Sociological Theories Essay Example

Sociological Theories Essay Example Sociological Theories Essay Sociological Theories Essay Social structure is a term frequently used in sociology and social theory - yet rarely defined or clearly conceptualized. In a general sense, the term can refer two; entities or groups in definite relation to each other; relatively enduring patterns of behavior and relationship within a society, or social institutions and norms becoming embedded into social systems in such a way that they shape the behavior of actors within those social systems. Social structural theory and social disorganization theory is the failure of a community structure to understand the common values of its residents and keep social control.Social disorganization theory proposes those macro social forces, such as migration and separation, interrelate with community level factors, such as concentrated hardship and family disturbance, to obstruct social disorganization. Social process theory, says that criminal conduct is a function of a socialization process. This theory says that criminals turn to crime as an effect of peer pressure, family issues, poor school performance, legal entanglements and other circumstances that slowly steer them to criminal behaviors.Social conflict theory is a theory which argues that people and groups within society have differing amounts of goods and non-material resources (rich versus poor) and that the more powerful groups use their power in order to take advantage of groups with less power. There are many different federal, state and local programs that are offered to illustrate each of these theories in order to assist those in need. Social structural theory offers programs where social workers get involved with families to provide a variety of services.Examples of these services are case management which links clients with agencies and programs that will meet their psychosocial needs, counseling and medical needs, human services management, adoption, foster care, community organizing, support, teaching, and social science study. They can assist communi ty health, hospice, hospitals, faith building resources, job training and working closely with families to maintain support. Intervention for social structure is very essential in terms of its practice and techniques. Its main goal is to improve the lives of families groups and people.Social process theories emphasize how people perceive their reality and how these perceptions structure their behavior. In other words how people tend to comprehend what exactly is happening and how their perceptions determine their behavior. (Tittle Grasmick, 1997). Programs offered for the social process theory involve mentoring programs that should, in theory, stop future criminal behavior. The thought behind mentoring programs is that an adult is paired with a child, who apparently learns from the behavior of the adult and is absolutely reinforced for good conduct.Mentoring programs include both youth and school mentoring. Federal funding for targeted mentoring programs has increased in recent yea rs for disadvantaged youth. These programs have been shown, when executed successfully, to endorse positive developmental outcomes in youth within the areas of work and school, mental and physical health, and conduct. Mentoring groups result in families’ bigger participation in school activities, more optimistic communication with family, taking part in more positive activities as a family, enhanced access to community resources, and enlarged support systems.There are benefits for mentors as well which include increased feelings of self-worth, extended support networks, joint problem-solving, expanded social and volunteer activity, enhancement in relationships with other family members, and surprising enjoyment in activities with youth. In response to social conflict, programs were generated for the purpose of creating positive social change. Programs consist of youth empowerment in all aspects. The programs organize around the problems that impact the quality of life of peop le and families.Programs also consist of helping those in prison, reproductive freedom, immigrant rights, privacy and police violence. The goal of these programs are to build and support a community of youth and others working to protect human rights and social justice and to motivate and give power to a new generation of youth to act for meaningful social change.Works cited Siegel, J. Larry Senna, J. Joseph: Study Guide for Siegel/Sennas Essentials of Criminal Justice, 5th Edition (Paperback) Tittle, C. R. , ; Grasmick, H. G. (2003).