Showing papers on "Social system published in 1979"

The child and its family

Abstract: Introduction: Issues in the Study of the Social Network.- 1 The Child's Social Network: Social Object, Social Functions, and Their Relationship.- 2 The Infant as a Focus for Family Reciprocity.- 3 Conceptualization of Father Influences in the Infancy Period.- 4 The Infant's Exposure to Talk by Familiar People: Mothers, Fathers, and Siblings in Different Environments.- 5 The Family as a System of Mutual Influences: Parental Beliefs, Distancing Behaviors, and Children's Representational Thinking.- 6 Self-Recognition in Chimpanzees and Man: A Developmental and Comparative Perspective.- 7 Only Children, Stereotypes, and Research.- 8 Interaction between Young Siblings in the Context of Family Relationships.- 9 Toddlers + Toys = An Autonomous Social System.- 10 The Effect of Adults on Peer Interactions.- 11 Differential Development of Various Social Relationships by Rhesus Monkey Infants.- 12 Young Children's Concepts of Social Relations: Social Functions and Social Objects.- 13 The Changing American Family and Its Implications for Infant Social Development: The Sample Case of Maternal Employment.- Author Index.

Sport and Social Systems

Abstract: * John W. Loy, Barry D. McPherson, Gerald Kenyon — \"Sport and Social Systems. A Guide to the Analysis, Problems, and Literature\", Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1978. pp. 447. There is no doubt that intensified interest in sport on the part of social sciences has during the past years yielded cognitively increasingly interesting effects in the form of a great variety of book publications. A special symptom of the maturity of these achievements are publications of the type of systematic courses, the purpose of which is to enrich the process of educating future graduates of sport academies, with special stress laid on the needs of students interested in research in the field of the so-

The Zoological Connection: Animal-Related Human Behavior

Abstract: Sociologists have been derelict in their failure to address the zoological component in human interaction and attendant social systems. Even a cursory examination of our language and other cultural inventory reveals a discernible animal influence on our social lives and behavior which has been largely neglected by sociological researchers. In this connection, several investigative directions in studying animal-related human behavior would seem to hold particular productive research promise. Research might be profitably directed at such topics as animals as social problems, ideological conflicts involving animals, the human-animal interface attendant to work, the animal as surrogate human, and animal-related crime and deviancy. As sociologists interested in understanding human behavior in all of its vagaries, we might be welladvised to add animal to the lexicon of our discipline, and so turn our research attention to the "zoological connection." We might accordingly come to perceive whole new vistas of behavioral linkages and social causation. Sociologists, among the practitioners in most of the behavioral sciences and many of the humanities, have been singularly derelict in their failure to address the zoological component in human interaction and attendant social systems. We have tended not to recognize, to overlook, to ignore, or to neglect (some critics might say deservedly so) the influence of animals, or their import for, our social behavior, our relationships with other humans, and the directions which our social enterprise often takes. Humanists have long explored the presence, function, and symbolism of animals in art, literature, and theater at various periods of history (as illustrations, see Antal and Harthan; Clark; Hastings; McSpadden; Toynbee; Zuelke). Social historians in both trade and scholarly treatises have addressed the relationship of man and various beasts in myriad social contexts, and including a wide variety of species, such as the wolf (Lopez), *Presidential address delivered at the annual meeting of the Southern Sociological Society, 1979. Many of my colleagues in the Department of Sociology at VPI & SU made valuable suggestions for this paper for which I would like to thank them. C 1979, University of North Carolina Press. 0037-7732/79/020399-21$02.30

Innovation processes in higher education

Abstract: Summary The paper contains a brief description of the research we have undertaken on innovations and innovation processes in higher education [1]. Within the framework of a larger project (a study of educational planning for Swedish Higher Education [2]), we have made seven case studies of innovation processes and tried to relate them to an attempt towards a general theory of innovations. We have built on, and tried to exemplify, the field theory of the social psychologist, Kurt Lewin [3]. This means that we view change as being realised through a form of political process, determined by the strength of the different forces within a social system. We have tried to define the characteristics of higher education as a social system and the factors which determine the nature of the various forces towards a certain type of change.

The social disorder of the broadened concept of marketing

Abstract: The concept of “social order” is fundamental to the stability of most social systems. In this paper, three dimensions of social order—drawn predominantly from the writings of Talcott Parsons—are analyzed in terms of how they are influenced by broadened marketing. The authors maintain that the widespread acceptance and application of broadened marketing,defined as marketing, is inconsistant with social order and could ultimately erode the reputation of all marketing practioners. Furthermore, such a series of events could lead to the severe regulation of marketing practices and the development of inhibitions by bright young students regarding the formal study of marketing.

