Exercise 1
Go to http://socserv2.mcmaster.ca/soc/courses/soc2r3/sf/parsons.htm. Read the notes on Talcott Parsons's sociological theory and answer the following questions:
a. What are the two dominant elements of American stratification?
b. What does Parsons have to say about the separation of sex roles?
c. What is Parsons's definition of social stratification?
d. How does it differ from other definitions of social stratification?
Exercise 2
Go to http://www.soci.canterbury.ac.nz/biograph/parsons.htm. Read the biography of Talcott Parsons and answer the following questions:
a. According to this biographical sketch of Parsons, what was the aim of Parsons's project?
b. What does socialization require?
c. What concept provides the bridge between action and structure?
d. What are the criticisms of Parsons listed in this sketch? Do you agree or disagree?
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2004 McGraw-Hill Higher Education