THE INTEGRATION OF THEORY AND PRACTICE: ITS HISTORY AND AN APPLICATION TO THE UNITED STATES

Sociologists who engage in theoretical debate are often hard pressed to produce applications of their theories. At the same time political activists have engaged in political activity without a thorough understanding of theoretical principles. Historically sociologists have vigorously debated the proper unit of analysis when combining research with the reality of concrete events. One school of thought that emerged from this debate, Marxism, concludes that a sociological methodology must contain three basic elements; first, an ideological framework from which the method is based; second, a scientific method which concretely categorizes sub-elements of the ideological framework into an understandable political economy; and third, an analysis of political practice which is derived from, and at the same time can alter, conclusions of the first two elements. The advantage of Marxist methodology rests in its ability to integrate social, political and economic factors. It is through this integration of theory and practice that the structure of society is objectified and a constructive political practice made possible. The body of this dissertation is an attempt to evaluate the dynamics of the relationship of theory and practice relevant to both macro-sociologists and political activists in two ways: first, in understanding the sociological heritage of prior attempts at integrating theory and practice; and second, by beginning a discussion of how theory and practice may be integrated in modern America. Part I of this work describes in some detail the theoretical, economic and political debates that have occupied major Marxists of the past. It also carries out an educational function by showing what the integration of theory and practice entails, and suggests pitfalls where prior attempts have failed. Part II of this study begins the process required for the integration of theory and practice in the United States. To accomplish this task it is necessary to adapt Marx's political economy to present developments and critique political strategy as it is being practiced in the United States.