Key Difference – 

Concept vs Theme
 
Concept and theme are two words that can often be confusing as some people consider
concepts and themes as interchangeable. However, there is a key difference between a
concept and a theme. A concept can simply be understood as an abstract idea.
Concepts exist in all fields of study, although the visibility can differ from one field to
another. On the other hand, a theme is a specific subject or ideathat recurs in a
particular piece of work. Themes can be seen in novels, dramas, research, essays, etc.
The key difference is that while a theme captures a broader area, a concept does
not. It limits itself to a particular idea. This is why under a single theme various concepts
can emerge. This article attempts to clarify the difference between a concept and a
theme.

What is a Concept?
A concept can be defined as an abstract idea. This can refer to a phenomenon that
exists in the society, or it can even be an abstract idea that is mentally formed.
Concepts can be seen in all disciplines. For an example, let us take sociology. In
sociology, we speak of so many concepts under different institutions. Social
solidarity, anomie, nuclear and extended family, social order, bureaucracy,
commodification, hegemony, authority, ideology are some examples for various
concepts. These concepts are used to speak of various social phenomena that can be
observed in the society. Here it must be highlighted that while some concepts are
physically visible such as nuclear and extended family, others are not. Most concepts
such as hegemony, ideology are more abstract in nature. Now let us turn to themes.

Concept of Nuclear family

What is a Theme?
A theme is a subject that is being discussed. In literature, students are often asked to
identify the themes that can be visible in a particular piece of work such as a novel,
films, drama or even in a short story. In such a situation, the students are asked to
highlight the subjects that are recurrent in the work. For an example in the novel Jane
Eyre, some of the major themes are love, gender relations, religion, and social class.

The term theme is also used in social sciences, especially in research. Most researches
engage in a thematic analysis when compiling their research report. Here once again,
the researcher identifies the various themes that emerge from his research. Some use
these themes for chapterization as well. Under each theme, the researcher then
presents his findings. This can even include various concepts. For example, a research
on language commodification can have different themes such as language as a cultural
commodity, the perception of the student, the role of the educator, the role of
organizations, etc. Under each theme, there can be various concepts as well. For
example, under the theme of the role of organizations, one can speak of the concept of
the ‘new international crusade.’ This highlights that although concepts and themes are
very much linked together there exists a clear difference between these two words. This
can be summarized as follows.

What is the difference between Concept and Theme?

Definitions of Concept and Theme:
Concept: A concept can be defined as an abstract idea.

Theme: A theme is a specific subject or idea that recurs in a particular piece of work.

Characteristics of Concept and Theme:

Scope:
Concept: In a concept, the scope is limited.

Theme: A theme usually has a large scope.

Specificity:
Concept: A concept is specific.

Theme: A theme can include various ideas; hence it is not very specific.

Relationship:
Concept: A concept can appear under a theme.

Theme: A number of concepts can fall under a single theme.