Task – ‘Open-source’ task. Theory – 10 point task – a ‘Open-source’ task. Find/identify main postulates of given great thinker/scholar [from Martin Griffiths

talcott parsons
Talcott Parsons was an American sociologist who developed a general theory of social action that focused on understanding all human behavior and social structures. His work has had a significant impact on the social sciences and continues to inform contemporary discussions in various fields.
The main postulates of Talcott Parsons' theory of social action include:

1. 
   Action Orientation: Parsons believed that all human action is purposive, meaning that individuals act with a goal in mind.
   
2. 
   Pattern Variables: Parsons identified four "pattern variables" (universal, particular, affective, and effectiveness) that shape the structure of social action and interactions between individuals.
   
3. 
   Social System: Parsons saw society as a complex, interrelated system made up of multiple sub-systems, each with its own set of norms and values.
   

Here are three illustrations of Parsons' theory in the field of International Relations:

1. 
   Role Expectations in International Relations: States in the international arena have specific role expectations based on their perceived position in the system, and their actions are shaped by these expectations.
   
2. 
   International System as a Social System: The international system can be viewed as a social system made up of interacting states, each with their own norms and values.
   
3. 
   Norms and Values Shaping State Behavior: The norms and values of a state can shape its behavior in the international arena, just as in other social systems.
   

In summary, Parsons' theory provides a valuable framework for understanding human behavior and social structures, including the behavior of states in the international system.

william graham sumner
William Graham Sumner was an American sociologist and anthropologist who was an early advocate of cultural relativism and social Darwinism. His work focused on the relationship between society and the individual, and he is best known for his ideas about the role of power and cultural norms in shaping society.
The main postulates of William Graham Sumner's theory of society and culture include:

1. 
   Cultural Relativism: Sumner believed that cultural norms and values are relative to the particular society in which they exist and that there is no universal moral standard.
   
2. 
   Social Darwinism: Sumner applied the principles of Darwin's theory of evolution to the study of human society, arguing that society evolves through the competition of individuals and groups for resources and power.
   
3. 
   The Individual and Society: Sumner emphasized the importance of individual freedom and the role of the individual in shaping society.
   

Here are three illustrations of Sumner's theory in the field of International Relations:

1. 
   Cultural Relativism and the Role of Power: Sumner's ideas about cultural relativism can help us understand how cultural norms and values, shaped by power dynamics, influence the behavior of states in the international arena.
   
2. 
   Social Darwinism and International Competition: Sumner's ideas about social Darwinism can help us understand the competition between states for resources and power and how this competition shapes the international system.
   
3. 
   The Individual and the State: Sumner's emphasis on the role of the individual in shaping society can be applied to the role of individuals within states and how they influence state behavior in the international arena.
   

In conclusion, William Graham Sumner's theory provides a valuable framework for understanding the relationship between society and the individual and the role of cultural norms, power, and competition in shaping society, including the behavior of states in the international system.