Explain the concept of and specifically define all of Parsons’s pattern variables.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

In Toward a General Theory of Action (1951), Parsons and Shils develop a set of concepts called the pattern variables. The pattern variables are a set of five “choices” that, akin to the AGIL scheme, apply not only to the individual level but to the collective level as well. They refer at once to the variant normative priorities of social systems, the dominant modes of orientation in personality systems, and the patterns of values in cultural systems. A pattern variable is :a dichotomy that describes alternatives of action between which each person (or group) has to choose in every situation. The actions are shaped by the personality, cultural, and social systems. First we have Affectivity/Affective-Neutrality. With affectivity, emotional impulses are gratified; while with Affective-neutrality emotional impulses are inhibited.
The next binary is Self-Orientation/Collectivity-Orientation. In Self-orientation, action is based on the actor’s own interests, needs, and goals; whereas with Collectivity-orientation action is based on what is best for the “collectivity.” Then there is the Universalism/Particularism binary. With Universalism action is based on “general standards” or universal laws and moral rules while with Particularism action is based on the priority and attachment actors place on relationships and situations. With the Ascription/Achievement binary, in Ascription action based on given attributes (race, sex, age) whereas with Achievement action is based on performance. The final binary is Specificity/Diffuseness. With Specificity action is based on specific criteria/roles whereas Diffuseness is open guidelines for action.