Talcott Parsons (1902–1979)

For those who want to learn about Parsonian theory, especially the late four-function model, this is probably the best and least painful approach (along with its companion work, The System of Modern Societies). In a very short compass it includes many important insights about historical development as well as an elegant laying-out of the theoretical framework in just a few pages.

Parsons gives structure to the process of social history, with functionalist (Spencer, Weber) evolutionary taxonomy -- where society is an adaptive system extending self-sufficiency within respective physical-organic environments.

Parsons begins with a synopsis of pertinent theory, then treats the "primitive", "archaic" and "intermediate" forms of society with a functionalist focus, and ends with a Conclusion squarely facing criticisms and questions.

Functional differentiation, combined with show more generalized norms, increases the adaptive capacity of societies. The main dynamic of social change is cultural innovation in which the "cybernetic" social controls over environment become increasingly effective. I think this approach works quite well in analyzing societies where documentation is fragmentary and it does seem to adequately explain historical changes. Also, as Parsons shows with reference to three "historic" intermediate societies -- China, India, and Islamic Empires, and "seed-bed" Israel and Greece -- the method explodes the most significant historicist problem, that of variation among intermediate societies.

Parsons' succeeding volume (The System of Modern Societies) completes the demonstration of the method's potential in treating "modern" societes. (I am not sure functionalist theory serves as well in surfeit societies.) show less

It begins by kicking dirt on the grave of Herbert Spencer, but moves on to interesting territory, making much of the difference (some of it seemingly alleged) between the utilitarian and voluntaristic theories of action. Major thinkers like Pareto, Marshall, and Weber discussed.

This edition is in two trade paperback volumnes.

Essays refining the "basic conceptual scheme" of his Structure of Social Action. Includes about 80pp. on Max Weber, biographical sketch of Parsons by Bernard Barber, Parsons bibliography.