Simmel's Theory Paper

In class, Professor Gerschick explained that theories are systematic attempts to make sense of a particular event or social phenomena that occurs in a given social setting. Depending on the given theorist, each had an individualistic approach to a particular phenomenon and their purpose was to lay out a way to interpret the facet of that social life (Kivisto). Each theory has a goal and that is to explain, predict and/or to understand the phenomena being explained (Gershcick). In order for a theory to be considered one, it must be capable of being applied on both macro and micro levels. Different levels of analysis must be present, as well as different units. Kivisto mentions how Simmel’s theory can be applied to the study of alcohol in society; Simmel’s theory was centered around conflict, alcohol can be observed from many perspectives thus showing …show more content…
Along with these characteristics social theories also explore what particular conditions cause the phenomena, with what ramifications and how and why social behavior changes throughout time and space. These primary parts of the theory allow theories like critical theory to be applied to phenomena such as contemporary race-relations between blacks and whites, as evaluated by Hartmann and Bell in Chapter 8 (Kivisto, 127). While elaborating the complexity of theory it should be noted to understand how historical, cultural and structural contexts influenced the given theory. These contexts set the foundation for each theory and help explain how the it was created. The theories sociologists explore were shaped by experience, continue to order and shape perceptions, they are linked to power and politics, help provide guidelines for behavior and serve as tools (Gerschick). Theory is important because humans use it daily as a method of being better able to explain particular social