Sociological Theories

Social structure is a term frequently used in sociology and social theory — yet rarely defined or clearly conceptualized. In a general sense, the term can refer two; entities or groups in definite relation to each other; relatively enduring patterns of behavior and relationship within a society, or social institutions and norms becoming embedded into social systems in such a way that they shape the behavior of actors within those social systems. Social structural theory and social disorganization theory is the failure of a community structure to understand the common values of its residents and keep social control. Social disorganization theory proposes those macro social forces, such as migration and separation, interrelate with community level factors, such as concentrated hardship and family disturbance, to obstruct social disorganization. Social process theory, says that criminal conduct is a function of a socialization process. This theory says that criminals turn to crime as an effect of peer pressure, family issues, poor school performance, legal entanglements and other circumstances that slowly steer them to criminal behaviors. Social conflict theory is a theory which argues that people and groups within society have differing amounts of goods and non-material resources (rich versus poor) and that the more powerful groups use their power in order to take advantage of groups with less power. There are many different federal, state and local programs that are offered to illustrate each of these theories in order to assist those in need. Social structural theory offers programs where social workers get involved with families to provide a variety of services. Examples of these services are case management which links clients with agencies and programs that will meet their psychosocial needs, counseling and medical needs, human services management, adoption, foster care, community organizing, support, teaching, and social science study. They can assist