Comparative Education Terms

Theory

An “architecture of ideas” that help us explain social phenomena and provide a discourse model that we can work from

Paradigm

Broader than theory, paradigms help us understand the underlying frameworks that shape scientific research. Theories can be a part of frameworks.

Social Cartography

Coined by Paulston; presents a “heuristic taxonomy of knowledge perspectives in the field,” like a map

Functionalism

Framework that views education as a system that fulfills many important functions in society

Neo-Realism

Multilateralism

Empiricism (Blind and Abstracted)

Metatheory

Microtheory

Emancipatory

Exogeny

Isomorphism