Conclusion

Abstract

It is not possible to summarise here the points made above or to attempt some ‘explanation’ as to where the conceptual problems argued for above originated from. I have maintained that there is no ‘core problem’ from which Parsons’ difficulties stem, but that there is a series of points at which theoretical shortcomings can be designated. The conclusion of this work is, therefore, that Parsonian theory, whether epistemological or sociological, is not a coherent body of concepts on which to base a social theory.