Towards a paradigmatic enhancement of sociology

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article is a continuation of the debate on the paradigmatic foundations of sociology. The argument reads that any negligence towards the rising number of would-be sociological paradigms stands as counter-productive to sociological theorizing and empirical research. The guiding idea here is that while sociology is a multi-paradigmatic discipline, efforts should still be made to develop paradigmatic syntheses. The suggested direction for resolving this task includes building up an integrative paradigmatic model and discussing its content and applications. The core of this model is the broadly defined concept of social interaction at micro, meso and macro levels of social structures and processes. The suggested paradigm has the capacity to efficiently mediate in overcoming dilemmas regarding sociological knowledge by integrating structural and historical approaches as well as balancing the explanatory potential of material factors and ideas. In this way, prospects will open up for the development and application of explanatory models in addition to quality middle-range theories.