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Parsons And Science

Parson's theories come under the theoretical frame work of Structural Functionalism. "This approach commits the sociologist to the study of interactions between individuals without the notion of ‘social structure' or indeed of ‘society' being implied at all." (Hamilton 1983) Functionalism "explains social action by reference not to individual agents but to systematic needs which have to be met"(King 2004) Central to Parsons work is the aim "of combining two institutions of society, one ‘active,' the other ‘systemic" (Bourricaud 1984). I think that Parson's work mainly focused on his attempt to integrate all social sciences into the science of social action, this could be contributed to his positivist framework. Parsons also believed that morality in social action is the main element to help preserve social order, generally focused on social action and systems. William Outhwaite describes Parsons as ‘the midwife of modern sociology' (2002). I think this description of Parsons is perfect as it cleary shows his link to science while also showing the break threw he made in American Sociology.
Parsons is so important to American Sociology as American sociologists at the time of Parsons such as Compte and Spencer drew a lot from the theories of European sociologists. With these European theories they fabricated their own around them with links to American sociology. However Parsons "intended to alter the foundations of sociology by centring American sociology squarely in European traditions…He sought a radical shift in the elementary premises, concepts and aims of American Sociology."(Seidman 1998)
Parson's first theory was outlined in the book "The Structure of Social Action" written in the 1930s. This book was revolutionary in that it "closed the classical period of sociology and opened the contemporary debate about action and structure, sentiments and actions, values and meaning." (Turner, Bryan 2001) It re-examined the writings of Parson's great predecessors,...