Talcott Parsons' Pattern Variables: A Framework for Understanding Social Behavior

Talcott Parsons was an American sociologist who is considered one of the most influential figures in the development of the discipline. His work on social systems, pattern variables, and social institutions has had a lasting impact on sociology and related fields.

What are pattern variables?

Pattern variables are a set of dichotomous concepts that Parsons used to analyze the choices that individuals make in their social interactions. They are:

• Affectivity versus affective neutrality: This refers to the degree to which an individual allows their emotions to influence their actions. In the affective pole, emotions are allowed to play a role in decision-making. In the affective neutrality pole, emotions are suppressed or ignored.
• Self-orientation versus collectivity orientation: This refers to the degree to which an individual is concerned with their own interests or the interests of the group. In the self-orientation pole, individuals are primarily concerned with their own goals and needs. In the collectivity orientation pole, individuals are primarily concerned with the goals and needs of the group.
• Universalism versus particularism: This refers to the degree to which an individual applies the same standards to everyone or makes exceptions based on personal relationships. In the universalism pole, individuals apply the same standards to everyone, regardless of their personal relationships. In the particularism pole, individuals make exceptions based on personal relationships.
• Ascription versus achievement: This refers to the degree to which an individual's status is determined by their birth or their own accomplishments. In the ascription pole, an individual's status is determined by their birth, such as their race, gender, or social class. In the achievement pole, an individual's status is determined by their own accomplishments, such as their education, skills, or job performance.
• Specificity versus diffuseness: This refers to the degree to which an individual's role is limited to a specific set of tasks or is more general and encompasses a wider range of activities. In the specificity pole, an individual's role is limited to a specific set of tasks. In the diffuseness pole, an individual's role is more general and encompasses a wider range of activities.

How do pattern variables work?

Pattern variables are used to analyze the choices that individuals make in their social interactions. For example, an individual might choose to be affectively neutral in their interactions with their boss, but affective in their interactions with their spouse. Or, an individual might choose to be self-oriented in their interactions with their colleagues, but collectivity-oriented in their interactions with their community.

The choices that individuals make in their social interactions are influenced by a variety of factors, including their personality, their culture, and the specific situation. However, the pattern variables provide a framework for understanding these choices and the underlying values that guide them.

The importance of pattern variables

Pattern variables are an important tool for understanding social behavior. They can be used to analyze the choices that individuals make in their social interactions, the structure of social institutions, and the dynamics of social change.

Pattern variables have been used to study a wide range of social phenomena, including family dynamics, organizational behavior, and political systems. They have also been used to compare different cultures and to track social change over time.

The limitations of pattern variables

Pattern variables are not without their limitations. They are a simplification of reality, and they do not account for the complexity of human behavior. Additionally, they can be used to justify discrimination and inequality.

Despite their limitations, pattern variables remain an important tool for understanding social behavior. They provide a framework for understanding the choices that individuals make in their social interactions and the underlying values that guide them.

Conclusion

Talcott Parsons' pattern variables are a valuable tool for understanding social behavior. They provide a framework for understanding the choices that individuals make in their social interactions and the underlying values that guide them. Pattern variables have been used to study a wide range of social phenomena, and they continue to be an important tool for sociologists and other social scientists.