Реферат: Parsons Grand Theory Essay Research Paper Talcott

criteria expounded by modern societies(Wallace and Wolf 1999).

The final variable is collectivity(expressive) or self(instrumental). This is the choice

between gratifying private interests or whether to fulfill some collective obligation or duty. Those

in the business world are preoccupied with self-interest when striving for profit. On the other

hand, a civil servant is expected to carry out their duties in the best interest of the public.

Once Parsons had the pattern variable defined he then set out to further define those

variables and reduce the lack of certainty in his theory of action about what goals actors would

pursue. The AGIL model was his attempt to incorporate his theory propositions about the nature

of goals. With the collaboration of Robert F. Bales, Parsons conducted experiments on leadership

in small groups. They found in a typical meeting it began with a request for and the providing of

information that would solve the problem of a common orientation to the task. The group would

then try to solve the problem of evaluation and make decisions about the task at hand. An

attempt at consensus through social control was next. If the cycle was successful then it would

end with activity expressing solidarity and tension reduction, which such things like humor, to

repair any damage done to social integration and to bring the group back to the equilibrium that

existed before hand. Parsons decided that Bale’s categories for analyzing small group interaction

and the activities all small groups engage in could be expanded beyond small groups to include all

systems of action, if reconceptualized. This led Parsons to the four-function paradigm in which he

identifies the major problems action oriented systems must solve if the are to maintain equilibrium,

develop, and survive. Parsons argues that all action systems face four major problems, or have

four needs: adaption, goal attainment, integration, and latent pattern maintenance-tension

management. Parsons usually pictures society or the system in question as a large square that he

divides into four equal parts and label with the letters AGIL.

By A, adaption, Parsons is referring to the need of a system to secure sufficient resources

form the environment and distribute them throughout. This is commonly accomplished through

social institutions which are interrelated systems of social norms and roles that satisfy those needs.

If a social system is to survive it needs certain structures or institutions to perform the function of

adaption to the environment. Our economic institution meets this need.

The G stands for goal attainment. It is the system’s need to mobilize its resources and