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 behind human behavior. He introduced models such as the AGIL framework, which outlines four functional prerequisites that any social system must fulfill: adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency. This model reflects his belief in the importance of cooperation and consensus within societal structures. In addition to his theoretical contributions, Parsons was instrumental in the establishment of sociology as a mainstream academic discipline in the United States. His writings helped to bridge European social theory and American empirical research, making his work foundational for future sociologists. Despite some criticisms, his influence endures, and his concepts continue to be explored and debated in contemporary sociological discourse. Talcott Parsons was an influential sociologist whose work shaped the field of sociology in the mid-20th century. His structural functionalism framework highlighted the interdependence of social institutions and their roles in maintaining order. He viewed society as an organism, emphasizing the need for different parts to work together for stability. His contributions to understanding social action and human behavior included the AGIL framework, which identifies four essential functions for social systems: adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency. Parsons believed that consensus and cooperation were vital for societal operation. Parsons played a critical role in establishing sociology as a recognized academic discipline in the U.S. His ability to connect European theoretical perspectives with American empirical research laid the groundwork for future sociological thought. Despite facing critiques, his work remains significant and continues to influence contemporary sociology.