Talcott Parsons

Known for

AGIL scheme, structural functionalism, social systems theory

Thought

Parsons argued that every social system must satisfy four functional needs to survive — Adaptation, Goal-attainment, Integration and Latency (the AGIL scheme) — each carried out by specialized institutions such as the economy, government, law and family, interlocking like organs in a body. He held that social order ultimately rests on a shared value-consensus that individuals internalize through socialization, keeping the whole system stable.

Biography

American sociologist at Harvard who dominated American sociology for decades by building a single, comprehensive theory meant to explain how all societies hold together.

CSS Philosophy paper topics

Major works

• The Social System
• The Structure of Social Action