Question

Which of the following are types of pattern variable as per Talcott Parsons?
A. Affectivity vs Affective neutrality
B. Structural vs formal constraints
C. Organisation vs Institutional structure
D. Specificity vs Diffusion
E. Collective vs self orientation
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B, C Only
• B. A, D, E Only
• C. B, C, D Only
• D. C, D, E Only

Hint:

Remember the five dilemmas: Affectivity, Collectivity, Universalism, Ascription, and Specificity. These are the "choices" actors make!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Talcott Parsons developed the "pattern variables" to represent the five binary dilemmas that actors face when making decisions in social systems.

Step 1: The five variables are: Affectivity/Affective Neutrality, Self-orientation/Collectivity-orientation, Universalism/Particularism, Ascription/Achievement, and Specificity/Diffuseness.

Step 2: "Affectivity vs Affective neutrality" (A), "Specificity vs Diffusion" (D), and "Collective vs self orientation" (E) align exactly with these established theoretical categories.

Step 3: "Structural vs formal constraints" (B) and "Organisation vs Institutional structure" (C) do not appear in Parsons' list of binary dilemmas for social action.

Step 4: The identified components—A, D, and E—correctly categorize the choices an actor must make according to the Parsonian system.

Step 5: Because A, D, and E are valid pattern variables, option (2) is the correct choice. $$\boxed{\text{(2) A, D, E Only}}$$