In classical sociology, there is a sharp separation between the superstructure reflecting cultural ideals and the concrete Structural Base (SB). ![]() A subsequent paper (Part C) examines criticisms of functionalism, describes other schools of social theory in relation to it, and discusses the use made of social theory in OR. At the same time sufficient detail is provided to enable the reader to appreciate the complexity and depth of social theory in general and the functionalism of Parsons in particular. This paper summarizes the attempt by Parsons to develop an extensive and arguably comprehensive foundational basis for sociology. Further developments published in Working Papers in the Theory of Action (with Bales and Shils) and Economy and Society (with Smelser) focused on the relationship between the social and the economic system introducing the ‘four-function paradigm’ or AGIL model. In these books he introduces his system of ‘pattern variables’. ![]() In 1951 the results were published in two books, Towards a General Theory of Action (with Shils) and The Social System. He developed some key concepts to characterise the structure of social interaction and then expanded the scope of his framework to cover all aspects of society including some initial thoughts on how it maintains its stability and how it changes. Having developed his action frame of reference and his voluntaristic theory of action in The Structure of Social Action (described in Part A), Talcott Parsons turned his attention to the social system per se.
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