Social Theory
Ezzie R Smith Social Theory 12:00 P. ... Winona Somervill Social Theory 1. A Social Theory goes beyond mere observable facts in that it postulates casual relations among variables. If a theory is valid it enables its user to explain the phenomena under consideration and to make predictions about events not yet observed 2. ... A pattern of thought and action that challenges institutionalized power relations or relations of domination is the definition of Critical Social Theory. ... com, page 1(for all definitions) Social Exchange Theory It is a theory based on the hypothesis that personal status is defined by the balance between peoples contributions to society and the costs of supporting them. ... The theory posits that individuals choose actions that produce good profits and avoid actions that produce poor profits. ... htm Dowd, 1980 Social Learning Theory People can acquire new responses simply by observing the behavior of another. ... The learning theory holds that individuals acquire new responses through conditioning and imitation. Both are important processes in socialization, and they help to explain how persons attain complex social behavior.