Need to learn Grand Theory? Master the basics in under 10 minutes

Wondering about grand theory? Looking for a simple explanation as a first year PhD student? You’re in the right place!

In this video, we’re diving into the fascinating (and sometimes intimidating) world of Grand Theory. Now, I know that just hearing the words "Grand Theory" might make you want to roll your eyes or run for the hills, but trust me - this is going to be fun, insightful, and super relevant to your PhD journey.

So, what exactly is Grand Theory? Well, think of it as those big ideas that try to explain how society functions on a large scale. Grand Theories aren’t about the nitty-gritty details; they’re about the overarching principles that help us understand how societies work, change, and maintain order. We’re talking about theories that hover above everyday life, asking the big questions like, "How is this whole society working? Or… not working?"

In this video, I’ll walk you through what Grand Theory is all about and introduce you to some of the heavyweights in this area - like Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Feminist Theory. These theories aren’t just for the ivory tower; they have real-world implications, and I’ll show you how to use them to supercharge your own research.

If you’ve ever felt a bit ‘meh’ about theory or struggled to see how these big ideas fit into your work, you’re not alone. But don’t worry, we’re going to break it all down together, demystify these concepts, and figure out how you can make Grand Theory work for you - not the other way around.

We’ll explore how these theories provide that big-picture view that can shape your research questions, guide your methods, and help you make sense of complex social issues.

We’ll cover everything from understanding these big ideas to applying them in a way that enriches your research. And, spoiler alert - I’ll also be talking about how to combine different levels of theory to create a robust framework for your work.

By the end of this video, you’ll have a clearer understanding of Grand Theory, feel more confident in your ability to engage with it, and - dare I say it? - maybe even find it a bit exciting. So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s get started on making Grand Theory your new research bestie!

Chapters
0:00 – 0:40 Introduction
0:41 – 1:50 What is grand theory?
1:51 – 2:18 Structural functionalism
2:19 – 2:34 Conflict theories
2:35 – 3:17 Feminist theory
3:18 – 4:12 How to use grand theories
4:13 – 4:26 Start with a broad understanding
4:27 – 4:41 Contextualise your research
4:42 – 5:01 Be critical and selective
5:02 – 5:28 Combine grand theory with mid-level theories
5:29 – 5:48 Avoid over generalisation
5:49 – 8:11 Levels of theory in social sciences
8:12 – 9:05 Combining levels of theory
9:06 – 9:35 Conclusion

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