← Unit 4: Pioneering contributions to Sociology:Thinkers
1. Social System: Parsons' Foundational Concept
Organized Pattern of Social Relationships
DefinitionSocial System: A plurality of actors interacting directly or indirectly with each other in a bounded situation, oriented to a common focus or interrelated foci
Mitchell's Definition (1979:203):
"A social system is a plurality of actors interacting directly or indirectly with each other in a bounded situation. There may be physical or territorial boundaries, but the main point of reference sociologically is that individuals are oriented, in a wide sense, to a common focus or interrelated foci."
Three Essential Features of a Social System:
| Feature | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Plurality of actors | Always involves more than one individual | Family includes parents, children, elders |
| Interaction in a bounded situation | Interaction takes place within certain limits | School functions within rules and timetable |
| Orientation to a common focus | Actors oriented toward shared goals or norms | Political party members oriented toward gaining power |
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Free. All OPSC Sociology Paper I and Paper II notes, with mains PYQs.
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In these notes
- Social System: Parsons' Foundational Concept
- The Action Approach - Intellectual Foundations
- Three Schools of Social Theory
- When Behaviour Becomes Action
- Personality, Cultural, and Social Systems
- Role as the Basic Unit of Social System
- Seven Key Elements of Social System
- Key Characteristics of Social System
- Socialisation and Social Control
- AGIL Scheme: Four Functional Prerequisites
- AGIL Scheme in Action
- Pattern Variables and Social Structures
- Important Distinction
- Critical Evaluation
- Q: Critically Analyse Parsons' Views on Society as a Social System
- Q: Describe Functional Prerequisites of Social System as Given by Parsons. Examine in Context of a University as a Social System.
- Q: How is Social Equilibrium Mentioned in Parsonian Framework?
- Quick Revision Summary
- How to Write Answers on Parsons' Social System
- Expected Questions for OPSC/UPSC
- Complete Summary