Disinterested scientific observers shouldn't and don't necessarily introduce bias into the research process. Sociology formulates social principles and laws that objectively describe the social world. Classical Social Theory . The goal of theory is to formulate propositions which predict the quantity of this variation from one setting to another, using other variations to explain it. Main Ideas Shared values help maintain social order .
Society is viewed as a stable, orderly system.
This stable system is in equilibrium and reflects societal concensus where the majority of members share a common set of values, beliefs, and social expectations. Society consists of interrelated parts, each part serves a function and contributes to the stability of the society. As a result, they establish social institutions. Manifest functions are intended consequences that are recognized by the participants. Latent functions are unintended consequences that are hidden and remain unacknowledged by participants.