Talcott Parsons

Question 1

The structure of social action (3)

Answer 1

A) Theory of action to account for social order

B) Unit act of social systems (components of social action):
1. Agent
2. Ends
3. Situation: means (under agents control) and conditions (not under agents control)
4. Relations of 1.-3. based on norms

C) Society is based on norms and values:
Constrains the choice of means and ends
Creates reciprocal expectations

Question 2

Social order (2)

Answer 2

1. Coordination of actions:
   Interaction is guided by expectations and norms
   Actions support and influence eachother -> form a system
2. Repetition of action:
   Expectations are institutionalized
   -> social roles

Question 3

The social system (5)

Answer 3

A) System:
Functional structure
Dynamic equilibrium (process of integration)
Purposive
Differentiation to environment

B) Action system: interrelation between three subsystems
1. Personality system (psychology)
2. Cultural system (norms, values, beliefs)
3. Social system (system if interaction, sociology)

C) Links:
between 2. and 3.:
Institutionalization of norms
between 1. and 3.:
Socialization (cultural norms become part of the psyche)

E) Maintained by 4 functions:
1. Adaptation
2. Goal attainment
3. Integration
4. Latency (pattern maintenance)

F) Subsystems:
1. Economy
2. Polity
3. Societal community
4. Fiduciary system (institutions)

Question 4

Change

Answer 4

Social evolution through differentiation (division into subsystems)

Question 5

5 pattern variables (2)

Answer 5

A) Classification of social interactions

B) 1. Affective vs affective neutrality
2. Self-orientation vs collective-orientation
3. Universalism vs particularism
4. Ascription vs achievement
5. Specificity vs diffuseness