SOCI1503 Lecture Notes - Lecture 21: Robert D. Putnam, Sociological Theory
Document Summary
A theory is a proposed relationship between two or more concepts. In other words, a theory is an explanation for why a phenomenon occurs. Sociological theory is developed at multiple levels, ranging from grand theory to highly contextualized and specific micro-range theories. There are many middle-range and micro-range theories in sociology. Because such theories are dependent on context and specific to certain situations, it is beyond the scope of this text to explore each of those theories. An example of a sociological theory comes from the work of robert putnam. Putman"s work focused on the decline of civic engagement. Putnam found that americans involvement in civic life has declined over the last 40 to 60 years. While a number of factors that contribute to this decline, one of the prominent factors is the increased consumption of television as a form of entertainment. The more television people watch, the lower their involvement in civic life will be.
