Deck 4: American Classics: The Chicago School, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton

Question 1

Parsons' pattern variables can be used to evaluate the degree of modernization evident in any particular society. Using his set of five contrasting paired categories, identify specific features of your local community that match or deviate from the modernization criteria outlined by Parsons. Discuss, using illustrative examples.

Answer 1

Parsons' pattern variables provide a framework for evaluating the degree of modernization in a society by examining five contrasting paired categories: particularism vs. universalism, affectivity vs. affective neutrality, ascription vs. achievement, diffuseness vs. specificity, and collective orientation vs. self-orientation.

In my local community, there are several features that align with Parsons' modernization criteria. For example, in terms of particularism vs. universalism, there is a growing trend towards universalistic values and norms. This can be seen in the increasing acceptance of diversity and inclusivity in various aspects of community life, such as education, employment, and social interactions. This shift towards universalism reflects a more modernized and open-minded approach to societal norms and values.

Additionally, in terms of ascription vs. achievement, there is a noticeable emphasis on achievement and meritocracy in my community. This can be observed in the way individuals are recognized and rewarded based on their accomplishments and contributions, rather than solely on their inherited status or background. This emphasis on achievement reflects a more modernized and merit-based approach to social mobility and success.

However, there are also areas where my local community deviates from Parsons' modernization criteria. For example, in terms of affectivity vs. affective neutrality, there is still a strong emphasis on emotional connections and affective ties in social interactions and relationships. While there is a growing recognition of the importance of affective neutrality in certain institutional settings, such as the workplace, affectivity continues to play a significant role in shaping social dynamics and interpersonal relationships in the community.

Overall, my local community exhibits both alignment and deviation from Parsons' modernization criteria, reflecting a complex and evolving process of modernization. By examining specific features and examples, it becomes clear that modernization is a multifaceted and ongoing process that manifests in various ways within a society.

Question 2

Many people today complain about the lack of personalized attention they receive in encounters with doctors/dentists/teachers, etc. What social and institutional factors, do you think, help to account for this apparent impersonality? What would Weber and Parsons say in response to these complaints?

Answer 2

There are several social and institutional factors that contribute to the lack of personalized attention in encounters with professionals such as doctors, dentists, and teachers. One factor is the increasing demand for these services, which can lead to time constraints and a focus on efficiency rather than individualized care. Additionally, the rise of managed care and insurance requirements can also lead to a more standardized approach to patient or student interactions.

Weber, a prominent sociologist, might argue that the rationalization and bureaucratization of modern institutions have led to a focus on rules and procedures rather than individual needs. This can result in a depersonalized approach to interactions, as professionals are expected to adhere to standardized protocols and guidelines.

On the other hand, Parsons, another influential sociologist, might suggest that the increasing complexity of modern society has led to a division of labor and specialization within professions. This specialization can lead to a more impersonal approach, as professionals may be focused on their specific tasks and responsibilities rather than the individual needs of each patient or student.

In response to these complaints, Weber might advocate for a reevaluation of bureaucratic systems and a greater emphasis on individual discretion and empathy within professional interactions. Parsons, on the other hand, might emphasize the importance of professional ethics and values in guiding interactions with patients and students, in order to counteract the potential depersonalization that can result from specialization and division of labor. Overall, both sociologists would likely argue for a greater recognition of the importance of personalized attention in professional encounters and a reevaluation of the social and institutional factors that contribute to impersonality.

Question 3

Parsons emphasized what he saw as the importance of societal-wide, shared values or shared value commitments. What, in your opinion, are the main sources of difference in local/national/global society today? List and discuss these differences. What are some of the implications of these differences in value commitment? What might Merton say about these differences? And, despite differences, are there some shared values? If yes, where/in what contexts do we see this?

Answer 3

The main sources of difference in local, national, and global society today can be attributed to a variety of factors. These differences can stem from cultural, religious, political, and economic differences, as well as disparities in access to resources and opportunities.

