“Pure sociology” is a term that has been used to refer to a theoretical approach within sociology that aims to develop abstract and general principles or laws about social phenomena. It is sometimes contrasted with “applied sociology,” which focuses on using sociological knowledge to address practical problems or inform social policy. Key aspects of pure…

Queer theory is a critical perspective within sociology, cultural studies, and gender studies that challenges traditional understandings of sexuality, gender, and identity. Emerging in the late 20th century, queer theory critiques binary understandings of sexuality and gender (such as heterosexual/homosexual and male/female) and seeks to deconstruct normative assumptions about sexuality and identity. Key aspects of…

Postcolonialism and subaltern theory are critical approaches within sociology and cultural studies that focus on the legacy of colonialism and imperialism, as well as the experiences and perspectives of marginalized and oppressed groups in colonial and postcolonial societies. These theories highlight the ways in which colonialism has shaped social, political, economic, and cultural structures, and…

Marxism, a foundational theory within sociology and a broader social and political philosophy, was developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 19th century. Marxism provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing social relations, historical development, and political economy. One of its central components is social conflict theory, which emphasizes the role of class struggle…

Intersectionality is a theoretical framework developed within feminist theory and critical race theory that highlights the interconnected nature of social identities and systems of oppression. Coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in the late 1980s, intersectionality emphasizes that individuals’ experiences of privilege and oppression are shaped by multiple intersecting axes of identity, such as race,…

Feminist theory is a sociological and interdisciplinary approach that seeks to understand and challenge the social, political, and economic inequalities experienced by women and other marginalized groups based on gender. Feminist theory examines the ways in which gender intersects with other axes of identity, such as race, class, sexuality, and disability, to shape individuals’ experiences…

Conflict theories are sociological perspectives that focus on the role of conflict, power, and inequality in shaping social structures and dynamics. These theories highlight the ways in which social life is characterized by competition, struggle, and domination among different groups and interests within society. Key aspects of conflict theories include: Structural Inequality: Conflict theories emphasize…

Critical theory is a philosophical and interdisciplinary approach that emerged from the Frankfurt School in the early to mid-20th century. It encompasses a range of perspectives and methodologies aimed at critiquing and transforming society by uncovering and challenging systems of domination, oppression, and inequality. Key aspects of critical theory include: Critique of Power: Critical theory…

Social exchange theory is a sociological and psychological framework that explains social interactions and relationships in terms of the costs and rewards that individuals perceive they will receive from engaging in them. Developed primarily by sociologist George Homans and later expanded upon by Peter Blau, social exchange theory posits that individuals engage in social exchanges…

Psychoanalytic sociology is an interdisciplinary approach that combines insights from psychoanalytic theory with sociological analysis to understand social behavior, institutions, and processes. Rooted in the work of Sigmund Freud and later theorists such as Jacques Lacan, psychoanalytic sociology explores the unconscious motivations, desires, and conflicts that shape individual and collective behavior within social contexts. Key…