Teori Struktural Fungsional: Talcott Parsons

Summary

This video explains the structural-functional theory, a key sociological concept developed by Talcott Parsons in the 20th century. The theory compares society to a living organism, with different subsystems like the economy, politics, and culture, each performing vital functions to maintain societal stability. Parsons introduces the AGIL framework (Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, and Latency) as essential prerequisites for a functional society. The video explores how these components work together to maintain order and cohesion, with practical examples from institutions like family and education.

Takeaways

• 😀 The structural-functional theory, developed by Talcott Parsons, is a significant sociological theory from the 20th century, primarily associated with American sociology.
• 😀 This theory compares society to a living organism, similar to how the human body functions with interdependent systems.
• 😀 According to Parsons, society consists of several subsystems, such as the economy, politics, religion, and culture, which function together as a cohesive whole.
• 😀 A crucial assumption in the theory is that society operates based on **consensus**, where different parts of society agree to cooperate and form a unified system.
• 😀 The AGIL model, which stands for **Adaptation**, **Goal Attainment**, **Integration**, and **Latency**, outlines the four functional prerequisites necessary for society to maintain stability.
• 😀 **Adaptation** means that societal subsystems must adjust to changes in the environment or to each other, like how the economy adapts to politics or religion.
• 😀 **Goal Attainment** emphasizes that society must define and achieve collective goals, with each subsystem working toward these common objectives.
• 😀 **Integration** refers to the coordination and unity of subsystems in society, ensuring that they work together harmoniously, much like how different organs of the body work together.
• 😀 **Latency** (or pattern maintenance) is about maintaining social order and values over time. This function is primarily performed by institutions like family and religion, which socialize individuals and reinforce societal norms.
• 😀 If any subsystem fails to function properly or loses its purpose, it can lead to societal instability, prompting the need for new structures to restore equilibrium and continuity.

Q & A

What is the main theory discussed in the video?

The main theory discussed is the structural-functional theory, which was developed by American sociologist Talcott Parsons. It emphasizes how society functions like an organism, with different parts or subsystems working together to maintain stability.

How does the structural-functional theory compare to other sociological theories?

Unlike many sociological theories that originated in Europe, such as those in France, Germany, or England, the structural-functional theory developed in the United States. It differs from other approaches by focusing not only on social structures but also on their functions within the society.

What is the basic analogy used in the structural-functional theory?

The basic analogy used in the theory compares society to a living organism, like the human body. Just as the body has different parts (e.g., head, limbs) that function together, society consists of subsystems (e.g., economy, politics, religion) that work together to maintain the whole system.

What does the acronym AGIL stand for, and why is it important in this theory?

AGIL stands for Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, and Latency. It represents the four functional prerequisites that society must fulfill to maintain stability and unity. Each component helps explain how different subsystems within society must interact to support the whole system.

Can you explain the concept of 'adaptation' in the AGIL model?

'Adaptation' refers to how societal subsystems, such as the economy, need to adjust to the external environment and interact with other subsystems to maintain overall social stability. For example, the economy must adapt to changes in political, cultural, or religious structures.

What is 'goal attainment' in the AGIL framework?

'Goal attainment' is the process by which the different parts of society work together to achieve larger social objectives. Just as the body’s parts work toward the survival of the organism, societal subsystems must align to reach the broader goals of society.

How does 'integration' function in the structural-functional theory?

'Integration' refers to the coordination and unity of various subsystems within society. These subsystems, such as the political, economic, and cultural systems, must work together harmoniously for the society to function efficiently and maintain stability.

What role does 'latency' play in the structural-functional theory?

'Latency' refers to the maintenance of social patterns, values, and rules. In this context, institutions like family and education play a crucial role in internalizing values through socialization, ensuring that individuals adopt societal norms and rules, which helps maintain order.

How does the concept of 'konsensus' (consensus) relate to structural-functional theory?

In structural-functional theory, society operates as a cohesive whole due to a consensus or agreement among its parts. This consensus ensures that various segments of society cooperate and function together, which is essential for the unity and stability of society.

Why is it important for the subsystems in society to remain functional according to this theory?

If any subsystem within society becomes dysfunctional or fails to perform its role, it can lead to social instability. In such cases, new structures may emerge to meet the needs of society, ensuring that the system remains balanced and functional.