(¶1.50)... all scientific theory is concerned with the analysis of
elements of uniformity in empirical processes. This is what is ordinarily
meant by the dynamic interest of theory. The essential question is
how far the state of theory is developed to the point of permitting
deductive transitions from one aspect or state of a system to another, so
that it is possible to say that if the facts in A sector are W and X, those
in B sector must be Y and Z...
(¶1.52) ... completely raw empiricism is overcome by describing
phenomena as
parts of or processes within systematically conceived
empirical systems. The set of descriptive categories employed...is a
carefully...worked out system of concepts which are capable of application
to all relevant parts or aspects of a concrete system in a coherent way.
(¶1.53)
A particularly important aspect of our
system of categories is the
(p.21)
structural aspect. We simply are not in a position to
"catch" the uniformities of
dynamic process in the
social system except here and there. But in order to give those
we can catch a setting and to be in the most advantageous position to
extend our dynamic knowledge we must have a picture of the system
within which they fit,
of the given relationships of its parts in a given state of the system,
and, where changes take place, of what changes into what through what order
of intermediate stages. The system of structural categories is the
conceptual scheme which gives the setting for dynamic
analysis...
(¶1.54)... our primary concern in this work must be with the
categorisations of the structure of social systems, the modes of structural
differentiation within such systems, and the ranges of
variability with
reference to each structural category between systems.
(¶1.55)... we... "place" a dynamic process structurally in the social
system. But beyond this we must have a test of the significance of
generalisations relative to it. That test... takes the form of the
functional relevance of the process. The test is to ask the
question, what would be the differential consequences for the system of two
or more alternative outcomes of a dynamic
(p.22)
process? Such consequences will
be found to fit into the terms of maintenance of stability or production of
change, of integration or disruption of the system in some sense.