Definition

Proper noun: - Talcott Parsons: An influential American sociologist of the 20th century, known for developing a comprehensive theoretical framework for sociology called structural functionalism. His work focused on how social systems maintain stability and order.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The sociological theories of Talcott Parsons were dominant in mid-20th century America.
  • Many students read Talcott Parsons to understand the functionalist perspective.

Advanced Usage

• "Parsonian": An adjective derived from Talcott Parsons's name, used to describe concepts, theories, or analyses characteristic of his work.
  • The author provides a Parsonian analysis of the institution's role in social integration.

Variants and Related Words

• Structural functionalism (n): The sociological paradigm most associated with Talcott Parsons, which views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.
• Social system (n): A central concept in Parsons's theory, referring to the patterned network of relationships constituting a coherent whole.

Synonyms

• Sociologist: A social scientist who studies the institutions and development of human society. (This is the general category to which Talcott Parsons belongs.)

Related Terms and Concepts

• AGIL paradigm: A key schema developed by Talcott Parsons, proposing that all social systems must address four functional imperatives: Adaptation, Goal attainment, Integration, and Latency pattern maintenance.
• Action theory: Another aspect of Parsons's work, focusing on the motivations and orientations of individual actors within a system of social norms.

Noun

1. United States sociologist (1902-1979)