The theory that what we consider “reality” is a collection of collaboratively constructed views of the world created through social interactions that then become the basis for shared assumptions, meanings, and ascribed values within a society.

Social Constructionism

This theory views peoples’ reactions to a stimulus as a response to the meaning they give the stimulus, rather than as a reaction to the stimulus itself. The meaning that is given to a stimulus is not random, but based on previous interactions with the stimulus and other people in society. 

stimulus --> invokes socially derived meaning --> invokes reaction

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- Structural Functionalism
- Conflict Theory
- Symbolic Interactionism
- Social Reproduction Theory
- Practice Theory


Sociological Theories

Herbert, B. (1969). Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method. Berkeley and Los Angeles, California: University of California Press.

Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method

Symbolic Interactionism

This theory looks at how the institutions in a society cooperate to meet the needs of that society. 

Structural Functionalism 

This theory looks at how individuals within a society must compete to fulfill their needs. 

Conflict Theory

Also called Praxeology and the Theory of Social Practices, this theory looks at repetitive practices in daily life to understand human social systems.

Practice Theory

Social Theory creates predictions about future actions, activities, or situations. This method focuses on society and the social forces that affect our lives. This sociological insight or "sociological imagination" looks beyond the assumption that social structures and patterns are random, and attempts to provide more understanding and meaning to human existence. 

Social Theory

Concept that capitalism is directly ingrained into productions of life. Race and gender oppression are found to be reproduced capitalistically.

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