Mark, whose parents are wealthy, has been socialized to believe that he can be whoever he wants to be. His best friend Stephen, whose parents are blue-collar workers, has been socialized to believe that hard work and following instructions is all he needs to support himself. Which sociological paradigm does this story fit?

(a) - Structural Functionalism

(b) - Conflict Theory

(c) - Symbolic Interactionism

(b) - Conflict Theory

Explanation:

According to conflict theory the social structures are the result of conflict between people who have different resources and interests.

Here, Mark who's family is wealthy believes that he can be whatever he wants to be in life. His access to resources is vast. Any of his desires can be fulfilled.

However, Stephen who is not that wealthy does not have access to resources like Mark. So, Stephen is made to believe that he needs a job in order to support himself. He is only going to pursue a career where money can be made easily.

Hence, the sociological paradigm discussed here is conflict theory.