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...
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