Question

Identify the social science discipline or disciplines (sociology, psychology, economics, political science, etc.) in which the paradigm is most influential and describe that influence.

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) In most subjects of psychology, sociology, organisational and political behaviour and economic predictions based on human behaviour and needs, the Freudian Theory and Maslow’s needs hierarchy can be evident at the crux. Freud’s theory of the mind divides the mind into the conscious and the unconscious mind.

The conscious mind is represented by “ego.” The unconscious mind is further divided into two sections which are, the “id” or instincts and the “superego” or conscious.

This Freudian theory helps psychologists decipher both simple and complex issues of the mind. There are times when data in regards to a patient can be overwhelming to sort out and solve. In such situations, it is always prudent to first categorise the behaviour and then analyse, medicate and perhaps even solve.

Psychologists these days categorise thoughts, words and even actions as a manifestation of the conscious, sub-conscious and unconscious mind of an individual. For instance, a binge eater consciously eats more than needed in order to placate a heart-break. However, a sleepwalker does not know what he/she is doing and hence is a manifestation of the unconscious mind.

Even the work of other psychologists can have the essence of Freud’s mind theory. Let us assume Maslow’s needs hierarchy pyramid. Abraham Maslow proposed the “Needs Hierarchy Pyramid” in the year 1943. It was a succinct representation of human needs and desires and the pursuits to achieve them. The base of the pyramid formed the imperative physiological needs and a gradual ascension to the top of the pyramid represented the secondary and tertiary human needs like love, affection and finally self-actualisation. As one progresses upward in the pyramid, the needs tend to get sub-conscious and perhaps even unconscious. Self-actualisation, which is at the top of the pyramid, closely resembles the Freudian “Superego.”

In order to deal with even the most complex of psychological theories, it is best to establish the basics. These basics involve a sharp understanding of the conscious and unconscious mind. The Freudian theory of the mind and Maslow’s Hierarchy are the basics that entail any psychological case study.