Parsons and Functionalism

The nature of institutions and their function in society is central to Talcott Parsons' and Robert Merton's work. Parsons' theories appeared to imply that all existing institutions were inherently either good or functional for society. In contrast, Merton recognized the existence of dysfunctional institutions and encouraged sociologists to actively identity the dysfunctionality. Merton defined dysfunction as something which may be generally dysfunctional, and the consequences created because of that dysfunction.

Parsons' pattern variables and Merton's modes of adaptation had a similar framework. Both theories offered a schema to explain what happened when a given individual in a society made a choice and then acted on that choice. How that choice was made and the consequences of alternative choices differed in Parson's pattern variables from Merton's modes of adaptation.

According to Wallace and Wolfe, Parsons believed that the retention of smooth, gradual adjustments of the institutions in a liberal democracy was the ideal. He did not consider it dysfunctional for the social patterns in a culture t

Related Essays

Functionalism vs Conflict Theory .... To varying degrees, Radcliffe-Browne and Parsons take this view. In other words, functionalism's main assumption is that individuals have a mutual interest in .... (1977 8 )

Funtionalism versus Conflict Theory .... To varying degrees, Radcliffe-Browne and Parsons take this view. In other words, functionalism's main assumption is that individuals have a mutual interest in .... (1977 8 )

US Views on Marriage .... (2004). Retrieved Jan. 24, 2005 from: http://web.grinnell.edu/courses/soc/s00/soc111- 01/Intro Functionalism and Parsons. 91999). Retrieved Jan. .... (1528 6 )

Perspectives of Marriage as a Social Institution .... (2004). Retrieved Jan. 24, 2005 from: http://web.grinnell.edu/courses/soc/s00/soc111- 01/Intro Functionalism and Parsons. 91999). Retrieved Jan. .... (1528 6 )

Theories of Illegal Drug Use Issue .... Swingewood says that this was the basis for Parsons's explanation of .... of the social system'" (236-7). That potentially transforms functionalism from description .... (2693 11 )

Category: Philosophy - P