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Explain The Four Paradigms Of American Society

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Paradigms of American Society The four major paradigms, or theoretical perspectives, dominating American sociological thinking are a) functionalism and the systems paradigm, b) interactionism and the conduct paradigm, c) critical theory and the conflict paradigm, and d) exchange theory and ecological perspective (Straus, 2002). The functionalism and the systems paradigm states that the properties of a society are based on the interrelatedness of its members and not on the individual characteristics of the members themselves. The interactionism and the conduct paradigm states that people interact with one another in determining their realities. The critical theory and the conflict paradigm states that social conditions are influenced through group conflicts. The exchange theory and ecological perspective states that social conditions are influenced through interpersonal and intergroup transactions. Thus, all four paradigms dominate contemporary American sociology, they all involve the interaction between society’s members, and they all help make practical sense of everyday life. The Functionalism and the Systems Paradigm The functionalism and the systems paradigm states that society has functional needs and that the form of society will change to meet those needs …show more content…

On the one hand, conflict can be destructive and can escalate into social disputes. On the other hand, conflict can promote social cohesiveness through problem resolution. According to this paradigm, conflict is a fact of social life and the manner in which it is handled will influence social relationships. Furthermore, this perspective challenges the functionalism and the systems paradigm by claiming that there is nothing natural or necessary about economic

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