Community Theory Application: Community Intervention and Change: Dale Ch. 15

Question 1

Social System Theory

Answer 1

It is comprehensive
*It offers greater potential for description and integration of disparate theories into a single
framework that any other framework.
*For all sectors of human behavior
*It has the potential to provide a common language.
*Parsimony
*It allows the reduction of theories to a framework that
can be mastered

Question 2

FUNCTIONALISM

Answer 2

-Functionalism views society as a system of interrelated
parts
-It is a macro (large scale) orientation because it studies
how social structures affect how a society work

Question 3

Social
Systems
Theory- Community

Answer 3

What is the Focal system:
primary attention.
* Identifies the perspective from which the
observer views, and analyzes the system
and its environment

-The idea of holon then requires
the observer to attend to both the
components of that focal system
and the suprasystem (significant
environment) to fully understand
it

Social System Theory is holonistic
requiring specification of the units
or components that constitute that holon

Question 4

PARSONS BICYCLE WHEEL

Answer 4

-Parsons was interested in creating grand theories that
attempted to explain every aspect of the human
experience and how social systems interconnect.
-Society was much like a bicycle wheel, made up of
independent spokes connected to a hub that keeps
the wheel spinning.
-When properly balanced, each independent spoke
connected to the hub and keeps the wheel spinning.
But if just one spoke breaks on your wheel, the entire
wheel will eventually fall out of balance.

Question 5

Parsons’ Inertia

Answer 5

-Parsons also commented on the inertia of
social systems, meaning that they tend to
remain at rest, if they are at rest, or stay in
motion, if already in motion.
*Thus, in order to change a society, some
great force must impact the system or it
will remain unchanged.
*Change is unlikely, and often disruptive.

Question 6

Roland WarrenTalcott Parsons- Community
definition

Answer 6

1.Production-distribution-consumption
2. Socialization
3. Social control
4. Social participation
5. Mutual support

Question 7

READING DALE CH. 15