Virtual Impact on Sociology
Social theories are defined as scientific ways of exploring and understanding the social world by how the societies can conduct social behavior about factors affecting the social world, such as power, ethnicity, race, and more (Harrington, 2007). Sociologists use theories to explore the human social world and encourage the use of theories to build hypotheses due to scientific research. Virtual, on the other hand, can be termed as the use of media to either attain information, learn new things, and more using online platforms or newspapers.
There are two major types of theories: Macro Theories, which are studies best fit for a large group of people or global studies dealing with a large number of people, and Micro Theories used when dealing with a small group of people (Hammond & Cheney, n.d.). Macro sociologists focus on the big picture of factors that cause a big change in human lifestyles, such as political and economic change. Examples of theories are conflict theory and functionalism. Micro sociologists, on the other hand, research interaction and why people interact the way they do. Examples of the theories include symbolic interactionism and utilitarianism.
Everything being virtual could have an impact on society according to the macro and micro theories. In the case of functionalism, social institutions in societies like political, religious, and education ensure social stability, and if everything went virtual, people would not visit these institutions. Moreover, when people go virtual, there would be no need for them to go to work or school, making it hard for micro-sociologists to understand the factor of interaction between small groups. Lastly, society is highly related to conflict theory since more people are the proletariat and those in power are the few; there is not enough room for conflict and competition for the proletariat to fight for their rights, and they may use virtual ways. In conclusion, for these theories to be examined best, it is preferred if everything around the society is not virtual but instead works hand in hand with people’s social lives. Need help with your assignment ? Get in touch with us.
References
Hammond, R., & Cheney, P. (n.d.). Sociology.
Harrington, A. (2007). Modern social theory. Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press.
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Question
If everything went virtual how would this impact society according to two of the social theories listed in our readings or videos?
http://freesociologybooks.com/Sociology_Of_The_Family/03_Sociological_Theories_Of_The_Family.php
Note: Reading is chapter 3 of the textbook link