Social Science Theories

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Feminist theory examines inequalities between the genders, and advocates for women's rights, equality for all, and the transformation of gender roles. Can be viewed as positive and adaptive in terms of the changes that have been made in society to battle gender norms and inequalities.

Ex2. Women's Suffrage Movement

This movement changed the rights of women vastly. Throughout the late 19th century and early 20th century, a movement took place that would ultimately grant women the right to vote in the United States. This change is something that has not only impacted the lives of millions of women, but as also altered political viewpoints as well.

Ex1. The #MeToo Movement

A conflict addressing sexual violence against men and women and structures of power within society. The viral # has led to millions stepping forward, and sharing their own lived experiences. This movement has allowed the voices of many silenced speakers to come forward and advocate for themselves.

Explains how society can work together in order to benefit a root cause. Also looks at each contributing factor as to how they can all influence each other. Can often look at societal change as positive and adaptive in order to benefit the future of social groups and society as a whole.

Ex2. The Digital Age

The digital age can be viewed as an adaptive opportunity for society today. This change was positive and influential for not only humans as individuals, but also the working world. It has changed the way society functions for the benefit of research and growth.

Ex1. The Civil Rights Movement

A structural functionalist would look at this event of change through the future of the cause. The changes that occurred from this movement arguably helped American society to grow and continue their demand for equality.

This theory explains how differing forms of discrimination and privilege can overlap to shape a person's experiences and livelihoods. Things like race, gender, and class can be referred to as 'interconnected' and are all linked to each other. Although intersectionality is argued to be primarily positive in terms of social change; there are also negatives in that it could potentially oppress certain groups that are subject to discrimination in order to advocate for another. However, some of the positives include: addressing more than one form of discrimination, activism for all, and inclusivity.

Ex2. The COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic affected billions of people worldwide. People with low income, disabled communities, and racial minorities were all affected on top of the virus. There were also numerous people who lost their jobs due to the virus and essential workers who worked in unsafe conditions daily. Through the pandemic, researchers and organizations were able to create relief programs for those who were most vulnerable and who were in need of help. This change helped oppressed groups and was not limited to certain individuals; it took into account large groups of people.

Ex1. The Americans with Disabilities Act

People with disabilities faced discrimination within the workplace, in schools and education systems, and in public places. Disabled people of colour or who were 2SLGBTQIA+ were faced with double discrimination. The act not only made things like public spaces more accessible for people with disabilities, but they also focused time on how race, gender, and class can affect disability justice and the livelihoods of people living with a disability.

Cognitive theory doves into psychological perceptive and how humans perceive and store information. Cognitive theory has a lot to do with behaviour and how others can influence, alter, and change behaviour depending on circumstances and observation. Cognitive theory can more often be viewed as a positive in terms of events of change. This is due to the fact that it enhances the actions, thoughts, and decision making of humans. These positives have ultimately led to extremely useful things such as teaching, therapy, and active problem solving.

Ex2. The Social Media Revolution

The advancements of media sources like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook have changed the way people communicate with each other, access information, and how society interacts. These progressions have allowed global communication to be more adaptive and beneficial. However, the rise in social media sources has also created a negative outlook on things like body image and mental health.

Ex1. The Cognitive Revolution

The revolution caused cognitive psychology to be revolutionized and housed the opportunity for better education, artificial intelligence, and problem solving techniques to aid in work related fields. The revolution shifted humans away from the idea that behaviour shapes intel, and more into the idea that there are other means of learning, educating, and understanding human behaviour.

Cultural materialism explains how cultural practices can be formed into material like conditions. Things like resources, technology, and the environment can be described as materialist things that can influence change within society and differing cultures. Cultural materialism has a lot to do with power and how it is being distributed. Cultural materialism can be viewed as both negative and positive in terms of societal change and events that have taken place impacting this theory. Although the evolution of materialistic goods has created sustainable solutions and adaptive means of survival within different societies; cultural materialsm can also be viewed as a negative. This is in the idea that it can lead to environement exploitation and potentially a justification for oppression.

Ex2. The Green Revolution

New technologies were sent to developing countries such as fertilizers and pesticides in order to grow agricultural innovation. Although some of these demands were necessary to produce crop globally, there were also major negatives that came with this change. For example, the overuse of harmful chemicals became an immense issue especially in developing countries who relied on farmers and good crops to source their food.

Ex1. The Industrial Revolution

Through technological advancements within the work force and the need for mass production, the industrial revolution took place. This caused many to move from rural areas into major cities in order to work for mass institutions and manufacturing services. The labour union commenced, and with that a demand for better working conditions.

Power plays a large role in conflict theory. It build on the idea that competition is always in play when it comes to social norms and these conflicts can shape the way social structures and institutions are formed. Can often be perceived as a negative in terms of social change because of the conflict needed; however, it can also be a huge positive in that it encourages change to occur through its drive for transformation.

Ex2. The Black Lives Matter Movement

The conflict within the BLM movement was needed in order for people to respond to the systemic police violence, as well as the racial inequality taking place in America. This conflict has ultimately led to changes in the criminal justice system and more discussion about racial inequality. These changes have made and will continue to make a difference in the lives of many Americans moving forward.

Ex1. The French Revolution

During the French Revolution, the monarchy held immense power over the lower class people of France. The wealth of the monarchy, led to poverty and oppression of the lower class. The revolution and conflict within the war led to the overthrow of the French monarchy. This also led to democratic ideals for France. This change rehabilitated the lives of many lower class citizens of France and drastically improved their issues with poverty and oppression.

Humanism explores the idea that humans as individuals are subject to choosing their own path in life and are able to make their own choices, with their own insights. It builds on the ideas of self growth and free will. Humanism promotes personal positivity and self growth. Because of this, it is primarily a positive theory in terms of social change.

Ex2. Modern Education Systems

In creating schools and education systems, we have allowed for students and children alike to explore their own personal strengths, curiosity, and creativity. Personal development is also key within education systems to help navigate difficult tasks and gain confidence.

Ex1. The Human Rights Movement

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has worked to establish the rights of all humans. This is in the idea that as humans, we are all different and each have a uniqueness that differentiates us all; however, we must all be allowed the same rights, freedoms, and abilities.

Social Science Theories

Intersectionality

Humanism

Cognitive

Cultural Materialism

Feminism

Conflict

Structural Functionalist