What is the Difference Between Paradigm and Theory?

The main difference between a paradigm and a theory lies in their scope and specificity.

• Paradigm: A paradigm is a broader concept that encompasses the overarching, general assumptions about the world. It serves as a framework or a lens through which we view and understand phenomena. In the context of social sciences, a paradigm can have several theories within its framework, and it acts as a reference for these theories.
• Theory: A theory is more specific and refers to a systematic set of interrelated statements intended to explain some aspect of social life. Theories provide explanations for various phenomena and help answer the "why" and "how" questions. They are more concrete and focused on particular aspects of the world, whereas paradigms are more abstract and serve as a foundation for multiple theories.

In summary, paradigms are grounded in overarching, general assumptions about the world, while theories describe more specific phenomena. Paradigms act as a framework or lens through which we view and understand phenomena, while theories provide explanations for various aspects of social life. Theories operate within the context of a paradigm, and a paradigm can have several theories within its framework.

Comparative Table: Paradigm vs Theory

Here is a table that highlights the differences between a paradigm and a theory:

In summary, a paradigm is a broader framework that provides a way of viewing the world and understanding the human experience, while a theory is a more specific set of interrelated statements intended to explain a particular aspect of social life. Paradigms are often philosophical in nature and guide the approach to scientific inquiry, whereas theories are more ideological and focus on explaining specific phenomena within the framework provided by a paradigm.