Re-caping the Big Theories

Earlier this semester our class studied nine theories. I would like to go over them again now just to refresh my memory.
1. Haberma's Paradigms:
 a) Empirical-Analytic: this perspective sees things as measurable and in an objective light. This usually involves the scientific method including observation, measuring, prediction, and control.
 b) Critical-Theoretic: this perspective deals with the observer searching for the underlying information that might influence behavior.
 c) Situational Interpretive: this perspective is seen as completely subjective as to how the behavior has come about. An example would be that of love and beauty... "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

2. Legal: this is one of four definitions of family. It defines the rights and duties of the members within a family. (ie: father = bread winner, mother = nurturer, etc.)

3. Phenomenological: the second definition of family. Each individual within a family has their own perspective of who is kin.

4. Disciplinary: this definition of the family serves to enrich one's knowledge. It simply reflects a positive focus using different conceptual or growing tools.

5. Theoretical: this definition of family includes dynamics of the family. Some theories examine stability and coherence, but others concentrate on conflict and results.

6. Postmodernism: other well known as "pomo". This concept is an inevitable movement that culture is experiencing at this time in history. Ignorance will gain no benefit. Those who are postmodernists are very much against the grand narratives (Liberal Cortex, Marxian Narrative of History, and Judian Christian History), but rather prefer the 'Petite Histoire' or individual experiences as everyone experiences life differently.

 7. Conflict: One of three macro theories, this concept takes on the assumptions of Fredrick Engel’s book “Origin of Family, Private Property, and the State”. This book argues on the matter of primitive communism.

8. Feminist: second of the three macro theories, this reveals the notion of man as patriarchal leader and head figure. This society would favor men to be dominant.

9. Ecological: Finally, the last macro theory. This focuses on structural-functionalism when society acts as an organism or body and all parts serve a purpose in the grand scheme of things.