The Future of the Sociological Classics (RLE Social Theory) by Buford Rhea

Author:Buford Rhea [Rhea, Buford]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781138989351
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Published: 2015-12-11T00:00:00+00:00

Equilibrium

Immanence is the logical basis of the concept of equilibrium, and we may think of it, or of equilibrium, as the third basic property (along with interdependence and emergence) of systems. This property is reinforced by interdependence. The latter has equilibrating effects by virtue of the fact that a given effect introduced into a system must cycle through the interdependence of the system parts, which will tend to slow down, and sometimes possibly annul, the introduced effect. Such action in effect frees the emergent phenomenon to pursue its inner dynamics, what Sztompka (1974, p. 140) terms ‘a sort of inner program’ orienting the system toward ‘a preferred goal state’. That is, cycles of interdependence are mechanisms through which systemic self-regulation is enhanced.

Equilibrium is one of the fundamental tools of modern science. As employed usually in physical science, it states approximately that if, for instance, an attempt is made to modify any of the variables (for example, temperature) that influence a physico-chemical system, then a reaction will take place in the system in such a way as to reduce the magnitude of the alteration that would otherwise take place in that variable.

There are, however, various kinds of systemically relevant phenomena in nature; therefore, the concept of equilibrium, to be useful, must be applied with a certain degree of flexibility. There is one type, for example, in which, barring minor perturbations, the interdependences may be cyclical in the sense that certain positions or relationships are taken by the system with recurring regularity. Such is the case, for instance, with our solar system. Another type, characteristic of our social world, is such that, while some cycles (in the above sense) may be observed in the system, the system itself is constantly changing form or position.

From our point of view, therefore, there are at least two major problems with the traditional definition of equilibrium in physical science. One might be termed the postulate of excessive system determination. The problem is suggested by the fact that socio-cultural systems are less rigidly determined; they only tend to react in such a way as to reduce the influence of extra-systemic factors. The degree to which they succeed in effecting such reduction varies greatly. The second problem consists of the fact that the definition does not explicitly account for normal change in the system, that is, for change that is unrelated to external factors and is inherent in the very organization – the immanence – of the system itself. These two problems lie at the root of much of the controversy surrounding system-equilibrium applications in sociology and sister disciplines. Many, not all, practitioners have basically followed an unmodified physical strategy. Many critics, not all, have argued, sometimes without foundation, as if those whom they criticize had followed such an approach. Still other social scientists reason as if that were the only approach available to us.

The first major systematic effort to apply the equilibrium concept to the study of society was made by Vilfredo Pareto. It is to the

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