I believe that social theory can be compared to mathematical formulas-they are both apparatuses created using constants and variables that facilitate interpretation and learning of discourse. Just as there are many mathematical formulas that help us understand many of the topics in the field, there are various social theories that assist us in explaining and understanding an assortment of social practices. Both of these schools of thought are vastly different on the micro level, yet they are similar at the macro level.
Social theory relies on those of us who put words to use to explain occurrences we observe in our society (see Lemert). Social theorists will ask many questions about fractions of the social environment, and they set out a way to solve them. They even challenge us to see and find solutions to the same questions using alternative methods.
Mathematical formulas are an explanation of problems. When we use formulas, we are given a set of variables to use when we analyze problems. These variables give us a general consensus of what our solution will be when we examine a given problem. But when we apply constants to our formula, we can have an infinite amount of outcomes.
Social theory uses variables to explain the many small details that can make an impact in a society. For instance, when a person goes into the local supermarket to buy a pack of cigarettes, variable can impact what happens in their experience. Each variable can attribute to the outcome of a social situation. If the person who wants the cigarettes is a nine year old child, they (hopefully) will be denied access to the pack. If the person is a woman (over 18) in her eighth month of pregnancy, she will be allowed to purchase the pack, but she will most likely get some stares as she lights up.
Math formulas rely on data. Data can manifest itself in different ways. Weather it is a set of rational numbers, triangle areas, time trials, or graphs, data is the building block for all mathematical formulas. Data will determine if a formula can be proved. It is required to solve any problem that you will be given alongside a formula. Any mathematician will tell you that a formula is only useful if the data used is acceptable.
Social theory relies on data. Data is needed to create social theory. Without it, no theories can be built, tested, challenged, or accepted. Maybe the most important part of all social theory is the data collected while doing anything with social theory. From people watching while you wait for the next train to come to the station, to sorting through piles of survey questionnaires, data gives way to the observations that lead to the thoughts that form social theory.
Mathematical formulas are a distant cousin to social theory. They usually aren’t discussed together, but they hold a significant amount of similarities. They both help us understand our world better, and they are always under scrutiny.
Social theory relies on those of us who put words to use to explain occurrences we observe in our society (see Lemert). Social theorists will ask many questions about fractions of the social environment, and they set out a way to solve them. They even challenge us to see and find solutions to the same questions using alternative methods.
Mathematical formulas are an explanation of problems. When we use formulas, we are given a set of variables to use when we analyze problems. These variables give us a general consensus of what our solution will be when we examine a given problem. But when we apply constants to our formula, we can have an infinite amount of outcomes.
Social theory uses variables to explain the many small details that can make an impact in a society. For instance, when a person goes into the local supermarket to buy a pack of cigarettes, variable can impact what happens in their experience. Each variable can attribute to the outcome of a social situation. If the person who wants the cigarettes is a nine year old child, they (hopefully) will be denied access to the pack. If the person is a woman (over 18) in her eighth month of pregnancy, she will be allowed to purchase the pack, but she will most likely get some stares as she lights up.
Math formulas rely on data. Data can manifest itself in different ways. Weather it is a set of rational numbers, triangle areas, time trials, or graphs, data is the building block for all mathematical formulas. Data will determine if a formula can be proved. It is required to solve any problem that you will be given alongside a formula. Any mathematician will tell you that a formula is only useful if the data used is acceptable.
Social theory relies on data. Data is needed to create social theory. Without it, no theories can be built, tested, challenged, or accepted. Maybe the most important part of all social theory is the data collected while doing anything with social theory. From people watching while you wait for the next train to come to the station, to sorting through piles of survey questionnaires, data gives way to the observations that lead to the thoughts that form social theory.
Mathematical formulas are a distant cousin to social theory. They usually aren’t discussed together, but they hold a significant amount of similarities. They both help us understand our world better, and they are always under scrutiny.