Talcott Parsons Today: His Theory and Legacy in Contemporary Sociology

by Javier A. Trevino, Neil J. Smelser (Contribution by), A. Javier Trevino Wheaton College (Contribution by), Lawrence T. Nichols editor of The American Sociologist (Contribution by), Willaim Buxton (Contribution by)

Overview

Talcott Parsons Today offers a reappraisal—and extension—of the work of the most significant and influential twentieth-century sociologist. The volume consists of original essays by prominent Parsons scholars from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany. Finally, and most important, it makes a significant contribution to the current controversy surrounding an important sociological figure. The book consists of 10 essays, nine of which are original pieces; all are written by well-known scholars who are intimately acquainted with Parsons' body of work.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742509580
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	08/07/2001
Series:	Sociology
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	6.16(w) x 9.02(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

A. Javier Trevino is an assistant professor of sociology at Wheaton College.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 Introduction: the Theory and Legacy of Talcott Parsons Chapter 3 Parsons and Simmel at Harvard: Scientific Paradigms and Organizational Culture Chapter 4 The Place of Max Weber in the Post-Structure Writings of Talcott Parsons Chapter 5 Elias and Parsons: Two Transformations of the Problem-Historical Method Chapter 6 Parson's Second Project: The Social System - Sources, Development and Limitations Chapter 7 Social Systems and Complexity Theory Chapter 8 Can Functionalism Be Saved? Chapter 9 Networks and Systems Chapter 10 Language and the "Family" or Generalized Symbolic Media Chapter 11 Parsons's Analysis of the Societal Community Chapter 12 Empirical Sociological Theory and the Resolution of Normative Dilemmas Chapter 13 Index

Editorial Reviews

The examplary contribution of this volume to renewed understanding of a neglected scholar merits its inclusion in the core library of anyone interested in the state of sociological theory. Essential for all collections.

Choice Reviews

The contributors to Talcott Parsons Today include most of the finest Parsons scholars and some of the best sociological theorists in the world. Written well into the second decade of 'the Parsons revival,' the essays—some historical, some systematic, some critical—reflect a new level of maturity in contemporary thinking about Parsons and his continuing legacy.

Jeffrey Alexander

...the really good essays are uniquely good, and I recommend them to all sociologists who have an interest in theory.

Harold J. Bershadyn Journal of Sociology

The ten essays that comprise this unique volume not only testify to the emerging Parsonian renaissance, but also, just as importantly, constitute a significant stimulant for sociological theorizing in the new decade. Particularly relevant are those essays that bring out the richness of the later and lesser studied writings of Parsons.

Edward A. Tiryakian

The ten essays that comprise this unique volume not only testify to the emerging Parsonian renaissance, but also, just as importantly, constitute a significant stimulant for sociological theorizing in the new decade. Particularly relevant are those essays that bring out the richness of the later and lesser studied writings of Parsons.--Edward A. Tiryakian, Duke University

...the really good essays are uniquely good, and I recommend them to all sociologists who have an interest in theory.--Harold J. Bershady "American Journal of Sociology "

The contributors to Talcott Parsons Today include most of the finest Parsons scholars and some of the best sociological theorists in the world. Written well into the second decade of 'the Parsons revival, ' the essays--some historical, some systematic, some critical--reflect a new level of maturity in contemporary thinking about Parsons and his continuing legacy.--Jeffrey Alexander, Yale University

From the Publisher

The examplary contribution of this volume to renewed understanding of a neglected scholar merits its inclusion in the core library of anyone interested in the state of sociological theory. Essential for all collections.

CHOICE

The examplary contribution of this volume to renewed understanding of a neglected scholar merits its inclusion in the core library of anyone interested in the state of sociological theory. Essential for all collections.

Choice

...the really good essays are uniquely good, and I recommend them to all sociologists who have an interest in theory.
— Harold J. Bershady

American Journal of Sociology

These ten essays reassess and continue Parson's work in sociology, weighing in on the controversies which continue to surround his thought. Topics include scientific paradigms and organizational culture, Weber's influence, complexity theory, functionalism, generalized symbolic media, the social community, and normative dilemmas. Contributors include scholars of sociology, communications, and behavioral science, from the North America, Europe, and Australia. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

...the really good essays are uniquely good, and I recommend them to all sociologists who have an interest in theory.

American Journal of Sociology - Harold J. Bershady