Introduction
Some people do not see the practical or any value of social theories and believe those are reflections of some people that deserve limited attention. These individuals acknowledge the benefits of natural science theories that provide specific laws regarding nature that can often be quantified and witnessed clearly. However, theoretical frameworks in social science are relevant since they are instrumental in explaining the essence of different phenomena and trends in the world of humans. For instance, social theories help in understanding the nature of human society and the factors affecting its development. It is possible to state that people feel something while philosophers understand it and put these feelings, concerns, and ideas into words. The iconic film The Matrix (1999) contains an explanation of this mechanism. Neo, as well as the rest of the human society (or rather digitalized cohort in the film), only feels something while Morpheus and free people know what it is (Freestyler 365, 2011). This paper dwells upon the reasons to study social theories and the role these frameworks play in artistic practice.
Why Do People Study Social Theories?
As mentioned above, social theories are concerned with human groups and the way they interact. Theorists provide verbal formulas that unveil the essence of human society and people’s interaction while concentrating on particular areas. As the renowned theorist, Etienne Wenger-Trayner, put it, “theory has a specific purpose in the sense that it focuses on a particular aspect within the complexity of the human condition” (Farnsworth, Kleanthous, & Wenger-Trayner, 2016). For example, the functionalist paradigm enables individuals to evaluate the most prominent ways different groups of people achieve certain goals. The conflict framework can also be utilized to assess various trends that take place in some societies under specific circumstances.
These models assist in understanding the ways societies develop and what can be expected at a certain period of their development. In addition, these theories can help people avoid some mistakes or even catastrophes that destroyed other groups in similar conditions. Therefore, those, who want to receive major answers to the questions related to human society and the nature of the relationships between people and groups of people, need to study social theories.
Social Theories and Artistic Practice
Artistic practice is the area where artists reflect the world that is around them. They use diverse means to show what they feel and see (or would like to see). Artists tend to feel, which makes them create such meaningful artworks, but those who understand what they feel come up with prodigious masterpieces. It may sound rather pretentious, but when looking at the works by Rembrandt and Claude Monet or reading books by William Shakespeare and William Faulkner, it becomes clear that those persons knew something. Artists learn about the world in different ways: they travel, take part in extraordinary events, and observe. An additional source of knowledge and experience is the review of social theories.
It is possible to note that social theoretical frameworks and artistic practice are closely related. Theorists and artists learn from each other in various ways. These professionals analyze each other’s works and concepts to acknowledge and appreciate the peculiarities of human society (Sherman & Morrissey, 2017). When it comes to literary explorations that are mainly concerned with social aspects, social sciences tend to be incorporated directly. Xoshimova and Tadjibayev (2020) claim that the language is co-created by theorists and writers. People acknowledge and put some concepts, notions, and terms to the fore. Later, all these are reflected in diverse artistic forms and discussed by a larger public.
Artistic practice is enriched by the incorporation of social theories due to their precision. An artist does not need to live through thousands of lives and notice meticulous details in a plethora of events. Social theories provide a concise summary of the most basic aspects and shed light on the facets that have been explored and those remaining obscure. In artistic practice, it is helpful to be aware of the major paradigms to find a unique sound, word, color, or movement. Notably, social theories can serve any type of art and equip artists with knowledge and tools to express their ideas and reveal their visions. I understand that I have been influenced by the theories I have learned in my life, and they, as well as myriads of other stimuli, form my picture of the world. So, I will continue exploring social theories to be knowledgeable and focused on the most important things.
Conclusion
On balance, social theories and artistic practice are closely related and serve as the source of knowledge and inspiration for people. These two fields seem rather opposing, but theories and artistic works tend to focus on the same aspects and utilize similar tools. An artist can benefit from learning more about the existing paradigms that will enrich their knowledge and understanding of human society. I believe the social theories I have reviewed so far have helped me form my understanding of numerous trends that have taken place in the world of humans. This understanding helped me create my works of art and will assist me in my artistic future.
References
Farnsworth, V., Kleanthous, I., & Wenger-Trayner, E. (2016). Communities of practice as a social theory of learning: A conversation with Etienne Wenger. British Journal of Educational Studies, 64(2), 139-160. Web.
Freestyler 365. (2011). The Matrix (1999) – The pill scene. Web.
Sherman, A., & Morrissey, C. (2017). What is art good for? The socio-epistemic value of art. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 11, 1-17. Web.
Xoshimova, D., & Tadjibayev, M. (2020). The social dimensions of understanding the art of literary language. European Journal of Research and Reflection in Educational Sciences, 8(5), 139-160.