The law of requisite hierarchy

Abstract: A cybernetic theory of hierarchical social systems is given, starting from an extension of Ashby's general theory of regulation and control to amplifying regulation. Regulation and control in human society are then discussed and the conditions for the existence of social classes and social hierarchy examined.

Societal Evolution and Criminality: A Parsonian View

Abstract: Consensual crimes predominate in the crime data of most countries, and consensual crimes are similarly motivated cross-nationally. These two assumptions not only justify comparisons of crime rates from one contemporary society to another, they also suggest that evolutionary studies of changing rates and types of criminality can be meaningful. Talcott Parsons, not usually thought of as a criminologist, provides a perspective on societal evolution that may explain why crime rates tend to rise and why adolescents and females tend to be more conspicuous in the crime statistics of more developed societies. Specifically, personality systems, cultural systems, social systems and behavioral systems become more autonomous in the course of societal evolution. This means that, unless a successful integrative process occurs, each system is capable of increasing crime and altering its character.

Social Theory and Models in Social Indicator Research

Abstract: In 1971 Land argued that a social indicator should be a component, that is a parameter or a variable, in a sociological model of a social system or some segment of a social system. This was the first strong suggestion that social indicators needed to be more than some sort of statistical series. Lineberry et al, writing on the use of indicators by municipalities, warned that the first conceptual limitation which should be identified when promoting social indicator use must be the poor record of indicators in detecting causal relationships among various factors contributing to a specific social problem. They attribute this inability to the general lack of social theory. Bunge points out that the very definition of a social indicator of some life quality contains a causal notion relating that indicator to well‐being. This would be acceptable if there were a science of well‐being or at least some reasonable model. He goes on “since no such thing has been constructed so far, we are forced to use our treacherous common‐sense to an extent that is uncommon in science. Which is a polite way of saying that, so far, the study of the quality of life has not been thoroughly scientific.”

The Applicability of Parson's Theory of the Social System to Blacks in Urban Places.

Abstract: The contributions of Talcott Parsons to the discipline of sociology are eminent. He has provided the sociological world with significant interpretations of the society as he sees it; but, none of these is more important or interesting than his theory of the social system. Since Parsons' theoretical output is voluminous, he is, to be sure, not without controversy. Indeed, he has been accused of couching his writings with verbosity, making it difficult, at times, for the reader to understand his true points. Moreover, such a proliferation of works, it is said, tends to invite many ambiguities. Nonetheless, we must recognize that investigations and theoretical offerings of social scientists quite frequently become social policy-sometimes formally as through law; sometimes informally as through custom. The point is, of course, that the social scientist does not necessarily have to be actively engaged in social action: his observations and findings may provide impetus for social action. The resultant social action, in any case, may be either overt or covert-some astute power wielders, perhaps, may prefer to use both means. On the other hand, a social policy of non-action may be a dire consequence of social theory. It is for this reason that Parsons' theory of the social system, with its emphasis on functionalism, boundary maintenance, and equilibrium, works to the disadvantage of Blacks in urban places. We know that history is only beginning to reveal more accurately why Blacks in the United States of America emigrated from rural areas of the South to urban areas of the South and North, especially the North. The preponderance of social injustice that caused such an outflow of persons will not be entered into here. We know, however, that the immigrant urban Black, though his locale had changed, immediately realized that social injustice had not. In some instances, the kinds of problems encountered had changed, in others it was the degree of intensity which varied.

Social Aspects of Water Resources Planning

Abstract: Although social goals have always been considered to some extent in major water programs, treating social concerns in a systematic manner is a recent feature of water planning. This reflects a growing understanding of social systems, recognition that planning is better when social factors are considered, and legal requirements for assessing social inmpacts. From 1776 to 1925, water management structures were small and there was little Federal involvement. Although planning methodology was meager, social factors were given substantial attention. From 1925 to 1960, an era of building large water management structures, there was a strong belief in the efficacy of structural solutions. From 1960 to the present, evidence accumulated on adverse effects of projects in such magnitude that planning procedures and goals were modified to give greater attention to equity and social impacts. Public involvement in planning was mandated. These developments appear to be leading towards the end of the long separation of the social sciences and engineering.

