based on their experiences (what they think of their parents and their friends).

2. Red light cameras are being used more often to help prevent traffic accidents and slow down drivers.
   Answer

   Functionalism focuses on how a structure works to protect all members and for the greater good.

3. Most of the people who are at library story time with their children are female. Males who come may look out of place.
   Answer

   Feminist Theory examines gender roles and why, even though more women are working, people still expect this to be a female role.

4. Dual income families are the norm; two incomes are necessary to provide all of the material goods to survive.
   Answer

   Functionalism examines norms in society and how this behaviour promotes the well-being of family members.

5. Politicians are focusing on tax rebates for the upper class and are not concerned with putting money towards supports for homeless individuals.
   Answer

   Conflict Theory examines the differentials between those with and those without power, and how resources are distributed.

6. Petty street crimes may carry a sentence that is much greater than a large scale financial business crime.
   Answer

   Conflict Theory examines how wealth creates power, and how those with less power are limited in accessing high paid lawyers for defense.

7. Prisons play a role in keeping crime off the street.
   Answer

   In Functionalism, every structure plays a role in society and works for the well-being of most members.

8. Children who have experienced abuse may turn to alcohol and drugs to cope.
   Answer

   Conflict Theory focuses on the meaning people attach to situations and how that influences behaviour.

9. Female CEOs are still being paid less than their male counterparts in a similar role.
   Answer

   Feminist Theory focuses on the experience of women and inequalities.

10. Couples might argue over money and how it should be spent or saved.
    Answer

    Symbolic Interactionism focuses on the meaning people attach to situations, and how two people may perceive a situation differently.

Social scientists use theories to explain behaviours and situations. In this course you will need to act like a social scientist and use theories to explain a variety of behaviours or social situations. When you are presented with a behaviour or situation to analyse, there is a specific process you should follow to apply a theory.

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