Hi there,
I got this from Websters:
'A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual discipline.'
I'll try to be as simple as possible.
Typically when we're talking about paradigms in crime fiction, we would look at not only the context, but the inherent values, morals and psychology of both the character and the society as a whole. Combine these three together and VOILA! There is your definition of paradigm applied to Crime Fiction.
After all, the syllabus makes it clear we are exploring the "paradigms" of the text itself, as well as the context in which it was written.
In other words, to give an example, The Big Sleep reflects the paradigms of post-war America: the changing view/empowerment of women, the post-war disillusionment which meant people sought solace in tough characters of pulp magazines. The hard-boiled class obviously do not value intellegence as the cosy school does, nor does it often subscribe to the values of honesty or integrity. In fact, what is often valued is toughness, coldness, resourcefulness and streetwise.
I have spoken about the values of the genre. However, we are also looking at character paradigms: Philip Marlowe is described as a white knight in the bad streets for good reason: he is compassionate, hard-working, honest but disillusioned, somewhat insecure and possibly even existential. Although the sleuth is tough, he is scarcely cruel; he is typically world-weary and does what it takes to get the job done. What does he think of the society in which he lives within? I'll leave you to consider that.
Don't let the word paradigm scare you. When studying crime fiction, think this way: paradigms = values + morals + psychology of BOTH the characters AND the society as a whole.
Applied this way alongside your general understanding of context and conventions, you'd be fulfilling these outcomes:
* How it is adapted to different eras and cultures
* How these adaptatoins reflect the attitudes and values reflect the society as a whole
* What social and cultural conditions have led to the appeal of crime fiction.
* The reasons for and validity of generic distinction.
I don't feel that I have sufficently covered your question; but I hope I have helped. Please reply if you feel you need more closure.
