Theories of Social Action
Edukasistan.com - Hello everyone! Understanding social action theory is very important in understanding human social behaviour. Social action theory discusses how humans act in society and what influences their behaviour. Famous sociologists like Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and George Herbert Mead have proposed various theories of social action that are very influential in sociology.
Max Weber, for example, proposed a theory of social action that emphasizes the individual's understanding or interpretation of the social situation he faces.
In this article, I will explain these theories in depth and give accurate examples that illustrate their influence on social behaviour. By understanding these theories, we can better understand how and why humans act in society.
Therefore, studying social action theory is very important for sociology students and anyone who wants to understand human social behaviour more deeply. Okay, without much ado, let us read this article to the end!
- Social action is human behaviour that is carried out in the context of social relationships.
- Max Weber's social action theory emphasizes the subjective meaning given by individuals to their social actions.
- Emile Durkheim's social action theory emphasizes the importance of norms and values in regulating social actions.
- Karl Marx's social action theory emphasizes the conflict between social classes in influencing social action.
- George Herbert Mead's social action theory emphasizes the importance of social interaction in shaping individual social actions.
Definition of Social Action
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| Theories of Social Action |
Social action is an action carried out by individuals or groups with social meaning and significance. Max Weber identified four types of social action: traditional action, effectual action, value-rational action, and instrumental-rational action.
Traditional action is carried out based on habits and norms that exist in society. The emotions and feelings of the individual trigger effectual action. Value-rational action is carried out based on the values and beliefs of the individual.
Instrumental-rational action is carried out to achieve a specific goal. This social action is significant in society because it can form the norms and values adopted by society.
In addition, social action can also influence the behaviour of individuals or groups in society. Therefore, individuals or groups need to understand these social actions to interact well with society and the prevailing norms.
Theories on Social Action
Understanding social action theory is the key to understanding human social behaviour. Social action theory delves into how humans behave in society and the factors that influence them. Renowned sociologists such as Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and George Herbert Mead have significantly contributed to this theory.
Several theories explain social action. Here are Theories on Social Action made by experts:
1. Max Weber's Theory of Social Action
Max Weber's theory of social action emphasizes the importance of understanding the meaning behind social action. Weber identifies four types of social actions and explains that different motivations and goals drive each type.
Traditional action, for example, is based on habits and norms that exist in society. I have experienced how traditional action influences social behaviour when attending a traditional ceremony in my hometown.
Although I still need to understand the meaning behind each step in the ceremony thoroughly, I felt connected to the cultural heritage and values represented by the ceremony.
2. Emile Durkheim's Theory of Social Action
Emile Durkheim's theory of social action emphasizes the importance of social factors in influencing individual actions. Durkheim introduced the concept of social facts, which are norms, values, and social structures that exist in society.
These social facts influence individual behaviour and shape social action. For example, when I was at school, I saw how school rules and existing norms influenced student behaviour.
For instance, when there is a regulation about school uniforms, students tend to wear it properly because they know it is a norm that must be followed.
3. Karl Marx's Theory of Social Action
Karl Marx's theory of social action emphasizes the importance of class struggle in influencing social action. Marx argued that society is divided into two main classes: the capitalists (owners of capital) and the workers (proletariat).
Capitalists control economic resources, while workers only have their labour. This class struggle influences social actions, such as the workers' struggle for better workers' rights.
I have witnessed how class struggle influences social action when participating in a labour protest in my city. The workers united to fight for their rights and demand fairer working conditions.
4. George Herbert Mead's Theory of Social Action
George Herbert Mead's theory of social action emphasizes the importance of symbolic interaction in influencing social action. Mead argued that humans interact with their social environment through symbols and language.
Through this interaction, individuals understand the meaning behind social action and respond to it. For example, when I communicate with my friends, we use specific languages and symbols to convey messages and understand each other. This interaction shapes our social actions and influences the social relationships we have.
Conclusion
To understand social behaviour, it is essential to recognize and understand the four types of social actions Max Weber identified: traditional action, effectual action, value-rational action, and instrumental-rational action. Each type has different goals, such as traditional action based on norms or effectual action triggered by emotions.
This article discusses various social action theories proposed by famous sociologists like Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and George Herbert Mead. These theories are essential to understand because they provide better insights into how and why humans act in society.
By understanding different types of social actions, the influence of social factors, class struggle, and symbolic interaction, we can have a more comprehensive understanding of human social behaviour.
In this complex world, understanding the theory of social action is very relevant to understanding human behaviour and society.
Understanding these theories, we can better understand human social behaviour and society. Therefore, understanding social action theory is very important for anyone who wants to study sociology or understand the social world around us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Theories on Social Action?
Theories on Social Action are a collection of concepts and views used to explain human behaviour in a social context.
2. What theories are included in Theories on Social Action?
Some theories included in Theories on Social Action are Social Action Theory, Conflict Theory, Functionalism Theory, and Symbolic Theory.
3. What does Social Action Theory explain?
Social Action Theory explains that individual goals and motivations influence human social actions in achieving those goals.
4. What does Conflict Theory explain?
Conflict Theory explains that social actions are influenced by the conflict between different social groups competing for resources and power.
5. What does Functionalism Theory explain?
Functionalism Theory explains that human social actions are influenced by the social functions individuals perform.
6. What does Symbolic Theory explain?
Symbolic theory explains that human social actions are influenced by the symbolic meanings given to objects or societal situations.
