Sociological theories and concepts have driven the desire to study and improve society. Through their application in our day-to-day life, they play a vital role in implementing critical social reforms (Tiryakian, 2013). For instance, by applying the theory of gender roles, women have been able to advocate for equal rights and opportunities at the workplace. Equally, treatment for those who have mental conditions and learning disabilities has significantly improved. In addition to that, through the theory of race/ ethnicity, native populations’ rights to preserve and protect their land and culture have been upheld in a rapidly changing modern society.
People learn to appreciate and recognize how others perceive them and how they fit into the world today. Sociological concepts and theories make people aware that the world is full of different kinds of people who think differently and react differently to life (Barnes, 2014). This perspective boosts the willingness to view the world from varied angles that facilitate living harmoniously with people in an increasingly integrated and diverse society. In seeking future learning opportunities, therefore, I aim to get equipped with transferable skills. As such, the resultant knowledge and skills are applicable in a variety of settings and tasks. I can thus understand and know how large bureaucracies, as well as social systems, work effectively (Tiryakian, 2013). Furthermore, the ability to think critically about social issues in terms of recognizing crucial differences in people’s economic, social, and cultural backgrounds would improve my ability to study and analyze social factors that confront modern society.
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On a further note, as posited by Dillon (2020), the study of sociological concepts and theories enables people to get working opportunities in diverse working environments such as government agencies that offer counseling, social services, community planning, human resource, and health service. As they work, they apply the concepts and consequently transform the societies and workplaces they work in.
Applying social concepts and theories
Functionalism theory focuses on mental states that are identified by what they can do instead of what they are made of. It views society as a complex system comprised of many parts that work unanimously to promote stability and harmony (Dillon 2020). Since the functionalist perspective encourages the view of society as an organism with institutions working together to maintain overall social equilibrium, it explains how societies maintain social stability as well as internal cohesion that facilitates continued existence over time. Moreover, by applying the theory, it is possible to analyze and understand the functions of social institutions like education as well as religion.
Correspondingly, the social structure theory refers to the unique stable organization of social institutions in which members of a society interact and live in harmony. This theory ties together with the forces that affect the social structure as well as a social organization ( Brewster & Puddephatt ). Applying the theory offers a better understanding of the dimensions through which social life is structured along. It also allows for the understanding of how specific social activities take place at particular times. These times are further subdivided into periods that connect with the social rhythms of life. Additionally, the social modes of the division of labor that exist as well as the arrangements for social reproduction and care for young ones.
Environmental sociology theory, on the other hand, deals with the interactions of the environment with societies. Applying this theory enables the cultivation of ecological and scientific literacy that highlights how communities affect and get affected by the environment (Tiryakian, 2013). Thus, such issues as political and economic changes affect the environment and how social life aspects as values, behaviors, and financial stability get in turn affected.
References
Barnes, B. (2014). The elements of social theory . Princeton University Press.
Brewster, B. H., & Puddephatt, A. J. (2016). Microsociological perspectives for environmental sociology . Taylor & Francis.
Dillon, M. (2020). Introduction to sociological theory: Theorists, concepts, and their applicability to the twenty-first century . John Wiley & Sons.
Tiryakian, E. A. (2013). Sociological theory, values, and sociocultural change: Essays in honor of Pitirim A. Sorokin . Transaction Publishers.