Typology for family policy research

Abstract: Gerald W. McDonald, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Sociology and Co-director of Interdivisional Doctoral Program in Marriage and Family, Florida State University, Tallahassee. A version of this article was presented at the Society for the Study of Social Problems, San Francisco, California, 1978. As the United States has increaspublic policy often has unintended as ingly taken on the characteristics of a well as intended consequences not welfare society, it has used the legisonly for the individuals and social sys lation of public policy and the develterns addressed, but for related social opment of related social programs as systems. This awareness has resulted its major approach to confronting and in attempts to obtain ( 1 ) a clearer pic alleviating social problems (Romanyture, at the time policy is being de shyn, 1971). Until recently, however, veloped, of the actual condition of most decision-making groups in the the social system to which policy is area of social policy seemed to hold directed, (2) an empirical assessment, the simplistic notion that if programs during the period a policy or program were implemented accurately, followis functioning, of its consequences ing stated guidelines of quality con(whether anticipated or actual, in trol, policy goals could be determined tended or unintended) in relation to and met in a straightforward fashion. that social system, and (3) an evalua This approach has too often been tion of the impact that the changing based on at least three faulty assumpsocial system has upon the functioning tions: (1) that the information availand development of policies and pro able to policymakers concerning the grams. individuals or social systems toward Policymakers have taken a particu which their efforts are directed is comlar interest recently in the family so prehensive enough to allow the develcial system, which is affected in a opment of informed public policies, variety of ways by decisions in the (2) that policies and their resultant area of public policy. Although most program goals are, or can be, formupublic policy is directed toward indi lated in a manner that is sufficiently viduals, it affects not only individuals clear and concise to allow implemenbut the families to which they belong, tation of the programs and the achieveThis emphasis upon the relationship of ment of goals, and (3) that the develpublic policy to the structure and opment of policies or programs will processes of the family has created a automatically result in the achievenew area of study known as family ment of goals and the alleviation of policy research, particular social problems. Family policy, or the lack thereof, Since the 1960s, the nation has had has been under discussion in the the painful experience of expending United States for several decades large quantities of money and re(Frank, 1948; Schorr, 1962; Moyni sources on unsuccessful public policies han, 1965; Cohen and Connery, 1967; and social programs. In many cases, Schottland, 1967; Winston, 1969; and programs have resulted in the escalaSussman, 1971). However, the strong tion of the social problems they were est expression of the need for scholars intended to alleviate. As a result, poland researchers who specialize in the icymakers and others contributing to family to contribute to the policymak decisions in this field have increasing process was made by Urie Bronfen ingly been held accountable for the brenner, Margaret Mead, and Edward relative success or failure of programs. Zigler during the 1973 hearings of the Therefore, social planners have begun U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Chil to recognize the necessity of taking dren and Youth (American Families, more care in formulating, implement1974). The subcommittee was pre ing, and evaluating public policy. As sided over by Senator Walter Mon a result of this need to assess the effecdale, who later repeatedly stressed the tiveness as well as the efficiency of theme of the hearings. After Mondale public policies and programs, there became the vice-presidential candidate has been an increase in attempts to in 1976, Jimmy Carter began to em develop sophisticated methodological phasize this theme in his presidential and statistical techniques for conductcampaign and has continued to stress ing such analyses. the issue since being elected. An ex Another major reason for this conample of this interest is the Family cern is the growing awareness that Impact Seminar, which is being con

Institutions, Reproduction, Socialisation

Abstract: In the preceding paper, I deferred consideration of problems of institutional analysis, and it is these I shall concentrate upon in the sections which follow. I distinguish ‘institution’ from ‘social system’ or ‘collectivity’. Institutions, to quote Radcliffe-Brown, may be regarded as ‘standardised modes of behaviour’1 which play a basic part in the time-space constitution of social systems. The standardisation of behaviour in time-space, as I have emphasised in the foregoing discussion, involves its chronic reconstitution in contingent contexts of day-to-day social activity. Temporality enters into the reproduction of social systems in a threefold way: 1. In the immediate nexus of interaction, as contingently accomplished or ‘brought off’ by actors, social reproduction in its most elemental sense. 2. In the reproduction of the personnel of social systems, as beings with a finite life-span, Sein zum Tode, anchored of course in biological reproduction. 3. In the reproduction of institutions, sedimented in the longue duree of historical time.

