Systems theory and rational choice

The essay identifies a Parsonian paradigm in the development of the discipline of sociology. This paradigm describes a rational core of action which is to be interpreted in individualistic terms and which is embedded in a social environment of norms, values, and institutions. This dual conceptual structure may be found in early systems theory and in rational choice theories. But in the development of systems theory since Parsons' research on the professions it has been recognized that rationality is beginning to be described as an institutionalized societal value-orientation. This and the later reformulation of systems theory in terms of communication and distinctions replace the dualistic paradigm in systems theory although a certain continuity is to be observed in rational choice thinking. The essay goes on to compare theoretical decisions of strategic relevance in present versions of both theories: a) the postulate of the stability of preferences vs. a social constructivism which is interested instead in the social genesis of preferences and the social construction of actors; b) the way theories deal with concepts which do not constitute a difference, e.g, rationality (rational choice) and meaning (systems theory); c) the status of ''utilities'' and ''ends'', which can be seen as premises of a theory, but alternatively as attributions by an observer; d) common interests of both theories which somehow focus on generalized exchange and generalized media of communication (money, trust, etc.); e) micro/macro as a distinction constitutive for the discipline of sociology. In the conclusion the difference between rational choice and systems theory is related to different milieux of interdisciplinary communication.