Social theory is a framework that helps us understand how societies function and how individuals interact within them. It examines various aspects of social life, including culture, institutions, and relationships, to explain patterns of behavior and social structures. Key figures in social theory include Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber, who contributed foundational ideas about class, social cohesion, and authority. These theories can be applied to analyze contemporary issues such as inequality, globalization, and social change. By using social theory, researchers and scholars can develop insights into the complexities of human behavior and the dynamics of social systems, ultimately aiming to improve societal conditions.