A paradigm is comprised of a set of normative assumptions, which prescribe the legitimate concerns of normal scientific activity. In the social sciences, these assumptions determine to a great extent what configuration of regularities constitutes a problem and the range within which alternative solutions lie.

To the extent to which "X" and "Y" are adversary groups and to the extent that the assumptions of the paradigm flow from the Y worldview, the existing paradigm would obscure rather than clarify those developments which are salient for understanding the "X" predicament in the United States.

Listed below are some thoughts regarding the assumptions of the existing paradigm.

I. Shared Normative Assumptions

A. Worldview, which holds that "Y" nations represent the apex of civilization and development.

B. Belief that the perceived gap between "Y" peoples and others, in terms of civilization and development is a function of certain virtues and unique to "Y" peoples.

C. Belief in a hierarchy of peoples with "Y" peoples at one-pole and "X" peoples at the other.

D. Belief that the socioeconomic condition of "X " is a function of their own in appropriate behavior.

E. Belief that capitalist economic arrangement is the most efficient one; and that it is more compatible with individual liberty than other economic arrangements.

F. Belief that government should facilitate the development and growth of privately owned and controlled business.

G. Economic worth is a major, if not the primary criterion for determining political participation and political authority .

II. Beliefs About Subject Matter

A. The best government is the one that governs least.
B. Political participation is a privilege rather than a right.

C. Republican government is preferred over direct participation.

D. U.S. is a pluralist society characterized by competing interests in a game that insures that all groups get substantially something and no one groups' interests dominates.

III. The Conceptual Scheme

A. The Idea of System ( Parsons)

B. Major orienting concepts
1. System (Easton)
2. Categories of functional analysis

C. Level of Analysis
1. Individuals and non -reified groups, but not classes (Marx)
2. Some attention given to political communities

D. Types of Data

1. Psychological and situational
2. Little attention given to reflections about values and the relationship between values and empirical data. (Comte)

IV. Consensus on Appropriate Questions

A. How do systems maintain stability in the face of competing and often contradictory interests?
B. How do systems adapt to environmental changes without altering significantly the substantive outcome of governmental decisions.

V. Legitimacy of Techniques

A. Quantification referred

B. Survey Research Techniques

VI. Shared Examples Used in Teaching

A. Political development of U.S. as example of "normal " evolution of political system.

B. Assimilation of ethnic groups (Irish, Jews, etc.) as examples of systemic evolution of a pluralist society.

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Hopefully, careful reflection on the above assumptions (which are meant to be suggestive rather than definitive) will reveal how they lead to the selection of problems and development of analyses, which serve to maintain and reinforce the existing order rather than facilitating fundamental change. But, whose interests are serves by maintaining the existing order and who would benefit from fundamental change