Culturally, different societies have their own unique traditions, customs, and beliefs that shape their values and behaviors. This can lead to differences in social norms and expectations, as well as attitudes towards issues such as gender roles, family structure, and individualism versus collectivism.

Religiously, different societies may have varying faiths and belief systems that influence their moral and ethical values. This can lead to differences in attitudes towards issues such as abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and the role of religion in governance.

Politically, different societies may have different forms of government, ideologies, and policies that shape their values and priorities. This can lead to differences in attitudes towards issues such as human rights, social welfare, and environmental protection.

Economically, different societies may have varying levels of wealth and development that impact their values and priorities. This can lead to differences in attitudes towards issues such as income inequality, consumerism, and globalization.

These differences in value commitment can have significant implications for social cohesion, cooperation, and conflict. They can lead to misunderstandings, discrimination, and even violence between different groups. They can also make it challenging to address global issues such as climate change, poverty, and human rights abuses.

Merton, a prominent sociologist, might argue that these differences in value commitment can lead to strain and dysfunction in society, as individuals and groups experience a disjunction between their cultural goals and the legitimate means to achieve them. This can lead to deviant behavior and social unrest.

Despite these differences, there are some shared values that can be found across local, national, and global societies. For example, the value of human life, the importance of education, and the desire for peace and security are commonly held values. These shared values can be seen in various contexts, such as international treaties, humanitarian efforts, and cultural exchange programs. It is important to recognize and build upon these shared values in order to promote understanding and cooperation across diverse societies.

Question 4

Please write 2 or 3 sentences per question
In what ways, if any, do population patterns today differ compared to at the turn of the twentieth century?

Identify three social problems that might be seen as indicative of social disorganization today? And what are the underling structural case of each one you identify? How are they interrelated?


-Identify two characteristics of professional or occupational relationships.

Question 5

Please write 2 or 3 sentences per question
In what ways, if any, do population patterns today differ compared to at the turn of the twentieth century?

Identify three social problems that might be seen as indicative of social disorganization today? And what are the underling structural case of each one you identify? How are they interrelated?


-Identify the functions of the four institutional sub-systems of action.

Question 6

Please write 2 or 3 sentences per question
In what ways, if any, do population patterns today differ compared to at the turn of the twentieth century?

Identify three social problems that might be seen as indicative of social disorganization today? And what are the underling structural case of each one you identify? How are they interrelated?


-Why, for Parsons, is socialization necessary?

Question 7

Please write 2 or 3 sentences per question
In what ways, if any, do population patterns today differ compared to at the turn of the twentieth century?

Identify three social problems that might be seen as indicative of social disorganization today? And what are the underling structural case of each one you identify? How are they interrelated?


-Discuss one dysfunctional consequence of anti-immigration policies.

Question 8

Please write 2 or 3 sentences per question
In what ways, if any, do population patterns today differ compared to at the turn of the twentieth century?

Identify three social problems that might be seen as indicative of social disorganization today? And what are the underling structural case of each one you identify? How are they interrelated?


-Explain why deviance can be seen as adaptive?

Question 9

In what ways is today's emphasis on "public sociology" in continuity with the Chicago School of Sociology?

A) Its emphasis on bringing sociological analysis to the understanding of social issues (e.g., immigration)
B) Its engagement with local community leaders
C) Its focus on building relevant knowledge that can be used to remedy social problems
D) All of the above

Question 10

Which one of the following statements is true?

