The sociology of science and male sexual dysfunctions

Date of Completion

January 1993

Keywords

History of Science|Psychology, Clinical|Sociology, General

Degree

Ph.D.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to test Thomas Kuhn's theory of the processes of paradigm change in the applied science of male sex therapy. An analysis of professional journal literature demonstrates that Kuhn's theory of scientific development does not predict theory developments in the scientific field of male sex therapy. Normal science is practiced within two different paradigms that focuses on erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. This study demonstrates that it is problematic to compare sex therapy to Kuhn's physical science model because sex therapy encompasses both physical and social science. The relationships between paradigm components (theories, interventions, causes, data collection and analysis techniques) demonstrates that two major paradigms exist in the male sex therapy field. The implications for theory development in the sociology of science are discussed. ^

Share

COinS