11 best social theory

Social theory is a branch of social science that seeks to understand and analyze society and human behavior using theoretical frameworks and concepts.It encompasses a wide range of ideas and perspectives developed by scholars to explore various aspects of society, culture, and human interactions. Here are some key concepts related to social theory:

  1. Structural Functionalism: This theory views society as a complex system with interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability and balance. Each part of the society, such as institutions and social norms, plays a role in the overall functioning of the society.

  2. Conflict Theory: Conflict theorists emphasize the competition for scarce resources as the primary driver of social change and inequality. This perspective focuses on power struggles between different social groups and how these conflicts shape society.

  3. Symbolic Interactionism: This theory concentrates on how individuals create and interpret symbols to develop their social reality. It emphasizes the importance of symbols, language, and gestures in shaping human interaction and communication.

  4. Feminist Theory: Feminist theorists examine social phenomena through the lens of gender, highlighting the ways in which gender roles and inequalities influence various aspects of society, including politics, economics, and culture.

  5. Postmodernism: Postmodern social theory challenges the notion of objective reality and questions established norms and values. It suggests that reality is subjective and constantly changing, influenced by individual experiences and interpretations.

  6. Critical Theory: Critical theorists focus on critiquing and transforming society, often addressing issues related to power, inequality, and social injustice. They aim to bring about social change through their research and activism.

  7. Rational Choice Theory: This theory suggests that individuals make decisions by weighing the costs and benefits of different actions. It is often used to analyze economic and political behavior but can also be applied to social interactions.

In the context of textbooks, these theories are often explored and discussed in social science and sociology textbooks. They provide students with foundational knowledge about different social theories and their applications in understanding human behavior and society. Textbooks, whether new, used, or available for rent, serve as valuable resources for students studying social theory and related subjects.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best social theory on the market
  

Ship of Theseus

Mulholland Books

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!

Wide Eyed Editions

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product features

The 50 States Books and Activities

Pack your bags and take the journey of a lifetime as you explore the U.S.A. with these fun 50 fact-filled books and activities! Learn about state capitals, famous residents, and key historical moments and be inspired by the inventiveness, beauty and diversity of the United States in this curious collection of maps. Explore thousands of wondrous locations and be awed by the achievements of hundreds of people who helped make America what it is today.

These fun and interactive ways of teaching children about the 50 United States will inspire and entertain with its beautifully-designed presentation of the many different faces of the American states.

Welcome to the old line state - maryland

Inspiring person: Frederick Douglass 1818–1895

Welcome to the old line state - maryland

Inspiring Person: Laura Amy Schlitz b.1955

Welcome To The Old Line State - Maryland

Inspiring person: Harriet Tubman c.1820–1913

Welcome to the old line state - maryland

Inspiring person: Thurgood Marshall 1908–1993

A People's History of the United States

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

The Outsiders

Speak

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price

S Is for Style: The Schumacher Book of Decoration

Based on 58 reviews Check latest price

Product features

Chapters 1–4

  • EXUBERANT
  • LAID-BACK
  • HIGH STYLE
  • HAPPY MODERN

Chapters 5–8

  • CHARMING
  • WARM MODERN
  • UNCONVENTIONAL
  • CASUALLY CHIC

Chapters 9–12

  • UPDATED COUNTRY
  • LADYLIKE
  • BOHO
  • OPULENT

Chapters 12–16

  • TRAD WITH A TWIST
  • SENSUAL & SPARE
  • PREPPY
  • CLASSIC

Social Theory: Roots & Branches

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Social Theory: The Multicultural, Global, and Classic Readings

Based on 99 reviews Check latest price

Readings in Social Theory

Based on 34 reviews Check latest price

Intersectionality as Critical Social Theory

Duke University Press Books

Based on 74 reviews Check latest price

Theories for Direct Social Work Practice

Based on 279 reviews Check latest price

Product features

With Cengage Unlimited You Can

With a Cengage Unlimited subscription you get all your Cengage access codes and online textbooks, online homework and study tools for one price per semester, no matter how many Cengage classes you take.

Access All Your Cengage Online Platforms

This includes all your courses on faculty-assigned Cengage online platforms like MindTap, WebAssign, CengageNOWv2, SAM, iLrn, OWLv2, and OpenNow.

All For Only One Price Per Semester

No matter how many Cengage access codes you need or online textbooks and study tools you use, the price of Cengage Unlimited stays the same.

What’s included in Cengage Unlimited?

  • Get all your Cengage access codes for platforms like MindTap, WebAssign, CengageNowv2, SAM, OWLv2 and OpenNow
  • Access to the online version of your textbook + our full library
  • A lower cost hardcopy textbook rental with each access code, available within the 50 states
  • New study tools including online homework, flashcards, test prep and study guides
  • A career center where you can boost your job skills, explore career options and build your resume

Social Theory Re-Wired: New Connections to Classical and Contemporary Perspectives (Sociology Re-Wired)

Based on 70 reviews Check latest price

Latest Reviews

View all