Specifying Sociological Options and Social Welfare Strategies

Abstract: As a profession, social work applies knowledge constructs from various social sciences. In this article attention is given to the relation between sociology and social work. The specific areas reviewed include conceptions of the social arrangement, the role of complex organizations, and social change theories. Each of these three broad areas have internal variations which have implications for sociology, social work, and attempts to integrate the two. Social work, like other professions, is oriented to applying knowledge which, in part, is derived from academic disciplines. In recent years, social work has been conspicuous in its attempts to move beyond its traditional relationship with the discipline of psychology. One of the specific disciplines which social work is looking to with renewed interest is sociology. In examining possible relations between sociology and social work, Alfred McLung Lee Pas recently stressed the shared base of humanism within both fields. What this paper attempts to do is look at the possible relations between sociology and social work in light of three interrelated substantive points. They are: (1) the nature of social arrangements, and how sociologists and social workers might choose to conceptualize social arrangements; (2) the preferred versus the actual state of the welfare institution in light of organizational theory and behavior; (3) a discussion of status and role relations of professionals and consumers in applied social change efforts. These three points are affected by developments in sociological theory and research concerning society, complex organizations, and social change. CONCEPTIONS OF THE SOCIAL ARRANGEMENT In broad social theory, we are all aware of the two general contending points of view, namely Order Theory and Conflict Theory. Order theory basically proceeds from the conceptual question of how cohesion stability and identity of the social system is achieved. In answering this question there is derived a conceptual emphasis upon the major concepts of values and norms. More specifically any social arrangement is said to be

Fractured weber: A critique of parsons' interpetation

Abstract: The authors argue that Parsons, through commitment to his “convergence thesis” and to his structural-functionalism coupled with his biological evolutionism, misrepresents Weber. Parsons arbitrarily applies to the Weberian tradition his own criteria biased against history. His general theoretical focus inclines toward the tradition of the functionalist Durkheim and that of the evolutionist Spencer. The authors contend that the later metamorphosis of Parsons' general theory of action into a theory of social systems has resulted in an abstract conception of social reality that is incongrous with Weber's view. The source of the Parsonian bias is further traced in his psychologization of Weber. Finally, it is asserted that Parsons represents a case of a-historicism incompatible with the Weberian tradition, with the consequence that the important contributions of Weber's historical sociology for the understanding of social change in the modern world are lost.

Social role discrepancies as clues to practice

Abstract: Martha W. Chescheir, DSW, is Assistant Professor, National Catholic School of Social Service, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Over the years, the knowledge base notice social inequities, the inadequa of social work practice has expanded cies of resources, ethnic differences, to include intersystemic and interperand the impact of powerful others oil sonal as well as intrapsychic processes, weak or relatively helpless clients or and generic practitioners often face client groups. The intervention se complex decisions about which theolected by these practitioners is likely retical framework to use and whether to be social change, client advocacy, to choose an intervention that emphanegotiation, and the manipulation of sizes the individual, a group, or some power groups, large social system. All social workSocial workers oriented to the in ers know that the basic person/situadividual concern themselves with tion configuration of practice theory what has happened in a client's past, makes it possible to work with indiThey tend to locate problems in the vidual clients or groups of clients person and in his characterological toward either internal or external makeup and to emphasize such factors change. Nevertheless, in the last decas underlying motivation, unconscious ade, the emphasis has been on working thoughts and fantasies, and mani with the interpersonal aspects of the festations of internal resistance to person/situation gestalt because this change. Intrapsychic treatment most middle position between the intraoften means slowly building relation psychic and intersystemic approaches ships, restructuring defenses, and includes the possibility of changes in working through internal conflicts, all three spheres and makes it easier Practitioners adopting the interper to move in either direction depending sonal perspective consider and work on the needs of the case. The underwith interactive phenomena, paying standing of this middle position has special attention to patterns of corn remained clouded, however, because munication and to the social role as combining personality and sociologiit is played out in family units or cal theories tends to create theoretical small groups. For these social work fuzziness. ers, treatment includes reeducation, This article suggests that it is posresocialization, and the kinds of di sible for the generic practitioner to rected behavioral change that can be reduce this theoretical confusion by accomplished through active partici understanding three basic concepts— pation of the worker in the client's character structure, role, and social immediate concerns, structure—and their relationship to Even the practitioner who recog the three corresponding realms of nizes that all three perspectives have practice—intrapsychic, interpersonal, merit when appropriately selected of and intersystemic. The article further ten has difficulty knowing which proposes a scheme for interpreting the method to use under which sets of concept of social role in such a way circumstances. What has happened as that it can be used diagnostically to a result of the proliferation of theo determine whether more attention ries regarding psychosocial treatment should be given to personal or situais that we social workers quarrel tional goals in a particular case. among ourselves about which perspec Each of the three realms of practice tive is best, often not recognizing that attends to a unit of a different size the various theories offer explanations and offers a different theory of perfor different sets of phenomena. In sonality development or social organithe end, we rely on our personal and zation. Each psychological or sociotheoretical preferences, rather than logical theory highlights a different on selecting the most appropriate set of phenomena, and this, in turn, treatment for the clients, dictates a different course of action Figure 1 presents a version of the for the social work practitioner. Those person/situation paradigm that has who approach a case by looking first been expanded to include a generic at the system tend to emphasize exinterpretation of the various realms ternal factors and to explain what of practice.1 What this view of the they see in broad social terms. They treatment continuum implies is that