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Sociology Optional PYQ Solutions · Model answer

What is ‘social action’? What is its place in the analytical frameworks of Max Weber and Talcott Parsons?

  • UPSC 1986
  • Sociological Thinkers

Social action is human conduct that carries meaning for the actor and is directed towards other people. Max Weber made it the starting point of sociology. Talcott Parsons made it the building block of a general theory of systems. The concept is shared, but its place in each framework is very different.

You are reading the opening of the model answer. The full answer is part of Sociology Optional PYQ Solutions.

What the full answer covers

  • Meaning of social action
  • Place in Weber's framework: the foundation
  • Place in Parsons' framework: from unit act to system
  • Comparison
  • Illustration
  • Conclusion

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