Q.1 Who is most associated with the development of sociological systems theory?
Talcott Parsons
Karl Marx
Max Weber
Émile Durkheim
Explanation - Talcott Parsons is considered the key figure in developing sociological systems theory, emphasizing the interrelation of social institutions.
Correct answer is: Talcott Parsons
Q.2 In systems theory, a 'system' is best understood as:
A collection of unrelated parts
An organized whole with interdependent parts
A static set of rules
A political institution
Explanation - Systems theory defines a system as an organized whole whose parts interact and depend on one another for stability.
Correct answer is: An organized whole with interdependent parts
Q.3 Which of the following is NOT a subsystem in Parsons’ AGIL model?
Adaptation
Growth
Integration
Latency
Explanation - Parsons’ AGIL model includes Adaptation, Goal attainment, Integration, and Latency—not Growth.
Correct answer is: Growth
Q.4 In the AGIL model, the function of 'Adaptation' refers to:
Managing cultural values
Mobilizing resources from the environment
Maintaining social order
Defining collective goals
Explanation - Adaptation involves acquiring and utilizing resources to ensure the survival of the system.
Correct answer is: Mobilizing resources from the environment
Q.5 Who extended systems theory to communication in society?
Niklas Luhmann
Anthony Giddens
Herbert Spencer
George Herbert Mead
Explanation - Luhmann expanded systems theory by focusing on communication as the core of social systems.
Correct answer is: Niklas Luhmann
Q.6 In systems theory, 'equilibrium' refers to:
Total absence of change
Balance maintained through interactions
Conflict avoidance
A legal framework
Explanation - Equilibrium in systems theory refers to a balance that systems maintain through self-regulation, despite ongoing changes.
Correct answer is: Balance maintained through interactions
Q.7 Parsons described society as a:
Conflict system
Mechanical system
Social system
Evolutionary system
Explanation - Parsons defined society as a social system composed of interdependent institutions performing necessary functions.
Correct answer is: Social system
Q.8 Which subsystem in Parsons’ AGIL model is responsible for achieving societal objectives?
Adaptation
Goal attainment
Integration
Latency
Explanation - Goal attainment involves defining and pursuing collective objectives, often managed by political institutions.
Correct answer is: Goal attainment
Q.9 The function of 'Integration' in the AGIL model focuses on:
Coordinating relationships among subsystems
Providing cultural meaning
Acquiring resources
Achieving goals
Explanation - Integration ensures cohesion and coordination between the parts of the social system.
Correct answer is: Coordinating relationships among subsystems
Q.10 Which of the following describes 'Latency' in Parsons’ AGIL framework?
Preserving cultural patterns and values
Balancing political power
Managing economic needs
Resolving social conflicts
Explanation - Latency maintains cultural values and social motivations, ensuring long-term stability.
Correct answer is: Preserving cultural patterns and values
Q.11 According to systems theory, feedback is:
The process of rejecting change
The mechanism by which systems self-regulate
A form of government control
An economic resource
Explanation - Feedback is how systems adjust and maintain balance by responding to changes.
Correct answer is: The mechanism by which systems self-regulate
Q.12 Niklas Luhmann emphasized that society is composed of:
Individuals
Roles
Institutions
Communications
Explanation - Luhmann argued that communication—not individuals—is the basic element of social systems.
Correct answer is: Communications
Q.13 Which earlier sociologist influenced Parsons' systems theory?
Karl Marx
Émile Durkheim
Georg Simmel
Herbert Spencer
Explanation - Durkheim’s focus on social solidarity and functions influenced Parsons’ systems approach.
Correct answer is: Émile Durkheim
Q.14 A system that interacts with its environment is called a:
Closed system
Open system
Static system
Normative system
Explanation - Open systems interact with their environment, exchanging resources and influences.
Correct answer is: Open system
Q.15 Which concept in systems theory is closest to the idea of homeostasis in biology?
Feedback
Adaptation
Equilibrium
Latency
Explanation - Equilibrium in social systems parallels homeostasis in biology, focusing on balance.
Correct answer is: Equilibrium
Q.16 Luhmann’s systems theory is often described as:
Functionalist
Conflict-oriented
Symbolic interactionist
Structuralist
Explanation - Though more abstract, Luhmann’s systems theory remains rooted in a functionalist perspective.
Correct answer is: Functionalist
Q.17 In systems theory, 'boundary' refers to:
The separation between politics and economy
The line distinguishing a system from its environment
A legal restriction
An organizational rule
Explanation - Boundaries separate systems from their environments while regulating exchanges.
Correct answer is: The line distinguishing a system from its environment
Q.18 In Parsons’ theory, the economy primarily fulfills which AGIL function?
Adaptation
Goal attainment
Integration
Latency
Explanation - The economy enables adaptation by mobilizing resources and adjusting to environmental demands.
Correct answer is: Adaptation
Q.19 What is the key criticism of Parsons’ systems theory?
It ignores cultural values
It overemphasizes stability and consensus
It neglects the role of communication
It focuses too much on conflict
Explanation - Critics argue that Parsons’ theory downplays conflict and change in society.
Correct answer is: It overemphasizes stability and consensus
Q.20 Which concept best represents how systems maintain continuity despite changes?
Disruption
Feedback
Equilibrium
Boundary
Explanation - Feedback loops allow systems to adjust and maintain continuity over time.
Correct answer is: Feedback
Q.21 Luhmann’s systems theory differs from Parsons’ by focusing more on:
Individuals
Cultural values
Communication processes
Economic systems
Explanation - Luhmann emphasized communication as the central element of social systems.
Correct answer is: Communication processes
Q.22 Which field outside sociology strongly influenced systems theory?
Biology
Philosophy
Economics
Political science
Explanation - Biological models of organisms and ecosystems inspired early systems theory in sociology.
Correct answer is: Biology
Q.23 According to Parsons, the political system primarily fulfills:
Adaptation
Goal attainment
Integration
Latency
Explanation - Politics defines and pursues collective goals, fulfilling the Goal attainment function.
Correct answer is: Goal attainment
Q.24 The concept of 'self-reference' in Luhmann’s theory means:
Systems ignore their environment
Systems reflect on themselves in operations
Individuals evaluate themselves
Organizations monitor others
Explanation - Self-reference describes how systems operate by referencing and reproducing their own processes.
Correct answer is: Systems reflect on themselves in operations
Q.25 Which type of system does Luhmann argue society represents?
Closed system
Autopoietic system
Static system
Mechanical system
Explanation - Luhmann saw society as autopoietic, meaning it self-produces and maintains itself through communication.
Correct answer is: Autopoietic system