Some Viewpoints on How Sociological Theories Can Be Created

Abstract

How can we create sociological theories? In order to approach this difficult problem, we must, at first, clarify the role of sociological theories and identify their different types. Next, corresponding to each type of theory, we must develop an appropriate study method that will enable us to create an original theory. The first role of a sociological theory is to discover and explain various regularities that appear in a given society. The second role of the theory is interpretation-explaining the meaning of various social phenomena. We admit that sociological theory can cover the sphere of a normative problem, and in this context, its third role is to invent various normative principles and provide the rationales behind them. With regard to the purpose of this paper, sociological theories can be classified into the following five types : fundamental theories of sociology, basic theories, middle-range theories, meta-theories, and normative theories. For each type of theory, appropriate and unique methods for theory creation should be developed, and evaluation criteria should be chosen. Theory creation should be distinguished from the study of precedent theories. In the case of middle-range and basic theories concerning a specific sphere, I propose “a study strategy in the shape of an upper-case T.” The study of precedent theories can play a major role with regard to the fundamentals of sociology and the basic theories covering multiple spheres. For example, the formation of the “genetic objectivation theory” was based on the systematic study of precedent theories conducted on the subject of reification. In addition, new social problems can work to produce new viewpoints, new values, and a critical mind. These factors stimulate theoretical innovation at the level of fundamental or basic theories. Such innovation is often accompanied by difficulties concerning the redefinition of the researcher's identity as in the case of the sociology of gender.