structural functional paradigm

Identify the three major sociological theoretical paradigms. For each, what are its core questions? Which one do you relate to best? How can you use this particular paradigm to explain your decision to attend college? What research method would you use, and how, to explore why adult students choose to return to college?

Structural functionalism, is particularly useful for analyzing the components of society that are supposed to work harmoniously to benefit the whole. It is often used to examine the major social institutions: family, economy, ideology, polity, and education.

Conflict theory, probably originating with Marx's analysis of capitalism in the nineteenth century, is used by sociologists who are interested in the use of power relationships. The theory is also used to study the major social institutions, but the questions may differ somewhat. For example, from a conflict perspective we might want to investigate the U.S. power structure in order to figure out how America is really ruled.

Symbolic interactionism, founded at the University of Chicago is used to analyze relationships among people. It is especially useful when studying small groups. It is called a micro-theory, as opposed to structural functionalism and conflict theory, both of which may be thought of as macro-theories.

Identify the three major sociological theoretical paradigms. For each, what are its core questions? Which one do you relate to best? How can you use this particular paradigm to explain your decision to attend college? What research method would you use, and how, to explore why adult students choose to return to college?

Structural functionalism, is particularly useful for analyzing the components of society that are supposed to work harmoniously to benefit the whole. It is often used to examine the major social institutions: family, economy, ideology, polity, and education.

Conflict theory, probably originating with Marx's analysis of capitalism in the