A) People's erroneous perceptions of a particular phenomenon (e.g., climate change, LGBT equality) are inconsequential in impacting that phenomenon and associated behavior
B) Accurate knowledge about a particular phenomenon is the only knowledge that is sociologically relevant
C) Whether people perceive a social phenomenon accurately or inaccurately, those perceptions can nonetheless lead to behavior that can change the phenomenon in question

Question 11

Although Parsons elaborated a highly generalized theory of society, he saw the functions of theory as facilitating:

A) Abstract speculation
B) Empirical description and analysis
C) Philosophical debate
D) Political agenda-setting

Question 12

Parsons conceptualized society as:

A) A highly structured, self-contained social system
B) A system of economic exchange relations
C) The sum of interpersonal face-to-face relations
D) An open and unstable social system

Question 13

In Parsons's conceptual framework, any social action system includes:

A) Social actors
B) Goals
C) Constraints
D) All of the above

Question 14

Social actors include:

A) Individuals
B) Groups
C) Countries
D) All of the above

Question 15

Pattern maintenance refers to:

A) Socialization through the transmission of values
B) The implementation of political rights
C) Economic production
D) None of the above

Question 16

A society's integration function:

A) Maintains economic production
B) Maintains social control
C) Reduces political inequality
D) All of the above

Question 17

Adaptation is to the economy what integration is to the … system.

A) Educational
B) Legal
C) Poli tical
D) Mass Media

Question 18

The necessary tasks accomplished by a particular social structure/institution are its:

A) Pattern variables
B) Goals
C) Functions
D) Norms

Question 19

Parsons described his theory of action as voluntaristic because:

A) There are no constraints on the freedom of social actors
B) Social actors choose among different culturally approved options
C) Values do not matter in orienting social action
D) Capitalist societies do not restrain individual freedom of choice

Question 20

For Parsons, social action is regulated by:

A) Values consensus
B) Economic competition
C) State power
D) Charismatic leadership

Question 21

For Parsons, all social institutions/systems of action are structured by:

A) Conflict
B) Pattern variables
C) Exploitation
D) Achievement

Question 22

Pattern variables refer to contrasting:

A) Role expectations
B) Normative orientations
C) Institutionalized behavioral patterns
D) All of the above

Question 23

The doctor-patient relationship is characterized by:

A) Specific functions
B) Diffuse functions
C) Emotional engagement
D) Ascribed competence

Question 24

Modern societies are characterized by:

A) Particularistic criteria
B) Achievement criteria
C) Altruistic criteria
D) None of the above

Question 25

You are more likely to find … than universal criteria operating in traditional societies.

A) Achievement
B) Impersonal
C) Particularistic
D) Neutral

Question 26

Modernization theory argues that:

A) Societies modernize in different ways
B) All societies follow a similar linear pattern of development
C) The U.S. is the paradigm of a modernized society
D) b and c

Question 27

Status competition is found in:

A) The occupational system
B) Families
C) Schools
D) All of the above

Question 28

Parsons saw status competition between men and women as potentially:

A) Dysfunctional
B) Equalizing
C) Irrelevant
D) Easily eliminated

Question 29

Theories that are closely tied to the specific empirical realities in society are referred to as:

A) Grandiose
B) Low-grade
C) Middle-range
D) Deductive

Question 30

For Merton, the manifest functions of a particular course of action refer to its:

A) Recognized and intended consequences
B) Unintended but positive consequences
C) Unintended, negative consequences
D) Unanticipated consequences

Question 31

Social strain and deviance arises when there is…between cultural norms and institutional opportunities.

A) Consistency
B) Discrepancy
C) Conformity
D) Affirmation

Question 32

The innovator is someone who…the cultural goals and…the institutionalized means for their attainment.

A) rejects…accepts
B) rejects…rejects
C) accepts…rejects
D) accepts…accepts

Question 33

The conformist … the cultural goals and …the institutionalized means toward their achievement.

A) accepts…rejects
B) rejects…accepts
C) rejects…rejects
D) accepts…accepts

Question 34

Though they both offer a functionalist analysis of society, a major difference between Merton and Parsons is that Merton emphasized the value of

A) Descriptive analysis in shaping theory
B) Descriptive analysis in testing theory
C) Abstract, generalized theory
D) Systems of action

Question 35

Though they both offer a functionalist analysis of society, Merton is more likely than Parsons to:

A) Differentiate between manifest and latent functions of action
B) Highlight how dysfunctional consequences can stimulate social change
C) Highlight that deviance is not solely a consequence of faulty socialization
D) All of the above