Talcott Parsons was an influential American sociologist whose work significantly shaped the field during the mid-20th century. He is best known for developing a framework called structural functionalism, which emphasizes the interdependence of social institutions and their roles in maintaining societal stability. His theories posited that society functions like an organism, where various parts must work together to promote order and continuity. Parsons also contributed to the understanding of social action and the motivations...