Messner used three major theories in his work, the first of which is cultural theories. Messner used cultural theories because they explain what we know about the ways that people think and express their values, ideas, and beliefs as they live together and create social worlds. Research based on cultural theories focusses on the process through which people create. He also used interactionalist theories because they explain what we know about the origins, dynamics, and consequences of social interaction among people in particular social worlds. These theories focus on processes of social learning and development and the social interaction and relationships through which people come to know and give meaning to themselves, others, and the things
