Talcott Parsons was one of the most influential sociologists of the 20th century. His work on social action, social systems, and social stratification has had a profound impact on the discipline. Parsons's theory of social action is a complex and nuanced one, but at its core, it is a theory about how individuals interact with each other and the world around them.

What is Social Action?

Parsons defines social action as "any act, consciously performed, motivated by an actor's ends or goals, and which takes into account both the conditions of the situation in which it occurs and the normative expectations of others." In other words, social action is any behavior that is intentional, goal-oriented, and influenced by social norms.

The Four Elements of Social Action

Parsons identifies four key elements of social action:

1. The actor: The actor is the individual or group of individuals who are performing the action.
2. The situation: The situation is the context in which the action takes place. It includes both the physical environment and the social environment, such as the presence of other people and the norms and expectations that guide their behavior.
3. The ends or goals: The ends or goals are the actor's desired outcomes.
4. The normative expectations of others: The normative expectations of others are the rules and guidelines that actors believe they are expected to follow.

The AGIL Schema

Parsons uses a framework called the AGIL schema to analyze social action. The AGIL schema consists of four functional imperatives, or essential needs, that must be met by any social system:

• Adaptation: The adaptation imperative refers to the need of social systems to adapt to the external environment.
• Goal attainment: The goal attainment imperative refers to the need of social systems to achieve their goals.
• Integration: The integration imperative refers to the need of social systems to maintain internal order and cohesion.
• Latency: The latency imperative refers to the need of social systems to maintain and transmit their cultural values and norms.

Parsons argues that all social action can be understood in terms of these four functional imperatives. For example, a student studying for an exam is adapting to the demands of the educational system, striving to achieve the goal of getting a good grade, integrating with their classmates, and maintaining their cultural values and norms.

Social Action and Social Structure

Parsons also argues that social action and social structure are inextricably linked. Social structure is the pattern of social relationships and institutions that exists in a society. It provides actors with the norms and expectations that guide their behavior. Social action, in turn, reproduces and reinforces social structure.

For example, the institution of the family provides a social structure for raising children. Parents and children play different roles in the family, and these roles are defined by social norms and expectations. Parents are expected to provide for their children's needs and to socialize them into the values and norms of society. Children are expected to obey their parents and to learn from them. The interactions between parents and children reproduce and reinforce the institution of the family.

Criticisms of Parsons's Theory

Parsons's theory of social action has been criticized for a number of reasons. One criticism is that it is too abstract and difficult to apply to the real world. Another criticism is that it is too focused on the individual actor and not enough on the social context in which action takes place. Additionally, some critics have argued that Parsons's theory is too conservative and does not adequately account for social change.

Despite these criticisms, Parsons's theory of social action remains an influential framework for understanding human behavior. It provides a way to think about how individuals interact with each other and the world around them, and how these interactions shape social structure.

Conclusion

Talcott Parsons's theory of social action is a complex and nuanced one, but it is also a valuable one. It provides a way to think about how individuals interact with each other and the world around them, and how these interactions shape social structure. While Parsons's theory has been criticized for its abstraction and conservatism, it remains an influential framework for understanding human behavior.

Examples of Social Action in Everyday Life

Here are some examples of social action in everyday life:

• A student studying for an exam is adapting to the demands of the educational system, striving to achieve the goal of getting a good grade, integrating with their classmates, and maintaining their cultural values and norms.
• A parent disciplining their child is teaching the child right from wrong and preparing them to be a successful member of society.
• A voter casting a ballot is participating in the political process and helping to shape