I tre paradigmi della ricerca sociologica

Abstract

In this paper the term paradigm, in the sense attributed to it by Kuhn, has been used for the following: a) standpoint methodology; (b) methodology; (c) research methods according to the definitions of Sandra Harding. Three paradigms are analyzed; (a) The paradigm of objectivity when sociological research has the goal to formulate theories (explanations) on attitudes and behaviours of people who have to make choices with the most possible objectivity. The explanations are considered scientifically valid if the researcher does not influence the answers (informations) given by the subjects of the research. Valid methods of research are only two: those in which there is no interaction on the part of researcher with the subjects of research ore those in which interactions happens through a group of professional interviewers who use a scientific method; (b) The paradigm of action research when the objective of the research is changing the attitudes and behavior of people of a particular situation. This type of research has a spiral process research → action → research which gets interrupted only when the actors of the research have achieved the changes desired; (c) The paradigm of feminist methodology when the reference point is the theories and the struggles of feminist movements. Researches confront themselves with a “feminist epistemic community”.