Συστημική ισορροπία και κοινωνική αλλαγή στη θεωρία του Talcott Parsons

Abstract

The present article discusses Parsons' theory of systemic balance and social change, with reference to the main works of his late phase. We examine the construction and development of the social system, the functional prerequisites that this construction presupposes, and the way that Parsonian theory deals methodologically with the issue of values. We defend the view that systemic analysis degrades individual action through its integration to the system. Additionally, we argue that systemic theory leads to teleological judgments and explanatory reductions. The article also examines the issue of social change and the differences between major works of Parsons' late phase. Parsonian theory is indebted to functionalist methodology and is hence obliged to understand social change in the form of stages, something that prevents it from explaining certain social phenomena. Finally, this article claims that systemic theory has major methodological problems, and that the Parsonian perspective fails to come to grips with contemporary social problems.