important concepts used in Sociology.
facts and assumptions
concepts and theories
Assumptions can influence the interpretation of facts. Different assumptions can lead to different conclusions drawn from the same set of facts.
theories and facts
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assumptions and theories
concepts provide the building blocks for theories, theories on the other hand often involve the use of concepts to explain phenomena.
Examples
Structural Functionalism: This theory sees society as a complex system whose components collaborate to generate solidarity and stability. Concepts like social structures and norms are important here.
Conflict Theory: focuses on confrontations between different social groups, emphasising power imbalances and socioeconomic injustice. Concepts like class, race, and gender are important.
Symbolic Interactionism: This micro-level theory investigates individuals' daily interactions and how they interpret and define their social world. Fundamental concepts include symbols, meanings, and interactions.
Theories are supported by facts, which provides evidence for there validity and facts, can confirm or refute theories.
Examples
Conflict Theory: proposes that society is characterised by constant fights for resources and power, which result in social disparities.
Functionalism: regards society as a complex system whose components collaborate to produce solidarity and stability.
Symbolic Interactionism : focuses on the meanings people obtain from social contact and how these meanings influence social patterns.
Understanding the link between facts and assumptions is critical in sociology because it prevents bias and ensures research validity.
Exaples
Functionalism: posits that society is a complex system whose components collaborate to produce solidarity and stability.
theories are often built upon certain assumptions about the world and these assumptions shape the development of theories, which then influence the interpretation of evidence.
Conflict Theory: Assumes that society is in constant conflict owing to competing for finite resources.
Symbolic Interactionism: assumes that humans act based on the symbolic meanings they discover in each given scenario.