Sociologia: il funzionalismo di Talcott Parsons

TLDR;

This video provides an overview of Talcott Parsons' sociological theories, focusing on his functionalist perspective and the AGIL model. Parsons viewed society as a system with interconnected parts, each serving specific functions to maintain overall stability. The AGIL model outlines four essential functions: Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, and Latent Pattern Maintenance. These functions operate at both macro and micro levels of society, ensuring equilibrium and social order.

• Parsons' functionalist view sees society as a system with interconnected parts.
• The AGIL model (Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, Latent Pattern Maintenance) is central to Parsons' theory.
• These functions operate at both macro and micro levels to maintain social equilibrium.

Introduction to Talcott Parsons [0:03]

The video introduces Talcott Parsons, a key figure in sociological functionalism. Parsons viewed society as a system comprising interconnected components, each with specific functions. This perspective is akin to how different organs in the human body have distinct roles that contribute to the body's overall functioning. Parsons' functionalist approach posits that society consists of various structures with interdependent functions, each necessary for the system's operation.

Functionalism and Influences [1:16]

Parsons' work is influenced by the functionalist anthropology of Malinowski, who believed that every cultural system contains cultural objects with specific functions. Malinowski argued that anthropologists should aim to understand these functions within their cultural contexts. Parsons also draws from Durkheim's functionalist view of society as an organism characterised by mechanical solidarity. Parsons, living in the 20th century, interpreted industrial society as a well-functioning system governed by laws and equilibrium, where each structure serves a function to maintain the system's balance.

The AGIL Model [3:02]

Parsons is renowned for the AGIL model, an acronym representing four critical functions of social system structures: Adaptation (A), Goal Attainment (G), Integration (I), and Latent Pattern Maintenance (L). These are considered functional imperatives, essential for maintaining the equilibrium of the social system. These functions operate at both macro (institutional) and micro levels (e.g., family), aiming to maintain homeostasis or restore equilibrium in case of imbalances.

Four Functions and Social Structures [5:20]

The video explains the four functions of the AGIL model and their corresponding structures within a social system. Adaptation is managed by the economic system, which secures necessary resources. Goal Attainment is handled by political institutions, which regulate collective life and guide citizens. Integration, involving conflict resolution, is managed by the legal system, which enforces rules. Latent Pattern Maintenance, focused on preserving shared values, is managed by the cultural system, including religion, education, and media.

Parsons' View on Social Systems [9:05]

An excerpt from Parsons' famous work, "The Social System," describes a social system as a functioning entity with interdependent structures and processes that maintain relative stability and independence from environmental forces. The system responds to environmental stimuli but retains its distinct character. This is analogous to an organism, where elements ensure the system's functioning, identified by the four functional imperatives of the AGIL model.

Application of the AGIL Model [11:18]

Parsons' AGIL model applies not only to macro-sociological systems but also to micro-systems like families. For example, a family adapts by securing sustenance, strives to achieve goals like changing homes or ensuring quality education, integrates through internal rules to manage imbalances (e.g., divorce), and maintains latent patterns by transmitting traditions and values. These imperatives maintain social order and control individual actions.

Maintaining Social Order [13:15]

The functional imperatives serve to maintain social order by controlling individual actions. Since individuals within a social system differ in interests and objectives, these imperatives are essential for creating an ordered and balanced society. Institutions, such as the legal and political systems, prevent deviant behaviour and promote conformity, ensuring individuals adapt to the requirements of the social system.