Parsons and Shils Flashcards
What is the theory of Parsons and Shils?
that every individual will have the same types of encounters, no matter their country of origin.
What did Parsons and Shils create in their study?
five dichotomous patterns that show different value orientations
The dilemma of following rules
Particularism and Universalism
the dilemma of role performance.
Affectivity and Affective neutrality
the dilemma of the society versus oneself
Collectivity Orientation and individualistic orientation
The object of role performance
Diffuseness and Specificity
set preconditions, or ability to change one’s circumstances
Ascription and Achievement
An example of particularism and universalism
A particularist will look to the context of the situation, while a universalist will always respond in the same way. An example is if one is in a car accident because the driver has been driving to fast. A particularist might not rat out the driver to the police if it is his friend, while a universalist will always do what is considered to be the right thing, no matter their personal relation.
Examples of affectivity and affective neutrality
A mother will show affectivity for her daughter, while a doctor will not show emotions and have affective neutrality as he would not be able to do his job properly if he had emotions for his patients. It is the dilemma of showing emotions depending on your specific role in the situation
Examples of collectivity orientation and individualistic orientation
An example of collective orientation is that one might have the family find a wife or a husband for oneself, while an individualist will defend that it is primarily his or her own choice. It is the dilemma of fulfilling the interest of the collective, in this example your family, or one self.
Examples of ascription and achievement
An example of ascription is the cast system in India. Her one is not rewarded by ones achievement as one already prescribed a social class, and ones personal achievements will not change this.
In a capitalist society, achievement is very important. Ones own skills are valued, and a person can work his or her way up by good achievements.
Examples of diffuseness and specificity
Specificity means that the roles are set, example doctor and patient, and there are no questions regarding their relations over this. Their actions will be based on their role in the situation. Diffuseness means that these roles can be overshadowed by diffused relations; family and friends.
