Parsons, Talcott (1902–1979) |
American sociologist, a methodological individualist and system theorist inspired by Durkheim and Weber, who attempted to establish a synthesis of these two classical theoretical orientations. Parsons played a decisive role in introducing European sociology to the USA, and during the 1950's attained a dominant influence in American sociology. He collaborated extensively with Alfred Kroeber, Clyde Kluckhohn and other American anthropologists, and in 1958 published an article with Kroeber that attempted to define and separate the academic territories of anthropology (which studied "culture" - symbolism and meaning) and sociology (that studied "society" - institutions and interaction).