Question

Match Talcott Parsons’ functional pre-requisites in Column I with the associated social institutions in Column II.

 

• A. M-3; N-1; O-4; P-2
• B. M-4; N-3; O-2; P-1
• C. M-1; N-2; O-3; P-4
• D. M-2; N-3; O-4; P-1

Hint:

Use the AGIL acronym to remember Parsons' framework: A – Adaptation (Economy), G – Goal Attainment (Government), I – Integration (Law), L – Latency (Religion).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand Parsons’ AGIL Scheme

Talcott Parsons proposed four functional prerequisites for any social system:

A – Adaptation: The system must adapt to its environment – fulfilled by the economy.
G – Goal Attainment: The system must define and achieve goals – fulfilled by the government.
I – Integration: The system must maintain internal order and cohesion – fulfilled by law.
L – Latency (Pattern Maintenance): The system must maintain and renew motivation and cultural patterns – fulfilled by religion.

Step 2: Match with Column I and II

M. Adaptation → 4. Economy
N. Goal Attainment → 3. Government
O. Integration → 2. Law
P. Latency → 1. Religion