Parsons' theory of structural functionalism

Parsons' theory of structural functionalism
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Parsons' Theory of Structural Functionalism
Parson developed an action system that sought to explain how order in the society could be achieved. Parson indicated that social order was possible if human beings were naturally inclined to act selfishly. This paper will show how the problem of social order would be solved using the structural functionalism theory postulated by Parson. Parsons action system is developed in light of four characteristics (functional imperatives) that he believed were necessary for all systems to exist. These are adaptation (A), goal attainment (G), integration (I) and latency (L) or pattern maintenance summarized as AGIL (Ritzer, 2011). According to him a system should adapt to external environment, have and achieve primary goals, regulate interrelationships with component parts, and sustain motivation of individuals and cultural systems. Parson’s action system comprises of behavioral organism, personality system, social system and cultural system. These form hierarchy of conditioning factors and operate in environment consisting of ultimate reality and physical-organic environment. All these form the Parsons’ action scheme with high information (controls) at highest level, hierarchy of conditioning factors, and high energy (conditions) at lowest level. Parson indicated that low levels provided energy or conditions necessary for higher level that in turn would control hierarchy of conditioning factor below it.
Parsons conceived social system from the smallest level (micro) and showed that this level comprised of interactions between ego and alter ego. This brings about key concepts necessary to achieve social ord...