Talcott Parsons had a broad and abstract view of social change, which contrasts with Robert K. Merton’s more focused approach. Parsons believed that social theory could be applied universally, covering different societies and periods of history. His theory is known for its general scope and application across various social sciences, including sociology, psychology, political science, and more.
Parsons made a key distinction between two types of social change: “changes in systems” and “changes of systems.” Changes in systems refer to alterations within a social system, while changes of systems involve a transformation from one type of social system to another. For Parsons, social change is not just about minor adjustments but involves significant evolutionary steps that societies go through over time.
One of Parsons’ major contributions is his concept of “evolutionary universals.” He proposed that all societies undergo a progression of stages as they evolve. This means that societies inevitably pass through similar stages of development, though the specifics might differ based on context. Parsons’ theory suggests that there are broad patterns in how societies develop, which he describes as universal stages that all societies will experience.
Parsons also introduced the idea of “pattern variables” or types of orientations, which are abstract concepts used to analyze how societies function and change. These pattern variables help to understand the underlying principles that guide social behaviour and social systems.
When examining social change, Parsons considers the forces driving it, such as social movements and the mobilization of interest groups. He argues that these forces can push societies through various stages of transformation. Unlike Merton, who mainly focuses on changes within social structures and how these changes arise from pressures on roles and statuses, Parsons views social change as part of a broader, evolutionary process that encompasses the development of social systems.
In summary, Parsons’ approach to social change is characterized by its broad scope and focus on evolutionary patterns. He sees social change as a process of passing through universal stages, driven by internal and external forces that shape the development of societies.
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