Sociology I · Topic
Talcott Parsons
The social system, AGIL and the pattern variables.
63 UPSC Mains Sociology I questions on Talcott Parsons that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
How do Weber and Parsons differ in their understanding of power?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Power and ElitesMax Weber
Law entails two interrelated processes: the institutionalization and the internalization of patterns of behaviour. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Nation, State and CitizenshipTalcott Parsons
“Parsons regarded power differential as necessary for the effective pursuit of collective goals.” Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Talcott ParsonsPower and Elites
Compare and contrast Talcott Parson with Karl Marx with respect to their views on social change.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Theories and Agents of Social ChangeTalcott Parsons
Compare and contrast Talcott Parsons with Karl Marx with respect to their views on social change.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2015
Theories and Agents of Social ChangeKarl Marx
What are functional pre requisites? Elaborate on the function pre requisites of modern societies.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Talcott Parsons
Examine role of pattern variables in understanding of social systems.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Talcott Parsons
While economic changes might prove to be an initial stimulus, Parsons believed that in the long run cultural changes determine the broadest pattern of change. Elaborate.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Talcott ParsonsTheories and Agents of Social Change
Indian society is still in a state of transition. Using the concept of Pattern variable, account for the contradictions present in Indian society today?
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Talcott Parsons
Pattern variables, provides the overall direction in which most members of a social system choose their roles but this can be really different from real life settings. In light of this critically discuss Parson's concept of Pattern variables.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Talcott Parsons
Talcott Parsons' theory of social system has been criticised as veiled status quoist ideology. Critically examine.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Talcott Parsons
Discuss the linkage between religion and economy in the light of Max Weber's 'Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism'. (b) Critically examine Marx's theory of class struggle and its relevance in the contemporary society. (c) Critically evaluate the 'Pattern Variables' of Talcott Parsons.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
Max WeberKarl Marx
While classical pluralists have some similarities with Parson's functionalist theory but it also differs from it in many important aspects. Examine.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Power and ElitesTalcott Parsons
What do you understand by social action? How did Parsons use them for describing social systems?
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Talcott ParsonsMax Weber
Outline Talcott Parsons' functional prerequisites of a social system and evaluate them in the context of a university as a social system.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Talcott Parsons
To what an extent can power be viewed as constant sum game? Elucidate with suitable examples. What is social action? And how is Parsons social action different from Weber's social action?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Max WeberTalcott Parsons
Examine how according to Talcott Parson 'pattern-variables' lead to the understanding of different empirical social-systems.
25 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
Talcott Parsons
Briefly discuss the functional pre requisites of social systems by Talcott Parsons.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Talcott Parsons
Historical Materialism is economic determinism While classical pluralist have some similarities with Parsons functionalist theory but it also differs from it on many important aspects. Examine
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Karl MarxTalcott Parsons
What is the Parsonian view on social equilibrium?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Talcott Parsons
Briefly discuss the functional prerequisites of social systems by TP
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Talcott Parsons
Critically examine the concept of 'Pattern Variables' as formulated by Talcott Parsons.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Talcott Parsons
Explain how Talcott Parsons's conception of pattern variables is a link between his theory of 'Social Action' and 'social system'.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Talcott Parsons
Describe Talcott Parsons' theory of social system. Explain the dynamics of moving equilibrium taking State as a social system.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Talcott Parsons
Compare and contrast the Marxian and Parsonian perspectives on social change, highlighting their respective conceptual frameworks and underlying assumptions. Furthermore, evaluate the relevance of each perspective in understanding and addressing social development in contemporary India.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Theories and Agents of Social ChangeKarl Marx
Parsonian combined the Weberian notion of subjective aspect of social action with the Durkheimian notion of objective contents of social facts. Explain.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Talcott ParsonsMax Weber
Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. (a) The key to Marx's critique of capitalism is his theory of surplus-value. Analyse. (b) Merton's functional paradigm. (c) AGIL framework for tribal society in India. (d) Wert-rational action with example. (e) Social Strain Theory.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Karl MarxRobert K. Merton
Elucidate on the functional imperatives for social systems.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Talcott Parsons
Talcott Parsons in his 'Social system' explained interrelations between subsystem through the 'cybernetic theory of hierarchy'. Explain the Cybernetic theory of hierarchy of Talcott Parsons? (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Talcott Parsons
Answer the following in about 150 words each: 1. Durkheim, in the way of Augustus Comte, tries to establish Sociology as a science of society, with social fact as the scope of Sociology. Discuss the characteristics of social fact and its relevance with the rate of suicide. 2. Merton, following Durkheim's path, puts forth that Anomie has existence in social structure. Discuss. 3. Keith Hart puts forth that expansion of capitalism results in informal organisations. Discuss. 4. Talcott Parsons, through his work 'The social system', shows how different action systems are linked and work coordinatively for social order. Discuss.
20 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Emile DurkheimRobert K. Merton