Social action theory and social order

Social order is a fundamental concept in sociology that refers to the way that components
of society (Social structures, institutions, cultural norms, values and beliefs) work together
to maintain the status quo. According to social action theory this social order can be
maintained and understood in a few key ways.
One key concept is the idea of Verstehen or understanding. This means that according to
social action theory understanding of human behaviour and actions taken is key to the social
order. According to social action theory there are two types of Verstehen: the first is
Aktuelles Verstehen or direct observational understanding where you observe a person to
understand what they are doing and why they are doing it, such as when you observe
someone’s body language in order to understand how they are feeling. The second type of
Verstehen is Eklarendes Verstehen or Empathic understanding where you try to understand
the meaning behind actions by trying to understand the motivations that inspired the action
Another concept that is key to understanding social order according to social action theory
is the idea that, a sociologists could make general assumptions about the basic motivations
for human action, according to social action theory there are four basic types of action
(though no action solely falls into one of these categories), The first is Traditional action,
these are actions taken because that is how thing have always been such as Christmas, the
second is Affective action actions taken due to your emotional state, third is Value action, an
action taken due to you beliefs or values such as going to church on Sundays for Christians
and finally there is rational action, actions taken to achieve a goal.