In search of a research paradigm for comparative education: chaos theory and the world-economy model

Abstract

Research theory and methods in comparative education lack a coherent, unifying, conceptual framework. No such framework exists because no paradigm has been demonstrated which is capable of offering problem-solutions for all questions currently under study. To create a unifying framework it is necessary to appreciate the nature of paradigms. The concept "paradigm", in turn, offers a vehicle for investigating the development of research in comparative education. Investigation demonstrates that the Newtonian conceptual framework and the nation-state structural model inhibit a fruitful reformulation of the paradigm. It is proposed that replacing Newton's conceptual framework with the framework provided by Prigogine's theory of dissipative structures (chaos theory) and the nation-state model with a model based upon Wallerstein's world economy model permit a coherent reformulation. A unifying paradigm based upon these theories is formulated and a problem for analysis within the resulting conceptual framework is outlined.