Talcott Parsons and the Social System: 10 Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Talcott Parsons' contribution to sociology?

• A) Structural Functionalism
• B) Conflict Theory
• C) Symbolic Interactionism
• D) Postmodernism
• Answer: A) Structural Functionalism

2. Which term is associated with Talcott Parsons' idea that social systems tend to maintain stability and equilibrium?

• A) Social Conflict
• B) Social Change
• C) Social Order
• D) Social Deviance
• Answer: C) Social Order

3. According to Talcott Parsons, what is the primary function of institutions in a society?

• A) Disruption
• B) Stability
• C) Conflict
• D) Change
• Answer: B) Stability

4. Talcott Parsons introduced the concept of AGIL to describe the functional prerequisites of a social system. What does AGIL stand for?

• A) Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, Latency
• B) Agency, Goals, Interaction, Learning
• C) Analysis, Growth, Inclusion, Leadership
• D) Awareness, Guidance, Individuality, Liberty
• Answer: A) Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, Latency

5. In Talcott Parsons' system, what does "Latency" refer to?

• A) Social Conflict
• B) Social Change
• C) Pattern Maintenance
• D) Cultural Transmission
• Answer: D) Cultural Transmission

6. Talcott Parsons argued that individuals are motivated by a desire for:

• A) Power
• B) Wealth
• C) Success
• D) Approval
• Answer: D) Approval

7. Which of the following theorists is often considered a precursor to Talcott Parsons in developing the concept of social systems?

• A) Max Weber
• B) Karl Marx
• C) Emile Durkheim
• D) Herbert Spencer
• Answer: D) Herbert Spencer

8. Talcott Parsons' pattern variables include the distinction between:

• A) Tradition and Modernity
• B) Universalism and Particularism
• C) Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft
• D) Materialism and Idealism
• Answer: B) Universalism and Particularism

9. According to Talcott Parsons, which subsystem of the social system is responsible for the goal-setting process?

• A) Adaptation
• B) Goal Attainment
• C) Integration
• D) Latency
• Answer: B) Goal Attainment

10. Talcott Parsons' work heavily influenced the development of:

• A) Postmodernism
• B) Feminist Theory
• C) Symbolic Interactionism
• D) Systems Theory
• Answer: D) Systems Theory