"The part an actor played on stage was once written on a separate roll of paper." Who said this?

The correct answer is - Talcott Parsons

Key Points

• Talcott Parsons
  • Talcott Parsons was a renowned sociologist known for his theory of social action and structural functionalism.
  • He introduced the concept of the role in sociological analysis, which refers to the part individuals play in a given social context.
  • Parsons emphasized that roles are central to understanding how individuals function within social systems.
  • The statement about an actor’s part being written on a separate roll of paper can be linked to his work on the definition and importance of social roles.

Additional Information

• Structural Functionalism
  • A sociological perspective that views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and order.
  • Talcott Parsons was a key proponent of this theory, which sees social institutions and structures as essential components that fulfill necessary functions.
• Theory of Social Action
  • Parsons’ framework for understanding social behavior, emphasizing the subjective meaning that individuals attach to their actions within a social context.
  • This theory integrates the individual’s motivations and the broader social systems within which they operate.
• Social Role
  • Defined as the behavior expected of an individual in a particular social position or status.
  • Roles are crucial for maintaining social order and coherence, allowing predictable interactions and fulfilling societal needs.