Sociology 2206A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Grounded Theory, Conflict Theories, Critical Race Theory

• School: Western University
• Department: Sociology
• Course: Sociology 2206A/B
• Professor: Stephen Lin

Document Summary

Theory and methods are the backbone of social research. Chapter 2: social theories explain recurring patterns, not unique or one time events. Ex: they cant explain why 9/11 happened but they can explain patterns that leads to spin offs in such groups like terrorists: social theories are explanations for aggregates, not particular individuals. Aggregates: collection of many individuals, cases, or other units. Macrosocial theory social theories and explanations about abstract, large-scale, and broad- scope aspects of social reality, such as social change in major institutions (family) in a whole nation across several decades. Microsocial theory social theories and explanations about the concrete, small-scale, and narrow level of reality, such as face-to-face interaction in small groups over a 2 month period. Mesosocial theory explanations about the middle level of social reality between a broad and narrow scope, such as the development and operation of social organizations, communities, or social movements over a 5 year period.