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Communication Theories and Paradigms

This chapter discusses paradigms and communication theory. It introduces the concepts of paradigm, metatheory, and theoretical perspectives. Paradigms are situated within the subjective-objective and social change/status quo dimensions. The key frameworks discussed are the scientific, humanistic, and critical paradigms. The chapter also outlines four paradigms for social analysis: radical humanist, radical structuralist, interpretive, and functionalist. But for communication theory there are typically three paradigms: critical for social change, humanistic to observe/interpret, and scientific to predict and control.

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456 views14 pages

Communication Theories and Paradigms

This chapter discusses paradigms and communication theory. It introduces the concepts of paradigm, metatheory, and theoretical perspectives. Paradigms are situated within the subjective-objective and social change/status quo dimensions. The key frameworks discussed are the scientific, humanistic, and critical paradigms. The chapter also outlines four paradigms for social analysis: radical humanist, radical structuralist, interpretive, and functionalist. But for communication theory there are typically three paradigms: critical for social change, humanistic to observe/interpret, and scientific to predict and control.

Uploaded by

AdamIman
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Chapter 3

Paradigms and
Communication
Theory
Paradigms and Communication Theory

 Paradigm Shift (see discussion of Kuhn, Ch. 2)


 Paradigm:
 Metatheory:
 Theoretical Perspective

Paradigm Paradigm Paradigm


Theory Type Theory Type Theory Type

Theory Theory Theory


Metatheoretical Assumptions
 Ontology
 Nature
of reality
 Human nature, etc.
 Epistemology
 How is knowledge gained
 How does knowledge “accumulate” etc.
 Axiology
The Subjective-Objective Dimension

Ontology/
Epistemology

Subjective Objective

(Source: Burrell and Morgan, 1979: 3)


[Link]
The Subjective-Objective Dimension
The subjectivist The objectivist
approach to approach to
social science social science

Nominalism ontology Realism

Voluntarism human nature Determinism

Anti-positivism epistemology Positivism

Ideographic methodology Nomothetic

(Source: Burrell and Morgan, 1979: 3)


Scientific key words
 CauseEffect, influence, affect, lead to
 Factors, variables
 Predict
 Generalizable
 Analytic/reductionistic
 Quantitative (or qualitative)
Humanistic key words
 Contextual
 Interpretive
 Social construction
 Holistic
 Subjective
 Qualitative (usually)
The Social Change/Status Quo Dimension

Radical Social Change

Axiology

Regulation/Status Quo/Observation

(Source: Burrell and Morgan, 1979: 3)


Critical key words
 Power (struggles, etc.)
 Production and reproduction of social
structures (like sexism, racism, classism)
 Empowerment, emancipation, resistence
 Social relations
 Ideology, hegemony
 Social change
 Qualitative or quantitative
Four Paradigms for Social Analysis
THE SOCIOLOGY OF RADICAL CHANGE

‘Radical ‘Radical
humanist’ structuralist’

SUBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE

‘Interpretive’ ‘Functionalist’

THE SOCIOLOGY OF REGULATION

(Source: Burrell and Morgan, 1979: 22)


But usually only 3 in
communication!
RADICAL CHANGE

CRITICAL:
Social change

SUBJECTIVE OBJECTIVE

HUMANISTIC: SCIENTIFIC:
Observe/ Predict/
Interpret Control

(Source: Burrell and


REGULATION Morgan, 1979: 22)
Building Communication Theory
Chapter 3
Two debates in “Communication”
 1977: Laws, Rules Systems
 1983: Scientific, Humanistic, Critical
 Today’s debates?
 What would you find at a communication
conference today?

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