Theories of Society: Action and Structural.

Two of the major theories of society are: the Social Structure Theory and the Social Action Theory. In the following essay I will discuss the key concepts of both theories and then proceed to show the similarities and differences between both theories.
The Social Structure Theory that is the focus of this essay is the Functionalist approach. Two key theorists in this field are Durkheim – who worked on suicide and religion – and Parsons – who worked with the family. Functionalists view the various institutions of society [Family, education, religion, law] as being reciprocal and thus to understand any single part of society the society as a whole must be studied. Durkhiem and Parsons saw society in the form of a biological analogy, in that each parts of society were seen to be working together to the benefit of the other parts. Also each part of society depended on the other parts of society in order to function. For instance, in the Human body there are many vital organs an...