What Are Parsons Structural Functionalism
Structural Functionalism
Parsons divides the social system into four subsystems; community, fiduciary, polity and economy. These action systems are intended to address the functional requirements that must be met by society. Each of these subsystems are capable of evolving in order to meet the current needs of society. At its core, Parsons sought to address the issues of adaption (economy), goal attainment (polity), integration (community) and pattern maintenance (fiduciary). These concepts would be the imperatives that allow society to function in a regulated manner.
Parsons views societal community in respect to the expectation of loyalty to the collective rather than what has traditionally been defined as political and religious terms. Understanding that the same individual may experience role-pluralism, the wearing of many hats, within society. Since society as a whole is a complex structure, the integration of multiple units into the collective is unavoidable. It is here that we mind the establishment of norms within the community. Individuals are afforded certain levels of prestige depending on their standing within the community and it is difficult of not impossible to differentiate the potential for influence as they progress through their societal roles. At times it is possible that they may leverage that influence either …show more content…
Their influence within our individual social sphere often comes without for thought into the impact that will be felt as a result of the decisions that they often make. The foundation of our lifeworld may be significantly impacted by corporate “violence”, pollution, job shifts, and mergers have impacts beyond the corporate world. Government decisions to change policy, implement programs or otherwise leverage the power of the state often impacts the unsuspecting
Parsons divides the social system into four subsystems; community, fiduciary, polity and economy. These action systems are intended to address the functional requirements that must be met by society. Each of these subsystems are capable of evolving in order to meet the current needs of society. At its core, Parsons sought to address the issues of adaption (economy), goal attainment (polity), integration (community) and pattern maintenance (fiduciary). These concepts would be the imperatives that allow society to function in a regulated manner.
Parsons views societal community in respect to the expectation of loyalty to the collective rather than what has traditionally been defined as political and religious terms. Understanding that the same individual may experience role-pluralism, the wearing of many hats, within society. Since society as a whole is a complex structure, the integration of multiple units into the collective is unavoidable. It is here that we mind the establishment of norms within the community. Individuals are afforded certain levels of prestige depending on their standing within the community and it is difficult of not impossible to differentiate the potential for influence as they progress through their societal roles. At times it is possible that they may leverage that influence either …show more content…
Their influence within our individual social sphere often comes without for thought into the impact that will be felt as a result of the decisions that they often make. The foundation of our lifeworld may be significantly impacted by corporate “violence”, pollution, job shifts, and mergers have impacts beyond the corporate world. Government decisions to change policy, implement programs or otherwise leverage the power of the state often impacts the unsuspecting