ibutes the functions of adaptation (A) to the behavioural organism, goal attainment (G) to the personality system; integration (I) to the social system; and latency (L) to the cultural system. (Collins 1988) The structural elements of social system are treated as constants over certain ranges of variation. These four types of independently variable components include role (A), collectivity (G), norms (I) and value (L). (Waters 1994) These roughly cover the social structure from individual to social system and form the fundamental integrating principle in society. (Deflem 1998)Put simply, if members of society are committed to the same values, they share a common identity, which provides a basis for unity and cooperation, and common goals. Values provide a general conception of what is desirable and worthwhile. (Wallace et al 1999) Goals provide the direction in specific situations, while a common goal provides an incentive for cooperation. Role provides a means whereby values and goals are translated into action. The content of roles is structured in terms of norms which define the rights and obligations. (Wallace et al 1999) Norms are then seen as specific expressions of values which tend to ensure that role behaviour is standardised. These are referred to as 'system needs' and are essential to the functioning of the social system. (Wallace et al 1999) It is here that one can identify Parsons' use of many concepts. A feature of his theory is indeed the conceptual relationships he establishes. (Craib 1992)The interpenetrating and interdependency of the subsystems are imperative to Parsons' social system and evidently form an important feature of his use of the concept. (Waters 1994) He conceived a social system to be 'open' in that it engaged in continual interchange of inputs and outputs with their environments. Furthermore, another feature becomes apparent. The networking of each subsystem of the complex social system, as discussed ab...
