Final answer:
Traditional explanations of society are based on longstanding practices and beliefs that are passed down from generation to generation. The traditional economy is an example, where family roles and occupations are inherited and customs dictate economic activities. Sociologists like Durkheim, Marx, and Weber provided theoretical frameworks to further explain social organization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Traditional explanations of society are often rooted in the cultural and historical practices that have been passed down through generations. An example of this is the traditional economy, which is based on systems that are sustained by ritual, habit, or custom, and is prevalent in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. In such societies, occupations are inherited within families, with children learning roles directly from their parents, and economic activities such as agriculture are carried out using time-honored methods passed down from ancestors, leading to limited economic progress or development.
The theories of eminent sociologists like Émile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max Weber offer differing explanations for the organization of societies. Durkheim discussed the evolution from mechanical to organic solidarity, Marx focused on class conflict and alienation in capitalist societies, and Weber highlighted the potential extremes of the rationalization of society.
In every case, the social constructions of reality play a critical role in defining societal norms and roles, with our perceptions influencing both our behavior and the structure of the society itself. Societies with a command economy, such as that of Ancient Egypt or a Medieval manor, organized their economies based on directives from a ruler or ruling class, which contrasts sharply with the more self-sufficient and tradition-driven nature of traditional economies.