The Economics—Sociology Divide

Abstract

The academic divide between economics and sociology suggested by Talcott Parsons in the 1930s is based on a fundamentally mischievous and incoherent reading of various authors from the tradition of political economy. The interpretations proposed by Parsons are criticized, and it is thereby concluded that this divide has inhibited more than propitiated the intellectual commerce within social sciences, although no doubt enhancing Parsons' academic position. At any rate, it has also assured an academic recognition for sociology, if in a subalternsituation vis-à-vis economics. Further theoretical reformulations by Parsons are confirmation of previously mentioned incoherence and misunderstandings, without resolving them.

Taking a Break. Some Thoughts about Media Consumption

“…At the end (and perhaps also at its beginning), the action unit is directed at solving problems that arise in the social order (Holmwood 2006a;2006b). In other words, the social fabric is preserved intact by the deliberate actions of the actors, who strive to achieve goals that accord with their ethical and normative attitudes, performing these actions as a way to self-determination (Graça 2008). According to Parsons, the performance of a certain actor is influenced by both rationaleconomic and normative pressures (Heiskala 2007).…”