Human behavior is complex, particularly in terms of how we interact with one

another and the world around us. Sociological theories are structured collections of
concepts that aid in the understanding of human behavior. Small sociological
theories can explain single actions in the context of a larger social setting. Theories
can also seek to explain the wide phenomena of human behavior or provide us with
a new perspective on behaviors we have witnessed throughout our lives. Some
ideas even go so far as to anticipate the future and how people will adapt to our
changing environment.

Sociological theory is significant because it provides a framework for discussing,

describing, and interpreting varied behaviors. The study of sociological theory has
provided us with many of the facts that we take for granted about ourselves as
human beings in a structured society.

Sociological theories, like every other discipline of academic thinking, go through

fads and fancies. Some theories can become outdated. This does not however
diminish the significance of sociological theory. Consider sociological theory as a
lens through which scholars can view the world if you're doubtful. It assists them
in deciphering acts and behaviors that might otherwise appear random.

Similarly, sociological theory provides scientists and researchers with a framework

for thinking about and writing about human behavior that is more categorizable
and limited in scope than discussing society as a whole. Sociological theory
frequently intersects with major political or philosophical movements. Sociological
theory's main goal is to provide names to these ideas and movements so that they
can be communicated with a larger audience.

Overall, sociological theory attempts to understand social order and what creates
social change.

Classical traditions and contemporary theories are both included in sociology.

Under the umbrella of the classical traditions of sociology, structural
functionalism, utilitarianism, and conflict theory are some of the theoretical
viewpoints in sociology. Modern methods range from well-known concepts such
as feminism to lesser-known concepts such as anomie theory. Many contemporary
sociological theoretical viewpoints center on the self's place in society.

For example, one contemporary theory is a dramaturgical perspective. According

to a dramaturgical perspective, all of life is a performance, and people only play
the roles they are given based on assumptions. This quality of performativity also
focuses on how individuals feel they are perceived by others.

REFERENCES

Silverman D. Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical

Handbook. London (UK):
Sage; 2000.
2. Denzin NK, Lincoln YS, editors.
The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research.
Thousand Oaks (CA): Sage; 2005.
3. Patton MQ. Qualitative Research and Evaluation
Methods. Thousand Oaks (CA):
Sage; 2002.
4. Malterud K. Qualitative research: standards,
challenges and guidelines. Lancet.
2001;358(9280);483-88.
5. Holloway I, Wheeler S. Qualitative Research in
Nursing. 2nd ed. Oxford (UK):
Blackwell; 2002.
6. Nutbeam D, Harris E. Theory in a Nutshell: A
Practitioner’s Guide to Commonly
Used Theories and Models in Health Promotion.
Sydney (AUST): National Centre
for Health Promotion, Department of Public Health
and Community Medicine,
University of Sydney; 1998
Silverman D. Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook. London (UK):
Sage; 2000.
Denzin NK, Lincoln YS, editors. The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research.
Thousand Oaks (CA): Sage; 2005.
Patton MQ. Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods. Thousand Oaks (CA):
Sage; 2002.
Malterud K. Qualitative research: standards, challenges and guidelines. Lancet.
2001;358(9280);483-88.
Holloway I, Wheeler S. Qualitative Research in Nursing. 2nd ed. Oxford (UK):
Blackwell; 2002.
Nutbeam D, Harris E. Theory in a Nutshell: A Practitioner’s Guide to Commonly
Used Theories and Models in Health Promotion. Sydney (AUST): National Centre
for Health Promotion, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine,
University of Sydney; 1998