Talcott
Parsons
Unit: 03
Talcott Parsons
Talcott Parsons was an American sociologist who
made significant contributions to the field of
sociology, particularly in the areas of social theory
and structural functionalism.
Parson earned his PhD in sociology from the
University of Heidelberg in Germany.
Parsom held academic positions in institutions such
as Harvard University where he played a key role in
shaping American sociology.
"The Structure of Social Action", "The Social System"
"Economy and Society", and "Essays in Sociological
(1902-1979) Theory" are his famous books.
Social Action
❑ Parsons defined action as behaviour that is guided by conscious intentions and purposes.
He emphasized that individual actions are not isolated but occur within the context of
social interaction where individuals respond to the actions of others.
❑ He conceptualized society as a complex system. Composed of interrelated parts, including
social institutions, norms, values, and roles. These elements provide the framework within
actions are shaped and interpreted.
❑ Parsons highlighted the importance of understanding the subjective meanings that
individuals attach to their actions. He emphasised the role of shared cultural meanings
and goals in shaping human behaviour and facilitating social integration.
❑ Parsons argued that social order is maintained through the internalization of cultural norms
and values, which guide individuals' behaviour and values regulate social interactions.
Norms represent society's expectations for appropriate behaviour, while values reflect the
broader principles and beliefs that underlie social norms.
❑Parsons introduced the concept of pattern variables to analyze the various
dimensions along which individuals' actions can be categorized
❑ Parsons proposed a voluntaristic theory of action which refers to human
behavior as purposeful and guided by conscious intentions. Individuals engage
in actions to achieve specific goals or fulfil certain needs.
❑Parsons emphasized the importance of understanding the motivations and
meaning that individuals attribute to their actions.
❑Parson argued that social order is maintained through the integration of
individuals into the larger social system.
❑Parsons proposed the concept of functional differentiation, which refers to
the specialization of social institution and roles to perform specific functions
within society
Social System
➢ Parsons conceived of society as a social system, similar to a biological organisation, characterized
by structure, orders, and interdependence among its parts. He emphasized the importance of
understanding how different social institutions, such as family, economy, religion, and politics,
interact and function together to maintain social stability. and cohesion.
➢ Parsons social system theory is grounded in functionalizing a theoretical perspective that views
society as a complex system composed of interrelated parts, each serving specific functions to
maintain social order and stability.
➢ Parsons integrated his social system theory with his action theory, which focuses on
understanding individual behaviours within social content. Action is seen as the fundamental
building block of social systems, as it is through individual actions that social structures are
created and reproduced.
➢Parsons developed the AGIL paradigm to analyze the functional prerequisites of any social
system. AGIL stands for Adaptation, Goal Attainment Integration, and Latency. These
functions are considered necessary for the continued existence and stability of social
systems. Adaptation refers to the capacity of the system to adjust to changing external
conditions. Goal attainment involves the formulation and achievement of societal goals.
Integration refers to the coordination and regulations of various parts of the social system.
Latency encompasses the cultural and motivational aspects of the social system that provide
stability and continuity over time.
➢Parsons shows the relationships between action, goal and situation.
➢Parsons social system theory. provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing the
structure functioning and dynamics of society.
Structural Functionalism
Society is akin to a biological Each part of the social system serves
organism characterized by structure, specific functions, contributing to
order, and interdependence among its the overall stability and Cohesion of
parts. society.
1 2 3 4
Society consists of Interdependence among different parts
various social of the social system is key.
institutions such as
family, economy, religion
and politics which are
interconnected and work
together to maintain
social equilibrium.
7
Structural Functionalism
Equilibrium is achieved when each Changes in one part of the system can have
ripple effects throughout the entire system,
part of the social system performs leading to adjustments and adaptations in other
its function effectively. parts.
5 6 7
Parsons integrated cultural systems
into his structural-functionalist
framework, emphasising the role of
shared beliefs, values, symbols and
norms in maintaining social order and
stability.
