The Social System

by Talcott Parsons

In the history of sociological theory, Talcott Parsons holds a very special place. His The Structure of Social Action (1937), was a pioneer work that has influenced many social scientists. The present work, The Social System, presents a major scientific and intellectual advance towards the theory of action first outlined in his earlier work.

Genres: Sociology, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Social Science, Theory, Psychology, Read For School

575 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1951

About the author

Talcott Parsons was an American sociologist of the classical tradition, best known for his social action theory and structural functionalism. Parsons is considered one of the most influential figures in sociology in the 20th century. After earning a PhD in economics, he served on the faculty at Harvard University from 1927 to 1973. In 1930, he was among the first professors in its new sociology department. Later, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Department of Social Relations at Harvard.

Reviews

[Ken Davidian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. It focuses on the theory of social systems which, in combination with of personality and culture, comprise the theory of action (as opposed to behavior). It's a long, fairly dense book, and when the author gives the reader permission to skip chapters 3 and 4, I took it! :-D For me, the meat of the book was in Chapter 11, THE PROCESSES OF CHANGE OF SOCIAL SYSTEMS, which supports my interests in innovation development theory... the book had to be read, and I'm absolutely not sorry I read it, but it took quite a while (about 5 weeks at ~3 hours a week!).

[Gilles Achache · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favourite of mine, was really surprised to hear of this stuff about Parsons being sexist, that The Social System is a sexist depiction of society - well, I'm a woman, & didn't see that, it's just about as simple as the uses the words 'actor' & 'actress', except as sociological indicators for his description of recent-ish society. One of the best sociology books there is.

[Expboid Colleagues · Rating 5 out of 5]

"... According to Parsons, ‘structure’ of social system has ‘static’ aspects, while the processes, functionality or behavior of the system is ‘dynamic’. Processes are in dynamic relation to the ‘constancy’ of the structure (internal) from one side and ‘variability’ of the environment (external) from the other side. Therefore, changes in the structure or environment of the system both may act as the cause of problems in social systems. Hence, while in practice this relation is ‘variable’, but in theory and shorter periods of time, it can be assumed to be ‘constant’..."*

There are many books about systems, but a few about using systems concepts and methods in social systems realm. Some books are pure and technical and some other are ‘long storytelling’ with systems thinking skills ‘buried’ in the amazing puzzles! While systems science implies ‘polyphony’ in its nature, but in practice, there is ‘monophony’ in using it with titles dedicated to specific fields such as business. Texts written by the systems theory pioneers, emphasize on some ‘key points’ which are not present in the texts in social systems realm. Social systems texts are complex and suffer from ambiguities in reaching to a rational, concrete and comprehensive concept of a formal social system. Systems concepts and methods are useful in almost all the knowledge fields and transdisciplinary general text books for different audiences, especially in social systems and sciences realm, can help the readers in their daily dealings and scientific studies.

See the book:
* Systems Science and Social Systems: (Towards a Formal Theory of Social Systems)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F14YXJL7
https://www.amazon.com/dp/9198187546
This book, tries to establish a ‘common terminology and platform’ to present the ‘generic concepts and methods of systems’ and extend it to the social systems realm.

[Brandon Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reaction: easy to see how this is an essential to the sociologist, everything imaginable is covered in this book that involves power differentials, which is very pervasive in society
Writing Style: long, dense, academic, and altogether an interesting read for the mid-20th century
Argumentation: power, it creates order but also creates an authority and subordinate who may become marginalized and placed in an unfavorable position
Commendation: the sick role was included, and is his most famous addition that influences how clinicians understand their paternalistic attitudes
Critique: very long, only one chapter dedicated to healthcare, but a very extended section at that

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obscure, which makes it so intriguing. Still resonates with me after all these years. I don't know why.