The Relevance of Marxist Theory in Sociology in the 21st Century This article will introduce the Marxist theory of class conflict, private property, and exploitative transactions. It will also explore the Marxist view of the state and the class struggle. While this is a broad overview, the following sections will provide more detailed information. Ultimately,… Continue reading The Relevance of Marxist Theory in Sociology in the 21st Century

Conflict Theory in Sociology The history of sociological theory is an interesting one, with different strands supporting a particular view of social life. This article will look at the conflict tradition, the rational/utilitarian tradition, and the Durkheimian tradition. The theory of violent conflict is also discussed in this article, as well as the contributions of… Continue reading Conflict Theory in Sociology

Symbolic Interaction Theory in Sociology Symbolic Interaction theory in sociology combines two ideas in a single framework. Symbolic interaction theory is based on the belief that each person has an identity and is motivated to act that way. Erikson and Herbert Mead were both important contributors to this theory. The idea that an individual can… Continue reading Symbolic Interaction Theory in Sociology

Functionalist Theory in Sociology The term ‘functionalist theory’ is widely used to describe various theories in sociology. However, not all types of functionalism are equally useful. Among these are “analytic” functions, which limit theories to a priori knowledge of relations. In this form, the goals of a priori characterizations of mental states are given equal… Continue reading Functionalist Theory in Sociology

Dramaturgical Theory in Sociology While a dramatic approach to the study of social behavior may seem interesting, the problem is that this approach hasn’t been tested in any way on individuals. Although it is helpful for analyzing institutions, this theory doesn’t help sociologists understand how people behave. Instead, it acts as a description of social… Continue reading Dramaturgical Theory in Sociology

The Benefits of Anticipatory Socialization Anticipatory Socialization (AS) is a method of career planning that prepares students for future work. Students take anticipatory socialization assignments to gain the experience necessary to be successful in the job market. Such assignments help students develop a more accurate self-concept, allowing them to evaluate their future career choices. The… Continue reading The Benefits of Anticipatory Socialization

The Sociology of Assimilation The classic sociology of assimilation holds that immigrants are forced to become more like the majority group over time. This process, known as assimilation, aims to help immigrants become more like the majority group over time, and, in the process, conform to their new culture. But early versions of the theory… Continue reading The Sociology of Assimilation

Backstage in Sociology Using the dramaturgical model of social interaction, Goffman defines social interaction as a performance in which people use various methods and strategies to communicate their intentions and personal characteristics. These methods may include setting, clothing, words, and nonverbal actions to create a certain impression. In sociology, this type of behavior is known… Continue reading Backstage in Sociology

The Blended Family in Sociology The Blended Family in Sociology is a hot topic, but how is this new family form different from the one we know today? Anne Karpf, a British writer, sociologist and journalist is here to help explain what a blended family actually is. In an earlier time, when the death rate… Continue reading The Blended Family in Sociology

Sociology of Charisma – Is Charisma Real? Sociology of charisma is an intriguing topic to explore. Author Randall Collins explores different types of charisma in people. He also shows how charisma develops in different cultures. So what is charisma, and how does it differ from our own? Ultimately, the answer to these questions may surprise… Continue reading Sociology of Charisma – Is Charisma Real?