Sociology Plus
Cybernetic Hierarchy Definition
The concept of cybernetic hierarchy refers to the notion that complex systems, whether biological organisms or social structures, are governed by a hierarchical network comprising communication channels and regulatory mechanisms. In the context of social systems, this implies that cultural values and the state and government exert a decisive influence in shaping and maintaining the overall structure of society.
Theoretical Context
This idea is used to describe how overarching structures dictate the functioning of subordinate elements within a system. For instance, Talcott Parsons utilised this framework when examining the political subsystem of the social system, linking it to concepts such as ‘goal attainment’.
Parsons’ Hierarchies
Talcott Parsons conceptualised social life as being organised through two interrelated hierarchies:
* Four-fold Hierarchy: This structure spans from the most abstract level (culture) down to the most concrete level (the biological organism), encompassing culture, social systems, personality systems, and the biological organism.
* Internal Social Hierarchy: This hierarchy operates within the social system itself, running from fundamental elements such as ‘values’ and ‘norms’ down to observable social constructs like ‘collectivities’ and ‘roles’.