Sociological theorising and contemporary social problems in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper seeks to survey some of the larger domains of social thinking with which concerns about social problems intersect; to offer an account of some themes in social theory that are having or may come to have a bearing on the study of social problems. It has been suggested that to 'theorise' about any topic of importance in human science is to attempt to develop "responsible speech" about it. In such a short space, it is impossible to give anything remotely approaching a full account of any of the various theoretical positions in question. The paper can only present enough on each only to indicate why it views theoretical positions as relevant and interesting. Even so, it has restricted the range of perspectives covered to the point where it can give a brief exposition on each and develop at least the outline of a connected argument. Nevertheless, it is also in the very nature of theoretical discussion that it selects and defines its objects, and reflects on ways of generating knowledge about them. In this sense, all theoretical work however large its scope and ambition, remains partial and restricted in character.