THE NATIONAL LAW INSTITUTE UNIVERSITY,

BHOPAL

In the partial fulfilment for the requirement of the project on the subject of Sociology of B.A.,
L.L.B (Hons.), First Trimester.

Submitted on 6th August 2018

Synopsis

Topic: - The Social System Theory

Submitted to: -
Dr. Bir Pal Singh

Submitted by: -
1. Tejas Sateesha Hinder (2018BALLB69)
2. Sanchit Kaushik (2018BALLB71)
3. Durgesh Yadav (2018BALLB72)
4. Ashutosh Prasad (2018BALLB64)
5. Suraj Shekhar Singh (2018BALLB96)
 THE NATIONAL LAW INSTITUTE UNIVERSITY,
BHOPAL
Introduction: -

This project is an attempt to study the social system theory, as propounded by Loomis, Talcott
Parsons, Mitchell and Luhmann, and also criticism of the concept of social system by Anthony
Giddens.

The concept of social system is very much related to the concept of social structure as the former
is functional aspect of the later. The term ‘social system’ signifies patterned relationships among
the constituent parts of the social system which is based on functional relations and which makes
these parts active and bind them into a single entity. A social system is thus an orderly and
systematic arrangement of social interactions. Within the social system there are various sub-
systems like educational system, political system, religious system, etc.

Statement of Problem: -

Social System has been defined differently by different scholars, resulting in varied theories of
social system, as a result of varied perspectives. Generally, it is defined as the patterned network
of relationships constituting a coherent whole that exist between individuals, groups, and
institutions. Social systems are not concrete, directly observable entities but rather analytically
defined domains of objects. They can be identified only by abstracting social interaction,
relationships, and institutions from environing phenomena—physical-chemical, biological,
psychological, and cultural.

Objectives of the Study: -

1. To understand the varying idea of the concept of social system through a comparative
analysis of the views propounded by different sociologists on the concept of social system
theory.
2. To analyse the definitions and views put forward by Loomis, Talcott Parsons, Mitchell and
Luhmann on the concept of social system.
3. To study the classification of social system, the reason behind the classification of the same
and to understand each structure of social system.
4. To study and understand the criticism of the concept of social system by Anthony Giddens
and identify the reasons behind the same.
 THE NATIONAL LAW INSTITUTE UNIVERSITY,
BHOPAL
Hypothesis: -

A social system is defined as a patterned network of relationships constituting a coherent whole

that exist between individuals, groups, and institutions. A social system is composed of persons
or groups of persons who interact and mutually influence each other’s behavior. Social systems
do not possess emergent properties over and above the social actors who compromise them.

Method of Study: -

The present research work is based on doctrinal method of data collection.

Chapterization: -

1. Introduction.
2. Definition of Society and Social System by different sociologists.
3. The AGIL model.
4. Classification of Social Systems.
5. Concept of Social System according to Bhushan and Sachdeva.
6. Critical Analysis of the ideas and views of Bhushan and Sachdeva on Social Systems.
7. Loomis’ concept of Social System.
8. Critical Analysis of Loomis’ concept of Social System.
9. Parsons’ concept of Social System.
10. Critical Analysis of Parsons’ concept of Social System.
11. Concept of Social System according to Mitchell.
12. Critical Analysis of Mitchell’s concept of Social System.
13. Luhmann’s Concept of Social Systems.
14. Critical Analysis of Luhmann’s concept of Social Systems.
15. Contemporary Theory of Social System.
16. Anthony Giddens’ criticism of the concept of Social System.

Conclusion: -

Social system is based on social interaction, which should be meaningful. The parts of social system
are related on the basis of functional relationship. Social systems change with time and space.

Bibliography: -