Overview
What are the fundamental elements of social systems and how do they relate to social conflict and social change? These questions have been central to all social theories from the Marxist to the postmodern. The Dynamics of Social Systems reappraises the contributions of one key tradition - functionalism - to the examination of such issues. It also demonstrates the potential neofunctionalist social theory for addressing major social problems of modern sociology, in particlar race, gender and democracy.
On the theoretical level, the book offers a critical re-evaluation and extension of the functionalist tradition, notably that branch associated with Talcott Parsons. Moving beyond orthodox functionalism's analysis of structural change, the authors outline alternative frameworks which underscore the centrality of contradictions, conflicts and crises in traditional modern societies. They elate these frameworks to those advanced by competing traditions, including Marxism and world systems theory. In addition, several essays raise the possibility of a critical liberalism, a position that recognizes both the achievements and the dark side of modernity.
Empirically, the book explores arguments for redressing inequalities between men and women and between people of different ethnic origins. A final section examines struggles to institutionalize citizenship and democracy, and developments that threaten to undermine them.
Relating social theory to central questions of politics, race and gender, the book will be of interest to students and lecturers in social theory, social change, political sociology and the sociology of knowledge.