Discussion: Social Paradigms
Social research is a research approach that is based on the systematic inquiry of our social world. Social research is done through inductive and deductive reasoning. Social paradigms are hence fundamental model or schemes that organizes our different opinions. They are belief structures or a set of assumptions on the reality of nature, human knowledge, and the methods used to provide answers to research questions (Babbie, 2011). Social scientist uses a variety of paradigms to examine social life as well as to inquire more about it.
There are several social paradigms. Two them to be considered are structural functionalism paradigms and conflict paradigm. Conflict paradigms were initiated by Karl Max, who focused on the struggles being experienced by different economic classes. Economic class conflict leads to different conflict perspective. According to Marx, society is categorized into the ruling class, and the lower social class, also known as the subject. The lower social class are subject to the ruling class. The ruling class power is derived from their exploitation and manipulation of the subjects. Hence, this leads to a conflict of interest between the two social, economic classes in society (Crossman, 2016). Walter, a sociologist, claims that the conflict perspective brings out a bigger picture, a macro perspective of a large social group in society (Walter, 2004). Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Structural functionalism social paradigms also referred to as the social systems theory. It was initiated by Auguste Comte (1798-1857). It focusses that addresses on ways through which social institutions can feel the social necessities of maintaining social stability. According to this social paradigms, a healthy society is founded on obedience to society’s norms and values. In other words, functionalism tends to create a science of society that scrutinizes people’s social life systems and enable them to work for the benefit of all them (Hill, 2015). When one part of the social system is not functioning well, then the other parts are also affected as well as the stability of the whole social system.
One of the similarities between the two social paradigms is that they are social change theories. Besides, they are capable of interfering with the fundamental structure of society either positively or negatively, depending on how we manage them. Nevertheless, both social paradigms structure tends to apply a macro approach strategy in examining the social systems of society. They are also effective when it comes to unifying people in society (Babbie, 2011).
The difference between the two social paradigms is based on their emphasis. Functionalism social paradigm, in particular, lays more focus on cooperation while the conflict social paradigms lay more emphasis on social systems competition (Hill, 2015). Although both paradigms use a macro approach strategy, they comprehend society’s larger elements, such as social institutions. Moreover, functionalism social paradigms are based on the assumption that social institutions automatically interfere with their structures to establish stability. At the same time, the conflict theory suggests that social institutions are meant to manipulate people in society. A good example of such an institution that manipulates people, according to conflict theory is religion (Crossman, 2016). The two paradigms are understood differently. For instance, functionalism is assumed to be subsections of a larger system, each with a specific role in society. The conflict theory, on the other hand, suggests that society is created as a result of social life conflicts that are caused due to factors such as inequality evidenced in the social, economic classes (Crossman, 2016). In general, society is seen as an organism in conflict functionalism perspective, while in a conflict perspective, it is viewed as a system of struggles and conflicts.
In conclusion, social paradigms clearly explain how society is defined based on the human’s behavior. Structural functionalism and conflict paradigms enable us to view society differently. However, there are various similarities between the two social systems, as well as the differences between the two systems. In general, functionalism social paradigms views the social system as being made of parts, while conflict theory focuses on power exploitation.
References
Babbie, E. (2011). The basics of social research (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Cengage.
Crossman, A. (2016). Conflict theory: A brief overview. Retrieved November 26, 2016, from http://sociology.about.com/od/Sociological-Theory/a/Conflict-Theory.htm
Hill, N. (2015). Functionalism versus the conflict theory versus symbolic interactionism. Retrieved November 25, 2016, from https://thenickoftimes.wordpress.com/2015/01/03/functionalism-v-the-conflict-theory-v-symbolic-interactionism/.
Walter, M. (2004). The nature of social science research. Retrieved November 25, 2016, from http://lib.oup.com.au/he/study_skills/samples/walter_socialresearch3e_sample.pdf.