Voices With Ed Stetzer: Sociological Theory and Precursors to Approaching Critical Race Theory

1. Sociological theories are suggestions on how to see the world.

Sociologists use theories to observe, describe, and explain social patterns or phenomena (Macionis). For example, if a sociologist notices that women have higher rates of poverty, he or she might propose a theory to explain why more women have higher rates of poverty. Theories are proposals provided by sociologists that attempt to provide reasons for what we see in society. They provide possible explanations but are not mandated and are capable of being disproved. Basic sociological theories do not command allegiance nor do they yield authority to be followed and obeyed. Instead, a sociological theory is an option for understanding social patterns. While some sociologists will communicate their theories as absolute truth and warrant your full devotion and dedication to supporting their theories, this is sometimes more about the person than theory.

2. Sociological theories show us what to look for.

Theories tell researchers what to look for. Some sociologists refer to sociological theories as kaleidoscopes. A theory therefore can be explained “as a sort of kaleidoscope-by shifting theoretical perspective the world under investigation also changes shape…theories are like the lenses of the kaleidoscope; when you slot different ones into place things you could not see before suddenly become visible; patterns that were distinct become sharper…the role of theory is precisely to make things that were hidden visible, to define some patterns and give some meanings to the sorts of observations that social researchers continually make when investigating society” (Gilbert). Thus theories give a way of seeing things we might not otherwise notice.

3. Sociological theories morph into a multitude of ideas and assertions.

There are three foundational theories in sociology: structural functional theory, symbolic interactionist theory, and social-conflict theory. Over time these theories have given rise to a number of other theories multiplying the possible explanations for social patterns. The nature of a theory is to evolve. Theories take on new meanings and identities usually based on the proposer of the theory. This means that it is possible for two people to use one theory but expand both what the theory means and what the theory intends to assert.

4. Sociological theories are descriptive but are used with research orientations that aim at prescribing solutions.

Forming and utilizing theory is an early step in understanding social patterns. But theories are followed up with sociological research that usually involves three specific research orientations. One orientation, which is of importance to our conversation on Critical Race Theory is the critical orientation or critical sociology. Critical sociology is the study of society that focuses on the need for social change” (Macionis). This means two things. First, all sociological theories do not aim at social change. In fact, many critical sociologists criticize other research orientations for accepting the status quo and not seeking to change society. Second, sociological theories can involve both description and prescriptions for social change but we can choose not to accept their prescription without discrediting the description.

Hopefully, these precursors will help you as you think about engaging with sociological theory.

Read the Complete Critical Race Theory Series

Part 1: Framing Critical Race Theory 

Part 2: What Is CRT and Should We Be Concerned? 

Part 3: Cautions Regarding Critical Race Theory

Part 4: Cautions Regarding Critical Race Theory II

Part 5: A Missiological Assessment of Critical Race Theory

Part 6: A Missiological Assessment of Critical Race Theory II

Part 7. A Missiological Assessment of Critical Race Theory III

Part 8: A Missiological Assessment of Critical Race Theory IV

Part 9: Sociological Theory and Precursors to Approaching Critical Race Theory

Part 10: Critical Theory and Precursors to Approaching Critical Race Theory

Part 11: Social Justice, Critical Race Theory, Marxism, and Biblical Ethics

Sources

1. Macionis, John J. Sociology, 15th Edition . Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2014.
2. Gilbert, Nigel, ed. Researching Social Life. California: New Sage, 1993.
3. Poythress, Vern S. Redeeming Sociology. Wheaton: Crossway, 2011.
4. Denzin, Norman K., ed. The Values of Social Science. United States: Aldine. 1970.
5. Royce, Edward. Classical Social Theory and Modern Society: Marx, Durkheim, Weber. New York: Rowman & Littlefield, 2015.
6. Kendall, Diana. Social Problems in a Diverse Society. 5th ed. Boston: Pearson, 2012.