Pattern theory
Pattern theory in sociology describes social phenomena in a pattern-like manner. This concept was first presented by Alan Turing in his article ‘The Chemical Basis of Morphogenesis’ (1952). In this work, Turing discusses the concept of morphogenesis, the formation and development of shape. He applies this concept to social patterns, examining both their advantages and disadvantages.
The notion of pattern in sociology has several drawbacks. It is hard to define social structure in terms of patterns, and these notions can be difficult to use in the context of sociology. The notions of pattern and structure derive from other disciplines. I have outlined some of the historical origins of both terms in the article.
The first is that patterns are made up of multiple variables. The variables each have a primary focus, called an “aspect”. For example, particularistic and universalistic poles concern with the range of individuals involved in social action, whereas diffuseness-specificity poles are concerned with the range of obligations of social actors.
Social patterns are patterns of repeated social actions. These actions carry meaning and are oriented to others and to an order. However, conceptualizing social patterns as forms does not mean that the actors do not have any agency. In fact, forms have a life of their own in the minds of individuals, and they can act accordingly.
Symbols
The term “culture” refers to a set of beliefs or tenets that embed in a society. It is an important tool for understanding behavior, but it is not a static entity. Culture evolves with time, and new things are constantly adding to both the material and non-material cultures. This change is a product of new technologies and ideas.
Symbols are common in human life and use to represent abstract concepts. They can be religious or social, and can stand for different things, such as love, peace, or hate. Symbols are also used in everyday life, such as a siren that sounds during an emergency to clear the way. Brand names also have symbolic meaning, such as the names of products.
A country’s flag is a common example of a cultural symbol. The American flag, for instance, is a common symbol of freedom, but its meaning can be different for different cultures. In some cultures, symbols are specific to a particular group or culture and have a special meaning for individuals within that culture. For instance, Chinese New Year’s foods are symbolic of wealth, a long life, and good luck.
Language
Language is one of the most important components of any culture. Different languages have different features and meanings. Sociologists study language and culture in different ways. They can help us understand how different cultures interact with each other. Here are some examples of how language can affect a society. These examples are not exhaustive.
Different cultures have different languages, and the distribution of these languages can vary. This is due to differences in historical circumstances and in the ease of cultural change. For example, the political and cultural divide between East Germany and West Germany in the early twentieth century led to noticeable differences in vocabulary and usage. The development of different languages in various regions was important, as people migrated from one area to another.
Intercultural interactions are a common part of today’s society. As such, communication is key to understanding people from different backgrounds and beliefs. Language is an integral part of culture and used to define a group’s culture and to express specific intentions. Moreover, it can give us a deeper understanding of the culture.
Beliefs
Beliefs of culture are deeply rooted in a society and serve as a foundation for its values. They are a fundamental component of any culture and transmits from generation to generation. Cultures differ in their values. A common example is North America, where people believe that if one works hard enough, they will achieve success and wealth. They also believe that wealth is good.
Culture is rooted in values, and these suggest how people should behave. The problem with values, however, is that they do not necessarily reflect actual behavior. They represent an ideal culture, one that may not exist. For instance, the ideal culture would not have traffic accidents, crime, poverty, or racial tension. The real culture, on the other hand, includes police officers, judges, social workers, and educators.
A cultural relativism approach might be difficult to apply to other cultures, and sociologists engaging in cultural relativism may struggle to reconcile aspects of their own culture with those of the culture they are studying. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that pride in one’s culture does not mean that one should impose their own culture on others, and a deep appreciation for another culture shouldn’t preclude studying it critically.
Values
Social values are the general principles that people live by in their societies. They intend to shape behaviour and provide a framework for understanding human personality. However, they are not the same for everyone and depend on many factors, including culture, education, religion, and society. However, in general, values are the foundation of human behaviour and intend to prevent conflict.
Sociological studies often examine how values shape society. For example, in the United States, children are valued as a symbol of innocence. The young and the sexually active are also valued. In the United States, values include individualism and independence. However, in many other cultures, group welfare is valued more highly.
Sociology studies macro-structures and general dynamic processes and values are at the foundation of these processes. The study of values provides an understanding of social development, dissolution, and change. It explains how values shape the way societies function, and what they mean for individuals and societies. It also explains the essence of value changes. This understanding is vital to understanding societies and societal behavior. However, sociologists cannot overlook the importance of subjectivity in their work.
Values are the general standards a society adheres to. People use them to make decisions and assess the quality of their lives. They may be based on moral standards or aesthetic judgment.
Artifacts
The Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies has developed some great resources that help teachers and students understand the role of artifacts in society. These materials include worksheets, writing assignments, and examples of artifacts. These materials also provide an opportunity for students to interact with real artifacts from different societies.
One of the main arguments for the use of artifacts in sociology is that people can use and understand them in different ways. For example, they can make a “memory” of a place or an event. Similarly, a person can describe an artifact by relating it to another object.
Artifacts are objects, made by humans for specific purposes. These objects serve as reminders, triggers, or parts of a ritual. They also provide information about the cultures and people who made them. For example, a piece of clothing or a statue made of clay may be an artifact.
Aristotle’s definition of “artifact” is that it is something intentionally created, and it is not necessarily natural. It is true, as far as it goes, but it is problematic from an epistemological perspective.
Subcultures
Subcultures are communities of people who share specific values, practices, and cultural objects. For instance, straight edgers may value community and clean living while buying popular hardcore punk albums. Each subculture has its own distinct meaning, and these meanings are often contested and debated by members. It is important to recognize that subcultures are often a place for the construction of new identities.
Sociologists have tried to define subcultures, but there is no common definition. Subcultural theorists continue to expand the definition and incorporate sociological theories of deviance into the subcultural framework. Others have developed post-subcultural thought to expand the field’s understanding of subcultures. While there is no universal definition, it is helpful to have a working definition to aid in understanding subcultures. Listed below are some characteristics of subcultures as defined by prominent subcultural scholars. These do not represent a complete checklist, but intend to serve as a starting point for further research.
In recent years, several subcultures have emerged. For example, the queer movement is a subculture encompassing individuals who reject normative behaviors regarding sexuality and celebrate their visibility and activism. This emergence coincided with the growth of academic interest in queer theory and queer studies.
