Four Major Assumption of Sociological Theories, Essay Example

Each and every existing sociological theory is based on four major paradigms – four debates in sociology. The first one is functionalism paradigm, used for organizational study. It assumes rational human action and implies hypothesis testing, thus claiming that relationships are definite and can be measured and studied through science. This paradigm is focuses on providing rational explanation and justification of human behavior. I don’t think this one is sound, for I believe relationships tend to change and cannot be constant. The second assumption is called interpretive paradigm, which tends to justify the stability of behavior from the viewpoint of an individual, thus emphasizing the spiritual nature of the world. It mostly focuses on comprehending the subjectively created world ‘as it is’, as it refers to ongoing processes. I think this one makes more sense, for it involves observation and analysis of spiritual nature of the world. The third one is radical humanist paradigm that is applied to prove the desire for revolutionary change; for theorists assume that current dominant ideologies separate people from their ‘real selves’. Thus, it is mainly concerned for releasing social constraints that bind human potential. This paradigm is definitely sound, for I think the predominant number of people is in vain for getting to know their true identity. The fourth major assumption is radical structuralist paradigm, which implies that radical change is actually built into the nature of certain structures of the society. I don’t think this one is sound, for I do not believe that society can be distinguished by fundamental conflicts that create change through political crises, as well as economic one.

References

Burrel, G., & Morgan, G. (1985). Sociological Paradigms and Organizational Analysis. Ashgate.