Emerald Guide to Talcott Parsons

John Scott is a highly distinguished sociologist, a Fellow of the British Academy, a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and was awarded a CBE for services to social science. The author of over 40 books, he is currently Visiting Professor at the Universities of Exeter, Essex, and Copenhagen.

'Talcott Parsons’ theories remain central to the developing tradition of sociological theory, but access to his work has been difficult. His writings are complex and often shrouded in a unique terminology. Finally, there is a clear and direct way to engage his work. John Scott has written the first text that is both accurate and comprehensive. It is also a pleasant read. Students of sociological theory and professionals who have not studied Parsons intensively will enjoy and benefit from Professor Scott’s landmark achievement.'

• Chapter 1. Talcott Parsons and American Sociology Chapter 2. Parsons, Economics, and Sociology Chapter 3. The Sociology is About to Begin! Chapter 4. Outlines of a Sociological Theory Chapter 5. A Theory of the Social System Chapter 6. Refining the Functional Basis Chapter 7. A Revised Theory of the Social System Chapter 8. Evolution, Modernity, and American SocietyChapter 9. Action, Society, and the Human Condition Chapter 10. Parsons: Looking ForwardAppendix 1: Conspectus of Parsons’s Principal Works Appendix 2: Sources and Further Reading