Social theories are frameworks of empirical evidence used to study and interpret social phenomena. A tool used by social scientists, social theories relate to historical debates over the most valid and reliable methodologies (e.g. positivism and antipositivism), as well as the primacy of either structure or agency. Certain social theories attempt to remain strictly scientific, descriptive, and objective. Conflict theories, by contrast, present ostensibly normative positions, and often critique the ideological aspects inherent in conventional, traditional thought.

Yhteiskuntateoria on tutkimusalue, jolla tarkastellaan yhteiskuntatieteiden peruskäsitteitä, kuten toiminnan tai rakenteen käsitteitä.