Talcott Parsons Flashcards
1
Q
What did Parsons compare society to?
A
The human body.
2
Q
What were the ‘organs in the body’?
A
The institutions in society.
3
Q
What are some (3) similarities between the body and the institutions within society?
A
- They both have a unique function.
- They work together harmoniously.
- They are interdependent.
- The sum is greater than its parts.
- Normal = Healthy/Low rates of social problems.
4
Q
What institution in society produces goods and services?
A
The Workplace.
5
Q
What institution achieves ‘value consensus’ – by teaching people the difference between right and wrong.
A
Schools.
6
Q
What institution resolves differences of opinion, deals with conflict, and punishes ‘deviants’.
A
Courts.
7
Q
What institution reproduces and socialises the next generation so society can carry on.
A
The Family.
