A sociological theory provides people with a framework examining the social network around us. These theories ask questions about the social order of society. They also might ask questions related to the processes that influence social change. These social theories look at a wide range of social problems existing in our society.
Sociological Theories of Law
Now after introducing the sociological theories of law, let’s describe them. There are two main theories of law in sociology. A brief description of those theories and their importance is as follows;Classical Sociology
Many sociologists worked on the sociological theories of law in the previous century. This classical theory states that this world is the outcome of a transition from traditional to modern societies. The classical theories explain how Marx, Weber, and Durkheim describe this theory. The above three mentioned sociologists have their own views on classical sociology. Karl Marx’s understanding of historical materialism and the’ laws of history was unique. In the meantime, Max Weber critiques Marx’s materialism theory. He claims that the material conditions needed to support capitalism are insufficient.Besides Marx and Weber, Durkheim claims that the transition from traditional to modern societies is evolutionary. This evolution requires intervention from advanced societies into very basic societies. Durkheim also adds that natural changes also play an important role in this evolution. Max’s classical theory is an inversion of Hegel’s “Idealist conception of theory.” Hegel, in his theory, claims that at any time, society is determined by its material conditions. This is why Max’s theory of classical sociology is based on materialism.
The transition from traditional to advanced societies rests on the transition from feudalism to capitalism. Says Max Weber. Culture, bureaucracy, and rationality are the basis of Weber’s understanding of the transition to modern society. Durkheim studied what held societies together? He asked a set of different questions to give his classical sociological theory. These questions led him to write “Elementary Forms of Religious Life (1995).” In his book, he looked at the importance of religion in basic societies and advanced societies.
Therefore the above three great sociologists defined classical theory in their own way. Classical theory is the basic sociological theory of law.
The transition from traditional to advanced societies rests on the transition from feudalism to capitalism. Says Max Weber. Culture, bureaucracy, and rationality are the basis of Weber’s understanding of the transition to modern society. Durkheim studied what held societies together? He asked a set of different questions to give his classical sociological theory. These questions led him to write “Elementary Forms of Religious Life (1995).” In his book, he looked at the importance of religion in basic societies and advanced societies.
Therefore the above three great sociologists defined classical theory in their own way. Classical theory is the basic sociological theory of law.
Importance
This theory is important because it provides new sociologists with new insights. It tells them how our society transformed from traditional to modern societies. Moreover, this theory also help+s them understand the complex issues of today’s modern society.Contemporary Sociology
This sociological theory of law is often described in opposition to classical theory. It focuses on how social theories contribute to social life’s evolution. With the development of modern societies after World War II, social laws were not centric on this discipline. The leading sociologist Talcott Parsons developed the first functionalist perspective on social law. Different theories of the law were introduced in sociology from the 1960s onward. There are four types of contemporary sociology. The names of the types are as follows;- Social-Functional
- Social Conflict
- Feminism
- Symbolic Interactionism
Also Read This: Neo-Racism and Discrimination: Causes and Effects
Pros and Cons of Sociological Theories of Law
Everything comes with its advantages and disadvantages. The sociological theories of law also have their pros and cons. A brief description of their merits and demerits is as follows;Pros
- Explains how society can minimize conflicts by practicing social order and socialization
- Explains how different parts of the social structure work as a whole to maintain the overall social order of society
- Shows the importance of shared culture as the basis of social order
Cons
- People put too much trust in social organizations, and organizations use this trust for their own goal
- The social systems are subject to fail, but society can even run without a system
- The sociological theories of law ignore the impacts of social disorder on an individual
Conclusion
In conclusion, these sociological theories of law helped people shape our world. The development and modernization we see today result from the theories mentioned above.