Sociological paradigms and theoretical frameworks

Sociological Paradigms: Structural Functionalism, Conflict, And Symbolic Interactionism

In the field of sociology, there are three paradigms that reflect the ideologies, concepts and ideas prevalently used in sociological studies and research: structural functionalism, social conflict and symbolic interactionism. These paradigms are categorized as such because of their differences; however, they also complement each other because each provides information and explanation about social phenomena in various perspectives. Hence, each paradigm complements the other.

Structural functionalism is the first paradigm that emerged from study of sociology. Structural functionalism was patterned after the principle of empiricism, wherein objectivity and scientific and logical thinking are valued. Structural functionalists believe that social phenomena can be explained objectively and empirically. An objective explanation of social phenomenon involves looking at the phenomenon based on information that is observed by the social scientist. Thus, one must gather facts and information that proves how such phenomenon occurs -- to know why it happens. In effect, being objective also means explaining the phenomenon empirically, through data or information generated through observation, experimentation or any scientific method.

Social conflict theory, meanwhile, was a paradigm that developed as a challenge to the structural-functionalist ideology of social science, which became especially prevalent during the 20th century. Introduced and conceptualized by the political scientist Karl Marx, social conflict theory posits that there exists a 'counter-force' that illustrates the dysfunctions of society. Just as there are individuals and institutions that create social order, there are also individuals or groups that bring about dysfunction, thereby balancing the status quo in the society. Social conflict theory was especially applicable during the modern period, where capitalism is the dominant ideology and socio-economic order in most societies/nations. It proposes that in a capitalist society, inequality among people is inherent and inevitable; thus, in a capitalist socio-economic order, poverty thrives in the same way as wealth increases for the elite class or bourgeoisie. Unless a new social order emerges (such as Socialism), this inequality would continue, with the elite class dominating and controlling the working class.