#STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONAL THEORY ON FAMILY HOW TO#

There are really two distinct types of theories: first, Grand Theories are theories which deal with the universal aspects of social processes or problems and is based on abstract ideas and concepts rather than on case specific evidence. In many cases, any of the four main theories can be applied at either the macro or micro levels. Micro Theories are theories which best fit the study of small groups and their members (typically Symbolic Interactionism or Social Exchange theories). When theories are used to study small groups or individuals, say a couple, family, or team, they are referred to as being Micro Theories.

Macro theories are theories which best fit the study of massive numbers of people (typically Conflict and Functional theories). When theories are used at this level they are referred to as Macro Theories. Theories have to be supported by research and they also provide a framework for how specific research should be conducted.īy the way theories can be used to study society-millions of people in a state, country, or even at the world level.

For all intents and purposes this theory was abandoned and is only used in references such as these (for a more scientifically supported theory on aging Google 'Activity Theory and/or Continuity Theory'). Findings and generalization consistently yielded a 'no' in terms of support for this theory. Cumming and Henry tested their theory on a large number of elderly persons. 1987 The Encyclopedia of Aging, Springer Pub.

These were simply put, that all elderly people realize the inevitability of death and begin to systematically disengage from their previous youthful roles while at the same time society prepares to disengage from them (see Maddox et al. They devised a theory on aging that had assumptions built into it. In the 1960’s two researchers named Cumming and Henry studied the processes of aging. If the findings and generalizations do not support the theory, the sociologist rethinks and revisits the assumptions they made. If they do, similar studies will be performed to repeat and fine-tune the process. Once the study is administered the findings and generalizations can be considered to see if they support the theory. In the diagram below you can see the process by which a theory leads sociologist to perform a certain type of study with certain types of questions that can test the assumptions of the theory. Without theories, science would be a futile exercise in statistics. Theories are sets of inter-related concepts and ideas that have been scientifically tested and combined to magnify, enlarge, clarify, and expand our understanding of people, their behaviors, and their societies. Goggles work because the best scientific components work together to magnify, enlarge, clarify, and expand to our view the thing we are studying. The metaphor I’ve used for many years to illustrate the usefulness of a theory is what I call 'The goggles metaphor.' Goggles are a set of inter-related parts that help us see things more clearly.

Theory=a set of interrelated concepts used to describe, explain, and predict how society and its parts are related to each other.

#STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONAL THEORY ON FAMILY HOW TO#

And they will provide you with a basic understanding of how to see the larger social picture in your own personal life. They also guide practitioners in their intervention strategies. Sociological theories are the core and underlying strength of the discipline.

Structural functional theory on family