Sociological Theories 1

The differences between interpretative, scientific and critical sociological theories can

be understood in the way that sociologists that adhere too tightly to the scientific theories

may find that their own social perspectives and value systems have a significant bearing on

their claims, even when it is backed up by facts, rationale as well as scientific observation and

results. This is precisely where the role of interpretative sociology comes into play, as this

type of sociological theories takes into account the subjective nature of the human aspect and

intends to deal with the different problems and complications prevalent in the society from

the perspective of human nature and the various dimensions that are associated with it.

In comparison to this, critical sociological theories intend to work and are mainly

there to question the conclusions in order to improve the quality of knowledge by

disapproving incorrect claims that are present in the theories and make effort through which

these errors can be rectified properly. The study of suicide that has been made by sociologist

Emile Durkheim basically helps in understanding the different social as well as psychological

factors of the human nature and personality that actually encourage individuals to commit

suicide.

Since the research that has been presented by Durkheim makes use of empirical and

statistical evidence along with an understanding of the different aspects of the human nature,

it is important to state that the theory can best be understood with the help of scientific as

well as interpretative sociological theories (Miller, 2009). The theory of capitalism or the

conflict theory presented by Karl Marx is primarily based on the ways in which there is fierce

competition between economic resources and the ways in which resources are allocated in a

discriminatory manner leading to conflict among the different people who belong to the same

segments of a society.
 Sociological Theories 2

Since the theory deals with the economic functioning of the society and the ways in

which human nature is influenced through the formation and implementation of an economic,

the theory can best be understood with the help of interpretative sociological theory. The idea

that has been presented by Weber on protestenism deals primarily on identifying the

relationship between religious ethics and doctrines and the ways in which they can be related

with economic principles and practices as well. Since the theory that has been proposed by

Weber explains religious principles, but presents a counter narrative of it as well, the theory

can best be understood with the help of interpretative as well as critical sociological theories.

References

Miller, David (2009). George Herbert Mead: Self, Language, and the World. University of

Texas Press.